Every year about this time I get the same feeling........What will happen tomorrow? It's the first day of another school year and as I glance at the clock, I am imagining that most of my students, hopefully, will be putting on jammies, brushing teeth, hearing a goodnight story (I wish) and jumping into bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. Little do they know that their teacher feels the same way (and I would be delighted to have someone read me a goodnight story!)
As teachers, we always have wishes. As I was pondering today about the upcoming year, my wish would be that the students are just as excited to come to school in the middle of January, or any other month this year, as they are tomorrow morning when they walk into class. Clean slate, no prejudgements, anything can happen, dreams can be met, obstacles overcome. I hope I instill in them an attitude that promises they won't be judged by what they can't do, only by what they attempt and how hard they try. But I hope they give me the same leeway.
I'm excited, nervous, overwhelmed, among many other feelings. And I've been doing this for 25 years. I get my 27 new students for 174 days. Oh, if I could only make a difference in one of their lives! I know that I will learn much more from them than they will ever learn from me.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Pavlov's Dogs/Margaret's Cows
Having been a psychology major in college, I am always alert to behavior in both humans and animals. It's something I enjoy and analyze with gusto that most people would not understand. So I have enjoyed the summer experiment that I have inadvertently run the past four months and it makes me laugh each time I run it.
For those unfamiliar with Pavlov and his famous dog experiments, he easily trained his animals to hear a bell (stimulus) and then he would give them a treat and they would, of course ,salivate (response). Throughout the course of the experiment, he was able to remove the treat and simply ring a bell and the dogs would salivate.
We have an area not far from our house that contains eight head of cattle that are in a grazing pasture. It happens to be that I mow around the fence in the barnyard to keep it looking neat. The cattle were quite intrigued the first time that I mowed and rather bored with their environment as they would follow the big green machine around the fence perimeter as if it were the pied piper, kicking up their heels and running around.
But, there was a positive outcome to their behavior. My mower would throw freshly cut grass through the fence and once one of the cattle realized that they were being thrown goodies, they pounced on it like flies to honey. Such a deal!! Fresh grass and they didn't even have to work to get it. I thought it was hilarious and watched them devour the sweets as voraciously as if it were manna from heaven.
When I mowed the second time, they followed me around again. With all of the rain that we have been having this summer, they were in for some very tasty abundant treats!
And now.........as soon as they hear the lawn mower start up, they rush out of their sheds and stand at the fence, anticipating the return of the big, green machine that shoots treats out to them through the fence. It just makes me howl. They start kicking up their heels and running around like students on the last day of school. The real test came about a week ago when it was almost 100 degrees and they were in the cool shed, trying to keep out of the harsh sunlight. I was pretty sure that they would not respond to the lawn mower that day. WRONG! Out they clamored as they have been trained to do.
For them, I guess the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence.
For those unfamiliar with Pavlov and his famous dog experiments, he easily trained his animals to hear a bell (stimulus) and then he would give them a treat and they would, of course ,salivate (response). Throughout the course of the experiment, he was able to remove the treat and simply ring a bell and the dogs would salivate.
We have an area not far from our house that contains eight head of cattle that are in a grazing pasture. It happens to be that I mow around the fence in the barnyard to keep it looking neat. The cattle were quite intrigued the first time that I mowed and rather bored with their environment as they would follow the big green machine around the fence perimeter as if it were the pied piper, kicking up their heels and running around.
But, there was a positive outcome to their behavior. My mower would throw freshly cut grass through the fence and once one of the cattle realized that they were being thrown goodies, they pounced on it like flies to honey. Such a deal!! Fresh grass and they didn't even have to work to get it. I thought it was hilarious and watched them devour the sweets as voraciously as if it were manna from heaven.
When I mowed the second time, they followed me around again. With all of the rain that we have been having this summer, they were in for some very tasty abundant treats!
And now.........as soon as they hear the lawn mower start up, they rush out of their sheds and stand at the fence, anticipating the return of the big, green machine that shoots treats out to them through the fence. It just makes me howl. They start kicking up their heels and running around like students on the last day of school. The real test came about a week ago when it was almost 100 degrees and they were in the cool shed, trying to keep out of the harsh sunlight. I was pretty sure that they would not respond to the lawn mower that day. WRONG! Out they clamored as they have been trained to do.
For them, I guess the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Well.....Give Me The Boot
Farmers are so ingenious! I love how they use what they have to solve problems. I went out early this morning and saw a sight that brought a smile to my face.
I saw Dan's boots by the well, the tall ones he uses for choring.
I noticed they were next to the well, which has a deep hole alongside of it.
It looked like it just might rain.
Chores were over, boots come off, don't feel like taking boots inside but yet......don't want them to get wet if it rains. What should he do?
Problem solved!
I saw Dan's boots by the well, the tall ones he uses for choring.
It looked like it just might rain.
Chores were over, boots come off, don't feel like taking boots inside but yet......don't want them to get wet if it rains. What should he do?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Tossing Out Orchids
The party's over! Our youngest daughter and child was married this past weekend amidst many tears, a whole lot of fun, and relatives and friends who wish the young couple nothing but love and joy in their lives.And for us left behind, life goes on as usual. But putting things back together after everyone has gone is a bittersweet experience. I have washed 60 stainless steel trays of various sizes, 60 bowls, countless utensils, put away and frozen numerous pounds of food and done it all with a gracious and smiling face, reminiscing the glorious weekend. I am, however, in a quandary as to the disposal of the bridal bouquets and centerpieces.
Orchids and hydrangeas make a beautiful couple and I have yet to feel the need to toss them out. Never in my life would I have thought I would have so many tropical flowers at my disposal, let alone disbursement.
When it comes to orchids, does one give them a ceremonial burial complete with song and Hawaiian music? Or do I simply throw them outside and let the birds of the air embellish their nests with these immigrant flowers? Should I let them decay in the vase they are currently in and enjoy them as long as possible?
I guess the above picture is going to have to be my reminder of a time when dreams were made, dances performed, and vows made. The memories are what I must save and have, smiling and grinning from ear to ear almost every second of the day.
Best wishes Nick and Janice. We all love you so much!!!!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Bird Brains
Nature and I have been playing tug of war for about 4 days now. Actually, it has been a war with the barn swallows around my house. Now that the last battle has been fought I am able to claim victory and write about my accomplishments.
Last year a family of swallows decided that they would build their mud laden nest on the side of the overhead light on our front porch. They snuck in under the radar before I realized what was happening and had a beautiful nest built in which they raised a nice family. It was ideal, for them anyway.
For me, I had to duck their swoops every time I used my front door, walk through their bird droppings, and listen to them chattering at all hours. Not the best situation but nonetheless, who am I to destroy the whims of nature so I let it pass. Their condo would soon be gone and I would have my front porch back.
Last Thursday I noticed a bevy of barn swallows in the front yard hanging around my porch again. They must have been pretty impressed with the accommodations from last year as, before I knew it, they were back at putting up another nest on the overhead light on the front porch. I was not going to be caught unawares this year so planned to stand my ground and fight for my rights.
I let them work about an hour and then went outside and raked the still wet mud/grass mixture off the light fixture with my garden hoe. Mission accomplished. I would show them who had stake to this territory! Brains over brawn.
After carrying on about my business, I noticed an unusual amount of commotion outside. Sure enough, my swallows were back and there were more of them. They would build their nest up, I would hoe it down. Lord knows we have plenty of barns that barn swallows could build their nests in. The war was on!
This went on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They would spend time building the nest, I would knock it down. How long was this war of the wills going to last?
Much to my chagrin, I got up this morning and noticed that the swallows were back, using another side of the fixture this time. I stood my ground and let them know who was boss.
Finally, they gave up this afternoon. I have been wondering what made them change their minds. Do they work for four days and have a nest and then quit? Or did they get the hint they were welcome on the farm, just not on my front porch? I couldn't believe that I could knock their house down and they kept rebuilding in the same place. Who would do that? And then I had to smile as I realized that humans who build homes on the ocean, hillsides, and along rivers, among other places, do the same thing year after year to be destroyed by floods, hurricanes, mudslides, etc. If they don't "get it", why did I think a bevy of barn swallows would?
Last year a family of swallows decided that they would build their mud laden nest on the side of the overhead light on our front porch. They snuck in under the radar before I realized what was happening and had a beautiful nest built in which they raised a nice family. It was ideal, for them anyway.
For me, I had to duck their swoops every time I used my front door, walk through their bird droppings, and listen to them chattering at all hours. Not the best situation but nonetheless, who am I to destroy the whims of nature so I let it pass. Their condo would soon be gone and I would have my front porch back.
Last Thursday I noticed a bevy of barn swallows in the front yard hanging around my porch again. They must have been pretty impressed with the accommodations from last year as, before I knew it, they were back at putting up another nest on the overhead light on the front porch. I was not going to be caught unawares this year so planned to stand my ground and fight for my rights.
I let them work about an hour and then went outside and raked the still wet mud/grass mixture off the light fixture with my garden hoe. Mission accomplished. I would show them who had stake to this territory! Brains over brawn.
After carrying on about my business, I noticed an unusual amount of commotion outside. Sure enough, my swallows were back and there were more of them. They would build their nest up, I would hoe it down. Lord knows we have plenty of barns that barn swallows could build their nests in. The war was on!
This went on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They would spend time building the nest, I would knock it down. How long was this war of the wills going to last?
Much to my chagrin, I got up this morning and noticed that the swallows were back, using another side of the fixture this time. I stood my ground and let them know who was boss.
Finally, they gave up this afternoon. I have been wondering what made them change their minds. Do they work for four days and have a nest and then quit? Or did they get the hint they were welcome on the farm, just not on my front porch? I couldn't believe that I could knock their house down and they kept rebuilding in the same place. Who would do that? And then I had to smile as I realized that humans who build homes on the ocean, hillsides, and along rivers, among other places, do the same thing year after year to be destroyed by floods, hurricanes, mudslides, etc. If they don't "get it", why did I think a bevy of barn swallows would?
Monday, May 31, 2010
My Little Corner of the World
Yes, it has been one month since I've written but I have been busy in my little corner of the world. Where would that be might you wonder? Well, even though I have many, I am currently talking about my garden.
We have had a wet spring and that has given me the opportunity to sit back and really plan what I wanted to put in for a garden this year. Well, the opportunity was there but I took no advantage of it. I spend my thinking time walking around the garden centers wondering what looks good and trying to decide if a certain vegetable is something my "guys" would eat.
I am on the final leg of my journey after hearing the weather forecast for today. I got up bright and early to finish putting in some plants I purchased yesterday. I think I have almost completed my mission.
In neat little rows and hills I have the following variety of veggies:
4 basil plants, 3 red peppers, 3 golden peppers, 3 Annaheim peppers, 2 hills of cucumbers, one each of the following tomatoes: Early girl, Better Bush, Juliette, Roma, and Supersteak, 1 melon plant, a row of Blue Lake green beans, and a row of snow peas. Almost forgot, my lovely lavender plant that I put in for the senses.
I still have room left. Might do some sweet potatoes, eggplant, sage, oregano, thyme, who knows? I'm making quite a bit of work for myself but there is nothing better on a cold winter's day than taking fresh veggies out of the freezer and cooking them up. We are so blessed to have such bounty available to us for a minimal amount of work. I'll keep you posted on the progress of the garden, unless the rabbits beat me to it!
We have had a wet spring and that has given me the opportunity to sit back and really plan what I wanted to put in for a garden this year. Well, the opportunity was there but I took no advantage of it. I spend my thinking time walking around the garden centers wondering what looks good and trying to decide if a certain vegetable is something my "guys" would eat.
I am on the final leg of my journey after hearing the weather forecast for today. I got up bright and early to finish putting in some plants I purchased yesterday. I think I have almost completed my mission.
In neat little rows and hills I have the following variety of veggies:
4 basil plants, 3 red peppers, 3 golden peppers, 3 Annaheim peppers, 2 hills of cucumbers, one each of the following tomatoes: Early girl, Better Bush, Juliette, Roma, and Supersteak, 1 melon plant, a row of Blue Lake green beans, and a row of snow peas. Almost forgot, my lovely lavender plant that I put in for the senses.
I still have room left. Might do some sweet potatoes, eggplant, sage, oregano, thyme, who knows? I'm making quite a bit of work for myself but there is nothing better on a cold winter's day than taking fresh veggies out of the freezer and cooking them up. We are so blessed to have such bounty available to us for a minimal amount of work. I'll keep you posted on the progress of the garden, unless the rabbits beat me to it!
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