Poetry time

I Once Heard The End Was Near
by P. M. Prescott

I once heard the end was near when I was only twelve,
Herber W. Armstrong just knew Armageddon would come in 1975.
Next I read the end was near in a book named Late Great Planet Earth,
Hal Lindsay said it would all come to an end in 1988.
Then came along the Milleniuim Bug. Christ would come,
Because of an arbitrary timeline in the year 2000.
Now every leading preacher makes a killing preaching
Death and destruction to scare the sheep.
Left Behind is a growth industry in books, movies, videos and games.
Tim Lehaye is smart enough to not set a timeline, or a date, but it is always near.
There is never an end to the assembly line of fear.

Google-ing yourself

I Googled myself the other day. Sometimes not a good idea. Not one mention of my book. I found out that a William and Patrick Prescott (ages 23 and 21) were arrested for aggravated battery in Idaho. My son googles himself and finds a Nobel Prize winning economist.



I did find this further down the family tree.





CAPTURE OF GENERAL PRESCOTT.
THIS capital exploit of Colonel Barton took place on the 10th of July, 1777. The British general, Prescott, was commander of Rhode Island, and had bis head-quarters on the west side of the island, near Narraganset Bay, about a quarter of a mile from the shore, and at some distance from any body of troops. He was but slightly guarded, trusting chiefly for security to the numerous cruisers, and to a guard-ship, which lay in a bay opposite his quarters.
Colonel Barton, at the head of forty men, officers and volunteers, passed by night from Warwick Neck to Rhode Island; and although they had a passage of ten miles by water, yet, by keeping near the land, they eluded the vigilance of the British ships-of-war and guard-boats which surrounded the island. They conducted their enterprise with such silence and address, that, about midnight, they reached the general's quarters undiscovered, secured the sentinel, surprised the general in bed, and, without giving him time to put on his clothes, hurried him on board, with one of his aides-de-camp, and conveyed him safely to Providence. This event was very mortifying to General Prescott, and to the royal army; but occasioned much exultation among the Americans. Hitherto General Howe had absolutely refused to release General Lee, but he soon agreed to exchange him for General Prescott; and General Lee again joined the American army.



On a lighter note I found a Hooters Calendar.

Ghost Bears

Came across something I didn't know anything about today. Ghost Bears, never heard of them. They are of the black bear specie found only in the rain forest of British Columbia. Kind of cute in a bear sort of way.

New Painting

Anne sent me a picture of the painting she just finished.

She's named it Elk Song.

And It Begins

Testing today. This is the fun part of the year where there is no continuity in our instruction because of all the testing. Will have regular classes the rest of this week. I would like to say more, but the Testing Gestapo would come at 3 in the morning and I'd never be heard from again.

Had a nice round of golf yesterday, only got in 15 holes before it got too dark and cold (started at 12:30) because every idiot hacker that needs five minutes to find every ball he or she hits was in front of me. Weather was pretty nice and I got in good exercise. Pleasant couple I was paired up with made the ten minutes between finishing a green and being able to tee off on the next hole bearable.

Surviving the week

Made it through Monday, the rest of the week was rather uneventful. Looking forward to having Monday off, and right now it looks like the weather should be good -- sunshiny and high of 49 that should make for a splendid day of golf. Thought about going out for a round today, but am rather tired so after getting grocieries this morning and doing a few things around the house we're just taking it easy. Auntypesty has had a cold all week and only worked one day. Trying not to catch it so as not to spoil a perfectly good holiday. Here's another Anne Littlewolf, I do take pity on her, she e-mailed me today and said it's been 37 below 0 for three straight nights and they piled over ten feet of snow on both sides of their driveway as well as having to shovel it off the roof of the house.
Reminds me of living in Pueblo, Co when I was nine and Penni was born. Hard to imagine that last Wednesday she turned 45. It was either 20 or 30 below for that whole week, and we still had to trudge across half a mile of prairie through three feet of snow in galoshes and heavy coats to make it to school. All I have to do is remember that and I really appreciate Albuquerque.

Best laid plans

Or in other words "I really didn't want to go to that writer's meeting anyway."
Made it through IC, though it looks like I'll have to speak on behalf of the 4X4 at other meetings, something I really don't want to do. If however the school decides it wants to go to one of the other three schedules I'm going to retire and get a job as a greeter at Wal-Mart.
Had a nice dinner at Golden Corral, lots of parents and faculty there. Met Grinnygranny and we had some time to talk over the meal. She left and I was on my way to the writer's meeting when the Truck decided to die. Of course I didn't have my cell phone with me, so I had to go inside, borrow someone elses cell phone call Grinnygranny and have her come back for me. By the time she got back I had gotten the truck to run, but whenever I turned on the lights it died. I only had to drive it across the street to get it to the repair shop and we pulled up just as the guy who runs the shop was turning out the lights. He took it in anyway so I don't have to worry about getting it over there tomorrow, just how to pay for a repair bill right now after I've blown all our surplus savings on tiling the floors. I also hate putting anymore money into this rattle trap.
So I've missed the writer's meeting, still have the regular Southwest Writer's meeting tomorrow.

Surviving the day

Last class of the day has departed. I'm on my prep period waiting for the end of the school day and then comes the dreaded IC meeting.

Checking my e-mail Anne Littlewolf sent me some pictures of her latest projects.




This is a drum head that was commissioned. She had to paint on leather, which isn't like canvass where if you make a mistake you clean it up and start over. This had to be perfect the first time as there's no second chance.



This picture is still a work in progress which is why the wolves aren't fully detailed, kind of nice to see how thing progress.

What Teachers Make

Got this in an e-mail today. I like it.

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

Alexandra DeVere

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"
Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?" (She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.
You want to know what I make?"
(She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)
''I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.
I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.
I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.
I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life."
(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)
"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?"
His jaw dropped, he went silent.
THIS IS WORTH SENDING TO EVERY TEACHER YOU KNOW.





"I touch the future. I teach." --- Christa McCauliff

Dreading Monday

Ever have an everything happens day? Monday is going to be that day for me and it's my own damn fault.
At the last faculty meeting when we were discussing the new schedule the State is forcing on all schools there were four options. One of the options is the 4X4 block schedule which I taught under at another school, the other options are for a 7 period day with teachers teaching six classes. The State Education dept has mandated that there be remediation available for student who fail classes without them having to take night school or summer school. This can't be done on a six period schedule. And I was the idiot that volunteered (pod people must have invaded my body and forced my hand up into the air) to speak on behalf of the 4X4 schedule at the IC (instructional council) meeting Monday after school.
Then one of our sports team is getting the profits from the Golden Corral Restraunt Monday evening, so of course we'll go and have dinner to help them out,
And after dinner I have to go to Hastings for the Writer's to Writer's Seminar which will last till 8;30.
Sometime that day I'll need to breathe, but I don't know when I'll fit it in.

Politics Politics Politics

Bill Richardson is out of the running, but nobody ever thought he would get the nomination anyway. He was getting known for VP or Sec of State position.

Anyone else jumping for joy that the pollsters got it wrong in NH? Even if you're not for Hillary it's a good thing that the polls don't determine elections.

Back to normal

Anne Littlewolf's Grandmother


S is in Texas, the house is looking much better since he laid tile in the entryway and both bathrooms. Now to get everything put back.


Had an in-service day today back to the classroom tomorrow.

What a difference a year makes

This is what the weather was like a year ago,

And this is today,

HOPE IT'S A SAFE ONE

Birthday day

This is a big day in my family. Bruce, E and Penni's daughter all have a birthday today.
Grinnygranny talks about this night 28 years ago on her blog.

Bruce used to tease E when he was growing up that E stole his birthday.

Been watching lots of football today. Cowboys didn't play well, but then nobody expected them to. Chicago played a good game to keep New Orleans out of the playoffs. Hard to imagine that those two teams played in the NFC championship game last season. Colts aren't doing much better than the 'boys.

Days of relaxation

S and girlfriend spent another night with us, but are now living with other friends. Their puppy got along alright with Watson, but Lucy wouldn't leave him alone and they had to be separated.

Our poor kitty is sneezing his head off. He's still eating so it's most likely allergies instead of a cold.

Grinnygranny and I went to do some after Christmas shopping. We got E his birthday present and decided to get new sheets. We went to Macy's because I had a coupon good for 15 dollars off. We got two sheet sets that at regular price would have been $120 and our jaws dropped when it rang up for only $22. Eating in the food court cost more than that!

We got a new board game for Christmas called Dread Pirate. We've played it once and it was fun (at least for me -- I won), but so far haven't had a chance to play it again. Now that our house guests are gone we might play it more.

Right now we're watching Octopussy on our marathon of James Bond. My how much technology has changed in the last forty years!
Grinnygranny and I agree that Roger Moore was the best Bond, even though two of the worst Bond movies were his. (Moonraker and View To A Kill)

Day after

I sincerely hope that everyone that visits the Family and Friends blog had a Merry Christmas or holy day(s).

We had a nice morning of pancakes for breakfast, opening presents, rested a bit and then a nice dinner. Tried to call Mom and Penni, but got no anser. We also have a tradition (if we're home) a having a James Bond marathon. We start on Christmas Eve after watching the Home Alone movies and A Christmas Story. Today we are finishing up the Sean Connery movies and moving into the Roger Moore phase.

E, his girl friend and her two-year-old son were here as well. They went out in the evening to spend time with Penni's step-son "S".

S and his girlfriend needed a place to stay for the night so they slept on the couch. That'll teach me to whine about not having enough family here for the holiday! All eight of us went out for breakfast this morning. S and girlfriend are moving in with her mother for about a month and plan on moving to Arizona where he is supposed to have a job. I had him call his father, but there was no answer, he left a message and said they talked on Christmas.

Anne Littlewolf called and we had a nice talk. She is getting a lot more work done in her studio with 2 1/2 feet of snow keeping her close to home. She's hoping to have a gallery in Alaska start stocking her drawings and painting soon. It got me thinking I need to line up some book signings after the first of the year. Here's another one her paintings.

Christmas Thoughts

Grades are entered, room is ready to turn off the lights and being forgotten for two weeks. Still four hours before I can leave. We are having a faculty luncheon to say goodbye to all those who've found greener pastures for next semester. Grinnygranny justed texted me (I want to sh**t the idiot that came up with this idea) that she's getting off at 2:00pm. We might head out to do some shopping before it gets dark.

So now I'm just sitting here listening to Jim Brickman's Christmas CD and thinking about how different this Christmas is compared to others.

1. First Christmas without Dad, this is going to be tough. He really loved dressing up in his Santa suit, passing out presents to the grandkids.
2. First Christmas where we are all alone in Albuquerque. After Penni and her family moved, and then Mom and Dad, we still had Grinnygranny's Mom. Now she's in Nebraska and there's no other family here. For so many years we always had to figure out and take turns at whose house we'd have Christmas, then we'd all get together sometimes twelve or more for that special meal, drinking punch, egg nogg, hot Dr, Pepper, watching all the kids play with their new toys, listening to music, the men talking politics trying to solve all the problems of the world, the women talking women stuff, taking pictures. Then going to Walgreens on the way home (the only store open on Christmas) so the kids could spend some of the money their grandparents had given them. As much as it's nice not to be traveling it seems rather lonely with just the four of us.
3. First Christmas without seeing our grandchild. We'll have him for the summer, and E is going down to spend time with him between Christmas and New Years, but we will miss his infectious, mischevious smile.

Wouldn't you know, a student just showed up to take a final. Guess it's a good thing for the student the skies clouded up and it's too cold and windy to golf.

Time to Rest

Just gave my last final, had a nice lunch, came back, graded the last papers and posted the good or bad news (as the case may be) for the students. I had quite few absent yesterday and today.
Tomorrow is make-up day for those who have a valid reason for missing their final (this is the only school I've ever worked at that does this, and it lets the kids play the system too much)
It does give us (teachers) a whole day to grade papers, average grades and close down the room. It drives me crazy because I stay on top of my grades and I can do all of the aforementioned in an hour -- which makes me sit here and twiddle my thumbs all day just in case a student that missed the last two days deigns to show up and take a final.
I thought about using one of my many sick days -- which is what most of the teachers do, you just have to leave copies of your finals so someone else can watch the students take the test and they'll be waiting for you to grade in Jan., but it looks like we're getting a storm tomorrow and Sat. with rain and snow in higher elevations. If it's not a good day to go out and golf I might as well come to class. I guess I'll play it by ear in the morning.
Grinnygranny and I thought back over the year a few days ago and it dawned on us that every holliday of three days or longer in this last year we were on the road to either Texas or Nebraska. No wonder we're pooped and in need of a rest.

Soap Box time

Thanks to Yikes for the cartoon.

I love Arianna Huffington's analogy:

With Mike Huckabee's continuing surge, the Republican Party now has an Iowa front-runner who, like George Bush, is anti-choice, born-again, against gay-marriage, and gets political advice directly from God. So why is the Republican establishment suddenly in a state of near-apoplexy? They've been cultivating evangelicals and fundamentalists for 30 years. Now they finally have a candidate who's truly part of the movement. Which, it turns out, is precisely the problem. The evangelical crowd was fine when it was just a resource to be cynically exploited every few years in demagogic anti-gay get-out-the-vote campaigns. But now the holy-rolling monster the GOP's Dr. Frankensteins have created has thrown off the shackles, fled the lab, and is currently leading in Iowa. And the party doesn't know what to do.