Monday, January 04, 2010
Blank Pages now have Scrawls
My hand has writer’s cramp from filling in all the spaces in my new planner/schedule/ Holy time-keeper.
First was days School is closed, next is days I’m already booked for a TA Sub job, then Child Care Volunteer, then appointments, weekly Yarn Group, monthly meetings, special events.
All caught up until my birthday in June.
Then I came over to the computer to tell SubFinder when I’m Unavailable so the phone doesn’t bother me when.
Yep, the New Year is looking mighty Fine.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Got it All for Christmas
A few days ago, someone asked me what was my favorite thing I got for Christmas.
Well, since my own sister tells me that I am “hard to buy for” I will say that I did not get too many THINGS for Christmas.
The way I usually prefer for someone to show they care is to DO something. I tend to be a Giver person, so when someone puts out some effort to get something DONE, DONE SOON, (and DONE the way I like it) then I am quite appreciative.
This happened over and again the last few weeks. Middle Son Lucas came back for a visit from California. There was a taxi and a train and airplanes and shuttle van and a different train, and much communication with relatives.
The newlyweds had Christmas morning apart because Emily is allergic to cats, and we have two of them at our house. But our son was with us, by his own choice and efforts, and we are so glad to have him.
He got to be with his wife’s family for a couple extra days because of flight cancellations due to inclement weather. Good thing he carries a laptop to stay in touch with his job.
Our house Internet connection was being quite uncooperative. Husband delayed other tasks he had planned to accomplish while on Break to do diagnostics, get technical advice, order new parts. It hasn’t been this easy to make a connection since last Summer.
True Love is us staring at our screens.
For several days I was fretting over the family newsletter.
I don’t like writing so much, it tends to feel like an assignment for a class. Then son Chris offered to compose something. He sat down right here in this chair and managed to write enough to fill the front and back of a sheet of paper. The kid has a way with words, just like his dad. All I had to do was push Print. Which I did, so that the printer spit out 70 copies.
This evening I sent out e-mails to a couple folks making sure the street address was up-to-date. One said to just send text by e-mail, the other gave me the new information and says looking forward to receiving the paper. Communication overlaps.
Two of the gifts received took effort and have great joy with final product. The first is several jars of jelly, jam, and chutney from Mary and Jay. I know they work hard to bring forth all those pretty goodies, and we definitely like spreading bread from the bakery with such yumminess.
The other box holds bars of soap. Not just any soap. Cashmere Bouquet, which is the only thing with fragrance I allow near me. Usually, I buy several bars when I travel back to Ohio, but in 2009 there was no energy for my reunion. Husband was in the hospital at the time. When I opened the wrapper on my last bar of soap, I got into a bit of a panic, thinking I would have to try to find something else to use in the shower.
While talking to my sister Darla, who lives in Arizona, I told her of my plight. She said I should ask our youngest sister Danna to send me some from the Valley.
I talked with her a couple days before Thanksgiving, and she said she would try to get some soap for me. She mentioned it to our mom and sister Denise at their dinner. Then Mom went on the hunt. The store I usually buy from when I’m there does not carry Cashmere Bouquet soap now. All three of them were looking in different places, when finally my sister Denise went online and found a site which delivers.
Had TEN bars shipped to me in a box waiting on the porch one afternoon when I got home from work and running errands.
Now that is family Thoughtfulness!
and why did I not think of ordering it myself? maybe
when I use up all that I have now and need to buy more
We also received several dvds, changing hands and viewscreens already. Husband likes to watch a movie while walking the treadmill. I like to watch while sitting on the couch while working with yarn in my hands. Every once in awhile, we sit and watch together, such as the movie UP which was my request of both Husband and Santa, but only one actual case was wrapped under the tree.
The tabletop tree and Nativity Scene will come down in the next couple days before school begins a new semester.
The cats will be so happy to have space again.
and I’ll bet you all are glad
to have the cobwebs swept off my blog 
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, December 14, 2009
Good Game Gift
On Saturday, Husband and I went to two partys (my chosen spelling).
The first, at Noon, was to celebrate college graduation of a neighbor/ friend. For her, I crocheted a little bag, put in some presidents dollar coins, then put that into a crocheted tote bag in ISU colors. Both she and her mother were impressed with my creative talent. Alas, with a story too long to write, I do not have a picture of the gift.
I will say that we had a nice time chatting, we met fiance and grandmothers. The potato salad and Folger’s coffee were simply wunnerful.
At 6pm, we went to a holiday party at the home of his boss and wife, with several of his co-workers also enjoying good company and tasty food, especially spinach and feta phyllo pockets.
We played a game where each of us had brought a gift worth about $10, nicely wrapped so nobody could tell what might be inside. Each person grabbed a number slip from the basket. Person #1 chose a package from the pile on the table. Person #2 could either steal that first gift, or choose another from the pile. We played along in number order.
Husband had purchased a small thumb piano at Crossroads crafts, very similar to this one, the picture of which I swiped from Google Images.
the guy who got it seemed smitten, it did not get stolen
Geo came home with a cool hour glass timer,
which he has taken to work to rest on his desk
After way too much worrying about what I would carry in for the party
I crocheted a burgundy color bag, filled it with kisses
wrapped it with 2 bookmarks
wrapped them with 2 potholders
then stuffed it all into a holiday colors bag
This item was chosen by game person #6, the lady of the house, who had already received a pair of potholders as a hostess gift.
She oo-ed and aahh-ed over each thing she lifted out, while others were impressed with my creative talent.
Her mate spoke up saying that none of the husbands would try to steal that one.
I was game person #7, and I chose a new package from the table. It held two goblets, with the labels Mr. Right and Mrs. Always Right. Which I believe is an accurate description of us as a couple of old married folks. It’s what I came home with. I’m not sure what fate they hold.
The packages which got “stolen” a couple times were a box of 4 wine glasses, made of a nice glass, and purchased on Clearance to be within the price range. The other was a “movie night” which had popcorn and pop, sweet treat, maybe a gift card?
It went home with the guy whose wife had filled and wrapped it, then put his name on it. Much razzing about that.
There was also a box of different flavors of homemade fudge. Our host ended up with it, and he laid it out on the counter to share with us guests.
By 10 that evening, we were all talked out.
And now I’m all typed out. And the sink is full of dirty dishes which need to be placed into the machine where they will get washed and rinsed and ready to be used again.
Hope your week is off to a good start
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
There Again, Home Again
Last evening I was all excited to have a TA Sub job available! Whew, earning a bit towards postage for sending out boxes! Plus in a building where I have not been a Sub yet this semester, a drive in the country on a pretty morning. There were machines and trucks at work in a corn field, which is very telling about the weird weather lately.
The office did not give me any Sub notes, but as soon as I got to the room the First Grade teacher explained my duties as a one-on-one with a student. One Adult—One Special Needs Student (our tax dollars working hard)
I know my job pretty much, but I have found that a teacher wants to be sure the lesson is heard and her expectations met within that classroom. And this one is fair and flexible.
She then asked if I know how to run the copy machine, and would I please go make 24 pages? I love being a TA, getting paid to operate an automatic machine.
When the kids filed into the classroom, it seemed that my assigned student was not there. I was sent to the cafeteria, where the Aide motioned for me to wait while a little boy finished his breakfast. I thought he was mine, so I did.
I rescued a still-wrapped, warm biscuit just before it went into the trash (our social program food dollars). School kids send so much food into garbage bins.
One day at a different school, I watched a boy toss a cheese and cracker snack pack into the trash—something his parents paid for and had not even been opened. When I asked him why he threw it away? he said his mom doesn’t like him to bring stuff back home. She thinks he eats all his lunch.
The boy I had supervised walked down the hall to K-gdn. The child I was to assist was nowhere to be found. The office assistant had to call two phone numbers to learn that he would be absent today.
The teacher said she did not need me for anything else, other teachers were doing fine, there was no pile waiting beside the copy machine.
So, I was sent away after being in the building a whole 40 minutes. When I got home, I called PayRoll and asked what to do about my Time Sheet, and was told that I would be paid a Half Day for driving there and waiting until cleared to leave.
There are no other jobs on SubFinder for today. I had a biscuit with butter and Ginger Peach jelly, and a cup of tea as a mid-morning snack. So it looks like a dvd and some knitting will be happening!
So nice that I have a working husband. You already know how easy my life is, and still I’ll be paid for a few hours to be at home
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, December 07, 2009
Holiday Hat, knitted in a day
My weekend project
was a peg loom knitted hat in holiday colors
made of 4-ply acrylic yarns
I set it up on container of hot chocolate, hoping for a better show of how the colors came together
but, baby, it’s cold outside so I didn’t want the door propped open any longer, even if the light is good on this dreary day
It’s comfy and warm, and all mine own, for when I’m doing playground duty and other fun times, such as last evening when we went to WallyWorld.
Folks try to keep their eyes from staring, but because my hat is one of a kind, they can’t help but look.
Maybe I’m a bit of a show-off in this case.
Hope your week is beginning well.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Little Eyes have Big Ears
Yesterday morning worked as a TA Sub job in K-gdn.
One part of the schedule was for me to be leader of a Reading Group of 3 in a different room. I’m seeing some real cognitive delays in that bunch of kids, meaning this extra intensive attention is needed.
During that time, a couple little girls came in with mini-cupcake treats for the adults, probably extras from a birthday snack in a room down the hall.
Even though I am a Sub, I was given a sweet. I thanked her nicely, then set it on the corner of the table after they left the room.
My students had watched with great interest.
One said I should eat it, but I said “No, I can’t eat it now while I am On Duty, so I’ll have it at lunch time.”
(Delayed gratification at work. Later I learned that 88% of the students in that class get Subsidized Lunch)
When it was time to leave that area, I carried my goodie back to our regular room, and set it with my bag on the edge of the desk. A child asked me about it. Before I could reply, one little girl who had been in Reading Group spoke up. “No, she can’t eat while she is On Duty so she’s gonna eat it at lunch time.”
A nearby TA made a little breathing noise of surprise, caught my eye, and raised her eyebrows at me as if to say “Now what made HER say That?” Apparently even though the child’s visual clues aren’t up to age level, she has not much wrong with hearing and parroting skills.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Thursday, December 03, 2009
They were doin’ some cookin’ !!
Every once in awhile I find a spot
to stop n look around a bit
and Making Apple Butter is one I found today
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Latest Visit to the Dentist
My Tooth has been given the All Clear!
the permanent crown went on this morning
then the dentist warned me to not chew on it for an hour while the glue got set
As if the several weeks of using the other side of my mouth hadn’t been long enough.
He says the X-rays look good, so next time I need to be in will be for a routine exam and cleaning, which ain’t until March 2010 Wow!
this does not mean I am going to be taste-testing all kinds of caramels or nuts for the holidays
Such treats are long gone from my Can Try list
the pain and money are a price most costly
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, November 30, 2009
Still Having it Easy
When I got up this morning, SubFinder said No Jobs Available. I checked back in a few minutes, it said one at a junior high, so I clicked on it. The screen read Job being considered by someone else. Check back later.
So I got a carryover of the holiday.
I swept the floor of the bathroom, put away some laundry, washed and dried and folded a load, read many pages of the Sunday newspapers while sitting in the sunny breakfast nook.
The other day, and again this morning, I pulled out my sewing machine and did some experimental putting together of gift bags from remnant fabrics. Also worked up some handles using my knitting knobby. It made a cord too round for the monkey bag, so I just did a braid for its tie.
Disclaimer—these are for a relative’s gift with love (and some swearing) and NO I do not Sew and Sell. Check the website ETSY
Then I went out for some groceries, especially teabags and milk. As it happens, I also found a 3-pack of socks in the style I have been wanting and they were ON SALE!!! sorry only one package in my size was on the hook. Ah well, that’s what the washer and dryer do, is to keep a fresh pair ready.
Ran into a gal who also works as a Substitute/ Certified Teacher, and she said SubFinder told her No Jobs Available, so the holiday break must have school workers healthy and energized.
By the time I get this posted, it will be time for Alex Trebek and JEOPARDY! so I will bid you Adieu.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving 2009
The writing prompt for Tuesday’s 8th grade Writing class
What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving?
(at least 3 complete sentences)
Apparently, Karen at Chookooloonks gave herself the assignment as well, and in her usual cheerful way, went beyond the requirements.
The students that afternoon responded with “Get out of school” as the #1 reason to have a holiday. I have to agree with them. When I was growing up, the main reason to be at school was to be with my friends. Any learning, reading, and homework was a high price to pay for being able to play Peanut Butter Heaven and Keep Away and jump rope on the playground during lunch recess.
Did you know that lately kids are not allowed to have a jump rope on the playground? It is a hazard, might slap somebody who wasn’t paying attention. Not to mention, could be used as a weapon.
I’m still not clear on why I work in schools. I liked being in the kitchen of a factory cafeteria much more, but the physical demands were too much for a four decade old body.
But being a TA Sub does give me so much more freedom to say when I want a day off for appointments or Volunteer Time.
So I am thankful for a job with flexible hours, and having a spouse who DOES work full time at a job he likes, which provides benefits for both of us.
I am thankful for a house to live in, with windows to look out on dreary weather and see the vehicles lined up in the neighbor’s driveway. She must be having quite a clan gathering over there.
Our family is the greatest people on the planet, but so few of them live close by. A card and several e-mails have arrived, so I am thankful for folks I love, no matter where they be.
I miss having the Thanksgiving spread all laid out, with my contribution being only one small part of it. When I was a kid, my aunt Sylvia and Grandma and Mom did so much of the preparations, and then my cousins and our friends got to play until it was time to eat.
When our sons were young, for several Thanksgiving meals, our friends Sue and Ezra invited us and other guests to their house just down the block. So I am thankful for memories.
Today, youngest son is here. He just dug into the Pumpkin Dessert Squares which came out of the oven at 10:30 and called over to me that this is the greatest food e.v.e.r.
Life is short, so yeah, we eat dessert first. The turkey bird is in the oven, coming out in a few hours. There will be mashed potatoes from scratch, green bean casserole, stove top stuffing, cranberry sauce. And leftovers, the most important part of food. I’ll put a nice bowl of turkey into the freezer to have it for Christmas. We had to give up ham a few years back, it doesn’t agree with bodies five decades old.
If I were willing to put so much more effort into my day off, I would invite neighbors over for some of my cooking. Alas, my gift of hospitality does not lean towards an open house. And we are not quite ready to join the group over at the church. Nice folks, but one son is here.
We miss the older two, and their mates, but life rolls along.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Machine Fixed, Now I Gotta Fill It
Dishwasher Repairman just leaving.
Sez the problem was the Fill Valve not closing, therefore the machine kept having water flow in, which causes overflow. Old Fill Valve corroded because of our hard water and old pipes. The shut-off valve to the kitchen sink is not adequate, so I had to turn off the intake valve (water meter) of the whole house.
Replaced the Fill Valve,
and cleaned out a little copper connector,
under Warranty, saving us $198 parts and labor.
Also adding to the problem, the drain connection is too small, perhaps also clogged, therefore machine not getting empty quickly enough. The pump sounds like it is working a bit too hard.
The U sewer pipe under the sink is not his concern, but advises us to replace as soon as possible, to help the machine do its job properly. Sez water should not be backwashing into the machine, this machine is new enough and designed well enough to not expect that.
One dishwasher flood is bringing on a whole new remodel need.
Just ask any homeowner about the money pit.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Relax on the day before a holiday
Today is the first of a 5 day school break, at least for Subs and students.
Teachers and Staff have Institute Day, many meetings.
I will be at home happily waiting for the dishwasher repairman (supposed to be here before Noon)
catching up the ironing, while listening to Holiday music.
This afternoon, I pick up a turkey at the meat shop, then move along to a grocery store for other items on my list.
Son Lucas usually helps with this, but he won’t be in the state this year.
He and his bride will be with her relatives, less than an hour from their place.
Life’s changes don’t come easy, but I suppose I will adjust eventually.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, November 23, 2009
Students Fine, Teacher a bit Unreasonable
Today, I failed First Grade. Well, at least parts of it. The time when I decided 38 minutes was long enough to be sitting on a carpet square on the floor, so I stood up before the teacher finished her sentence. If looks could kill…
Next time was when I was helping a girl put her Math problem in the correct box on the paper, but the teacher had pulled her name out of the can, so she was supposed to be providing the answer, so her name got called 3 times before we realized the rest of the class was waiting.
And then when a boy kept getting the wrong answer for his adding, I asked him to show me how he was using his Number Line (the little graph “cheat sheet” taped to the top of his desk because of his learning problem) but the teacher said I was not to be helping him, that was why he had the Paper in the first place. It did not seem to matter to HER that he was not beginning at the proper point, not understanding the problem set, therefore he would still wonder why he keeps getting the wrong answer.
So he reached into his desk to get his eraser (the one on his pencil was already bent metal) and got told to leave his desk stuff alone. So while she was busy writing on the board, I sneeked the eraser out for him. She turned and said “And Mrs. Wiman is not supposed to be in the desk either” but I said I chose to do that, erased all his mistakes, then set it close to his hand.
I’m thinking Why else would a TA get paid to be with him if all he needed was the little paper?
She walked back to us and took away everything except the stubby pencil and the paper of Math problems. Both the kid and I had had enough by then. He just copied everything from the board for the last couple problems. I’m not sure if he will be understanding adding for awhile.
And then, when I went to fetch/escort the class back from the library, at least two asked if they could stop for a drink. I made sure no other class was in the hall, then said Yes, three swallows. Maybe 3 kids got a drink, then the teacher came around the corner looking for us. “NO, we do not stop for drinks after library” so we scooted on back to the room, passing two other water fountains while doing so.
At about that minute I thought I recognized in her a couple symptoms of menopause.
There was a snack time, with crackers. And then 4 students at a time were allowed to go out to the water fountain for a drink. Last one name called was the first kid who had asked if he could get a drink after library. 38 minutes had passed.
At the break, the teacher says “I know you don’t know these kids, but they really do seem needy, always twiddling with something, not staying on task. It’s a difficult year already, and we’re just at Thanksgiving.”
I told her that I do know most of them. This is my fourth year of being a TA Sub, so I remember them in Mrs. C’s Early Childhood room, and Mrs. B’s Kindergarten. There is a TA in the room to help with Disability Accommodations. One of the nice things about being a TA Sub is watching kids grow, knowing where they have come from.
I said that I bit my fingernails and pulled out every hair of my eyebrows in First Grade. Maybe that’s why I’m willing to work as a One-on-One with the LD kids, because I know how difficult it is. And why I carry a crochet hook and yarn so many places. At least something pretty gets done by my fidgeting. She did not seem to be very understanding about using a little more moving around to help with learning.
The last part of the afternoon was watching a dvd of The Magic Schoobus. It tries to educate and entertain during each show, and gets the kids settled down before they get on the bus.
As I was walking to my car, an older man was looking anxiously towards the door of the building. I asked if I could help him? He said he had to pick up his grand-daughter, his daughter was having car trouble. I told him that students are not allowed to cross the yellow line of the bus lane, and that he would have to pick up a child in the office if someone had called to make other arrangements. He said he didn’t think anybody had called the office. I told him that is still where he has to go if he wants to take a child off the property.
He seemed a bit confused, but I just shrugged and said “Rules are supposed to help us”
Long day, I tells ya.
First Grade.
Tough Job.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Jam is A-cookin’
Teresa’s Aronia Berry jelly makes a large batch, but the market is too far away from my house.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Water in too many places
Seems like Facebook got alot of my attention today.
Here’s my latest Status Update:
Knitted two little blue hats this evening. The bube-tube has good side effects.
The downspout is making so much noise from rain water.
I’ll bet the gutters are full of leaves again.
TA Sub job Noon to 3:30 Wednesday afternoon in Third Grade.
Which means I should be able to have time in the morning wash the dishes in the sink, and call for a possible date for service on the dishwasher.
Long story about the stream of detergent water which flowed across the kitchen, then meandered toward the back door. Found it Sunday morning.
Husband used up awhile this evening pulling out warped tiles from in front of the fridge and replacing with new tiles.
Like I said, more than you could be concerned over, and the smell of glue? vinyl? is bothering me enough for all of us
The house owns our time and money and energy 
Nitey-night !
~~love and Huggs, Diane