May 30, 2015

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Saturday we decided to take a hike on the Narrow Guage Trail that ran from Northup to St. Elmo alongside Chalk Creek. The weather was perfect and it was a pretty hike until we came across the remnants of a rock slide that blocked our path. We have had to climb over barriers before on previous hikes so we decided to work our way across. Stupid. 

Don and dog Maggie were most of the way across but I was going slow because I had Max in his pouch and didn't want to slip. Before I knew what was happening, gravel started raining down and then bigger rocks. Luckily, instinct kicked in for me to cover my head and Max's and work my way over to the rock wall. Two rocks slammed down on my back in the process and I literally thought that this might be my demise. I found a boulder with a small opening and I squeezed me and Max down under it to protect us. I was ready to stay there  but Don knew I couldn't because if more rock came down  I would then be in a 127 Hour situation with no knife and my phone doesn't have that kind of app! 

Another couple came up behind us and took Maggie while Don came back to take Max. I then was able to wedge myself out from under the boulder and hug the wall to make my way out. I don't think that I have ever experienced such a dangerous situation and I keep having the "what ifs" raging through my head. If one of the rocks that Don saw hit me had hit my head or little Max's it would have been disastrous. 

Okay, what is the positive of all this? Well, we all survived with minor scrapes, I received a great deal of exfoliation on the hike back from all the gravel in my pants, and we went on to enjoy the day - maybe even appreciated each other a tad bit more! The other couple that helped us are local and said that the rock slide was not there when they hiked the trail a month ago. We all decided that we needed to alert the Forest Service about this dangerous situation. Unfortunately, when we got back to the cars, we noticed a sign that all four of us missed...Trail Closed Due to Unstable Rock Conditions! Next time I go hiking you can bet that I will be aware of signs and will respect the power of fickle Mother Nature!

The trailhead - no sign here!

St Elmo's ghost town

Owies treated at the Mt Princeton Hot Springs

May 29, 2015

Headed for the Hills

Friday evening found us heading to the hills for our anniversary weekend. We loaded up the Taj-ma-haul and headed west...destination Salida and one of our favorite RV parks along the Arkansas river. We arrived late and began our anniversary weekend as we did our marriage - cupboards bare and no cash! We dined at the place where it all began on our first date in 1977 - at Sonic - and they take credit cards! I never dreamed when I was young and fifteen that I would end up married to that brainy, football hunk and end up old, wrinkly and in an RV park thirty eight years later....but I wouldn't change a thing!

The beautiful Collegiate Peaks

My betrothed!

May 28, 2015

School's Out

The sound of children cheering, teachers exhaling, and parents sighing was heard this afternoon when the final bell rang to end school and begin summer vacation. The celebrating began in earnest as my schools each held a staff party after school. One of the parties was at my house so I made sure to leave in time to get home and be ready. Paige has been helping out a lot this week since her internship has not started yet. It was a good thing because when I walked in the door, I already had four teachers in my kitchen preparing for the party! We had a fun time and little Max's paws never hit the floor - he was the source of many cuddles. The unfortunate thing was that the party for my other school was at the same time so I didn't get to celebrate with my other family. I have been feeling melancholy about this and the fact that I have been saying goodbye to all of my Fremont friends in order to be full time at one school next year. I hope that our paths will continue to cross in the future because that school is filled with very special people. 

May 27, 2015

Continuing On

Tonight the sixth graders completed their elementary education through the much anticipated Continuation Ceremony. Of course both schools had their ceremonies the same night and same time so consequently, I only got to see the half of each. Both events, however, warmed my heart because of the number of teachers in attendance, representing the different levels of the students' journey  through grade school. There is a genuine bond between teachers and their students that doesn't fade away after they are no longer in their classroom. We all like to celebrate the growth of a child that we witnessed and nurtured. Congratulations sixth graders!

May 26, 2015

Better Than Just an Apple

I was given a gift by a student that I have never received before. I opened the nice card and there was....a gift certificate to Applejacks liquor store! I had to laugh as I thanked the student and expressed my surprise. The student shrugged and replied, "my mom's a teacher too!" A very thoughtful gift that will definitely be used soon!

May 24, 2015

Fort Failure

This afternoon we decided to visit Bent's Fort - a national historic site just outside of La Junta. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach our destination because the road was closed due to flooding from the Arkansas river. Try as we might, we couldn't come up with anything else to do because the downtown stores were closed and it was too rainy to take a walk in the park. We ended up hanging out in our trailer, watching the first season of Northern Exposure and putting a puzzle together. We didn't get it finished but we had a fun time doing something together that we never find the time to do at home - a positive byproduct of lousy weather!

May 23, 2015

Happy 90th!

Well, my theory of Lajunta being dry went out the window while listening to the rain pour at 6am. However, the sun came out later and it was a pleasant day for a 90th birthday party (okay there was a tornado siren involved later with some rain but....whatever!) My cousins hosted a wonderful celebration for my Aunt Helen who is the eldest of the three Svetkoff sisters. All of my brothers and sisters were there except for Lori who had just visited from California for Mothers Day. It was fun listening to them reminiscence with my cousins about growing up in Pueblo. Being child number six, I missed out on those days before my family moved away but my favorite cousin Susie was there who I played with on our visits to Pueblo. The book, Country Mouse and the City Mouse was written about us. I was the country mouse! This reunion was way overdue and hopefully will happen again - at least in two years when my mom hits the big 9-0!

Country mouse, city mouse and mom!

Aunt Helen, mom and Aunt Nini - the Svetkoff sisters

Siblings- Debby, me, Barb, Chris, and Tom

May 22, 2015

Eye of the Storm

After work we headed out of town for our maiden voyage of the summer in the Taj-ma-haul. Lajunta was the destination due to its many hot spots and my Aunt Helen's 90th birthday celebration. We were feeling pretty good about skirting around Denver traffic and it was smooth sailing to Limon. From Limon we took the desolate Highway 71 where there was a lot of wide open space and not much else. 

Then the lighting started - straight down and all around us. It got darker and darker and we hit a little hail. All of a sudden we were in a downpour of rain and hail - so much so that we could barely see in front of us. I kept my eyes glued to the line on the edge of the highway because that is all we could see. I knew if we went over it there was no shoulder and we would be in trouble. After a few harrowing minutes we finally got out of it and didn't have any more trouble.

 Looking on the positive side, we don't have any broken windows or major damage that we could see in the dark. Also, Lajunta was a balmy 66 degrees when we pulled in at 9:30pm and....dry! We may be in the warmest and driest part of the state this weekend. Barring any tornadoes or additional hailstorms,I think we may have a nice little holiday!

May 20, 2015

Webbed

Lately I have been confused about what season we're in. Honestly, the weather - cold, rainy, dark - makes me feel like I need to be carving a pumpkin and raking leaves! I keep thinking that there are two months of school instead of five days because it sure doesn't feel like summer! But of course on the positive side, we are getting great moisture which means low fire danger and lush flora and fauna! Also that webbing forming between your toes will be very helpful at the pool!

May 19, 2015

Better Than an Underwire

The past few days I have had tremendous support from the unsung heroes of the elementary school world - the paraprofessionals (formerly known as teacher aides). I was one for nine years so I know that they only do it for the kids and because they believe in the education of all kinds of kids....and maybe the Friday treats. Lately it seems like whenever I started to wonder about how I could get something done, there was  a para to the rescue! This week teachers have kindly lent their precious para time to me so the paras could help me check in 300 iPads. Boy they have jumped in, got me organized and have made such a huge dent in an overwhelming task! Also, I hope my library paras know how much I appreciate them. They keep my head above water and pick up the pieces when I'm scattered...which is frequently! Thank you paras for making me look good even when I shouldn't!

May 18, 2015

Keep Swimming

Seven more days with students, eleven more days of work......gotta keep paddling!

May 17, 2015

Coal Miner's Granddaughter

Today we found ourselves back at the garden shop for a few things and while there we took a look at their yard statues. Last year during that torrential hail storm, our made-to-look-like-stone-but-were-plastic statues were dessimated. Tucked in the corner of the store, I found one that caught my eye and knew we needed it. It is a stone replica of a coal miner and when I saw it, I immediately thought of my grandfather who I never met. Anthony Svetkoff came to America as a teenager from Bulgaria and worked in the coal mines around the Walsenburg area. He died when my mother was only in high school. It seems so right to have this addition to our garden. 

May 16, 2015

Flower Power

Today was the day to get our bloom on....also to pay the local garden shop's mortgage! Echters had such beautiful flowers and so many! Luckily, my smart husband saved all the flower tags from last year so it was like a scavenger hunt to find what we needed. I found the perfect employee. She would glance at the tag I showed her and knew exactly where it was in that vast floral paradise and all the colors available - amazing! I am not a master gardner by any means but I am good, cheap help. I must say there was a very calming feeling I got when I was digging in the dirt and adding color to our yard! The best part is that I get to do it again tomorrow! 

My gardener at work selecting flowers

May 15, 2015

A Man of No Importance

We attended our last Arvada Center performance of the season tonight - A Man of No Importance. It started off a little slow but that could have just been me - a dark theatre on a Friday night tends to make me doze. However, this musical featured a live Irish band called Colcannon and they were very good. Also, as the production went on, the story got more interesting. It could have ended very badly but I was relieved....and sobbed....because the story had such a beautiful ending. The musical reminded  us "to love who we love" and be accepting of others- a message that we all need often. As always, the actors were wonderful, especially Kevin Loreque who played the main character, Alfie. Tonight was a wonderful way to end the theatre season!

May 14, 2015

Nine Days

Only nine more days with students. I can't believe how fast this last month has gone by and when I think of all that needs to get done before summer break, I start getting heat stroke! Next week's forecast is slightly crazy with a chance of meltdowns! But on the positive side, it is also a time to celebrate the successes of the year and the growth of the students. Today we hosted a party to thank the student library assistants at one of my schools. While talking about reading, one sixth grade girl said, "reading is the only way I get my brother out of my head!"  A very profound revelation!

May 13, 2015

Warrior

I had a new yoga instructor today who was really good. The poses she led us in were challenging but not over the top and her real talent was in her verbal instructions and comments. She was naturally relaxing but yet motivating at the same time. When she had us do the Warrior pose, she made us feel like warriors - that we were strong and could handle anything. I visualized myself in a buffalo hide with spear in hand! Maybe that vision was also due to helping students record their first American projects all afternoon...whatever...she was a great instructor! 

May 12, 2015

Dog Trainee

Max has been a part of our family for 18 days and since day one I have been the dog trainer....I thought. I have been vigilant with the potty training, discouraging biting and chewing, and religious about crate training. The daytime crate training is going well but we're having a little trouble at night. Max started off pretty good but would wake me up around 4:30am and we would visit the puppy pad and then I would lay on the dog bed or couch and tried to catch a few zzz's while he played. Well, my lack of sleep was getting the best of me so a few nights ago I convinced our other dog that she should allow this new puppy to lay in our bed just for a few hours. Maggie  reluctantly went along with it as long as the puppy did not touch her or bother her in any way. However, after this treaty went into effect and Max enjoyed a little snooze on the temperpedic, the next morning he got up at 3:30am. Last night he arose at 12:30am! Who is training who here? As I'm typing this, the kennel is empty and I have two dogs in the bed. Max is the trainer, I am the trainee....Let's hope house training goes a little better!

May 11, 2015

Love Your Local Library

Today, a Jefferson County Public Librarian came to visit one of my schools to promote their Summer Reading Program. I have very fond memories of going to the public library as a kid, especially in the summer so it is important to me to carry this forward to a new generation. 

Libraries have really evolved with the times and offer what interests kids today - free internet access, magazines, music, movies, and of course books - printed and electronic. With the app Hoopla, kids can now download TV shows and movies - for free! I have students use the free access to public library data bases for research frequently. 

Most importantly, the public library isn't just for kids. That's why I'm writing this. In our Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Netflix world, sometimes we need to remember that we can also be entertained for free! You don't even have to drive there - just download anytime! Did you know adults can participate in the Summer Reading programs as well? Sign up, record your hours and win prizes...I'm going to! I hope to see you at the public library this summer!

May 9, 2015

Celebration of Life

Don and I got together with a few of his high school classmates this afternoon. It was nice to see some people that we haven't seen in a very long time. Unfortunately, we were together to celebrate the life of a classmate who lost his life this year after a valiant fight with a brain tumor. Brian Peterson was remembered as a fun, caring, smart, and giving person. Friends in attendance, along with his parents, shared great stories about their years together and how he touched the lives of many people. It is unfortunate how we don't fully realize the positive impact others have on the world until they're gone. 

I got to celebrate with my two great kids - and my great husband tonight in Fort Collins. Mothers Day seems to always be the Sunday before finals so Paige couldn't come home for the weekend so we had dinner with her tonight - not only so she could  see her madre but also her brother who goes back to Florida tomorrow. Right now we are slip sliding home - very scary....I'm glad Don is driving...

Celebrating Brian

May 8, 2015

Buy One Get One Free

It has been so rainy in Colorado lately that when I look out the window I imagine that I am in Ireland. Both of my schools had planned great outdoor carnivals for this evening but ended up setting it all up inside. Jumpy castles seem gigantic when they're blown up in the gym! I ran a Buy One Get One Book Fair at one of my schools. It is all in cases because it has to be portable so we can set it up in different places since the library is unavailable due to...you guessed it...testing! It worked out well because we were right in the front lobby and the parents loved it...who doesn't like stuff for free! That is the purpose of BOGO - not to make a profit but to get books in the hands of kids for the summer. A bonus is to get to interact with students and their families while they're having fun. Also, working the Book Fair kept me out of the dunk tank and the Throw a Pie in a Teacher's Face booth!

May 7, 2015

Kindness Matters

Three more weeks of school - I'm on the downhill track, cruising fast and hitting unexpected curves and bumps. There are tons of things that I'm juggling, and the balls are starting to drop. I'm overbooking myself (why not teach 3rd grade and Kindergarten at the same time?!) and forgetting things. I hate when I do this! Fortunately, I work with great teachers who are kind, understanding and flexible. I know how hard it is for a classroom teacher to get everything done that needs to get done every day and for them to say, "oh no problem" when I have to ask them to reschedule their already packed schedule to accommodate my ditzy-ness, makes me want to hug them! It's a privilege to work the educators in my schools so I will cinch my seatbelt tighter and hang on for another day...tomorrow is going to be a doozy!

May 6, 2015

Life's Little Interruptions 

I haven't blogged in a few days - not due to any life shattering events but just because of little life interruptions. Last Sunday was a late night because we traveled to Paige's last band concert of the year at CSU. Since this new puppy addition likes to get up at 5:30am, I'm a little hesitant to stay up late to write. Monday, I was exhausted which was a combination of the above mentioned furry creature and a new bottle of port I have become acquainted with. On Tuesday, a fantastic disruption to my schedule arrived from Florida. Alex came to visit during his break between semesters. It is great to have him around but he is a bad influence on me. He finally persuaded me to watch The Big Lebowski -I know I've been living under a rock for the last 15 years and never have seen this weird but disturbingly entertaining movie. Also, my let's-just-warm-up-something-not-green-from-the-fridge-for-dinner does not fly when one of my children are home so I have been cooking. Excuses, excuses..well now I'm back to writing regularly.....as long as I stay away from the port!

May 2, 2015

Furry Scurry and Soak

I'm going to take a chance that you will not tire of my new puppy posts and give you a Maxwell update. The second day of our life with Max, I dutifully put on his harness and leash and took him outside for a walk. He just stood there. He wanted no part of it. Luckily, a week later we tried it again and he took off! His little feet worked overtime to go 2 feet! He made it about a block on Friday and today about 2 blocks which is like a 5K for him! When he ran out of gas, I was ready with a newly purchased doggie carrier. It makes me look like an eccentric helicopter dog parent but it will enable Maggie and me to continue our long walks and we'll be able to include Max on hikes this summer. I don't think the carrier is fourteener approved so I will have to hold back....darn!

Max showed no fear out in the backyard this morning while we were doing a little yard work. Don and I both kept a close eye on him because of the pond. When he got close we would call him back but his helpful sister Maggie showed him how to peak over the edge to look at the fish. Sure enough from the corner of my eye, I saw Max sneak over to the pond and...plop into the water he went! The lifeguard in me kicked into gear- visualize Bay Watch (senior edition) - and I swooped him out. His instincts kicked in too and he was trying to swim before I got to him. He looked like a drowned rat and shivered on my lap for about an hour afterwards. Poor baby! I hope now that the inevitable happened, Max will be more cautious around water. A busy day for an itty bitty canine!

First day on the leash and he wanted no part of it!

Truckin' along today!

Crazy dog parent!