A Busy Cool Weekend

Hello and greetings,
We have been a little remiss in blog entries lately - except for Hayden's recent one about David's golf - because we just finished up first semester which meant heavy grading, writing of report cards, and preparing for the new semester. Most of this last weekend was devoted to grades and reports. It takes many many hours.

David and Hayden did slip away in the morning on Friday for some golf. (Please read Hayden's very funny account of that!) We also had a teacher and staff get-together on Thursday night. It was held outside at the elementary school under a very nice covered area right next to the playground. The adults could eat. The kids could play, romp, and throw balls just far enough away not to hit anyone. It was awesome. We shared gifts that people had purchased over the December holidays for a secret other person in the school. Great barbecued food plus side dishes and salads and desserts, of course. It was amazing because it was actually cool. I wore a sweater and needed it on the way home. I was shocked. It was breezey and in the mid-high 60s. Quite different from much of the year when it ranges here from about 85-105. Even this morning when Hayden and I left for school in the cooler morning (about mid-60s), I laughed at Hayden because as we stepped outside he said, "It's freezing!" Ha.

While David and Hayden golfed, I took a break from reports and Logan and I made brownies. No matter where you live, if you can get the ingredients, brownies are a hit - whether cooked or not!

This semester I am teaching an exploratory class, like an elective, on Language Workshop. I am having the kids read - and practice reading - children's books with expression, clarity, and enunciation. Today was our first day. I read a children's picture book first, and the grade 7 boys were rapt! I guess you don't grow out of that. Eventually they are going to choose a picture book and make up a skit with it. Should be fun language practice!

Thanks for reading. More soon. Jennifer