August 12, 2014

Earning His Keep

I worked Alex's fingers to the bone today! You may remember that at the close of school in May I was unindated with new math resources. Well, I catalogued most of it before I left but for the last two days I have been scrambling to check it all out to teachers so they can start planning. Alex volunteered to work with me all day at both schools today, schlepping heavy text book boxes, pushing carts but mostly keeping me on this side of a nervous breakdown! I guess he's making up for all the times his sister was stuck helping me while he was in college....thanks Alex!!

August 11, 2014

Hello Again!

I had two family reunions today- one at each school. It was the first day back for teachers and it was great to see everyone. One teacher aptly pointed out that we all look healthy and rested now but unfortunately we will be more droopy and tired in about a month! Let's hope she's not right! One positive about going back to work is reconnecting with co-workers. Liking the people that you spend so much time with is a blessing that I'm thankful for. 

P.S. RIP Robin Williams - Nanu Nanu!

August 10, 2014

Clinging on to Summer

Today I had one foot in summer vacation and one foot in reality. After we checked out of the RV park, we drove the Tajma-haul to one of Don's favorite fishing spots and found a place to park on the side of a dirt road. While Don, Don Sr., Lee, and Alex were fishing,  my motherinlaw, Jo and I hung out with the dogs in the trailer. I spent the time working on my work schedule for the coming year but could look out the window and see the magnificent Collegiate Peaks and abundant wild flowers. Another use for our Glamper....mobile office! If you have to work, it helps to have beautiful scenery.....

August 9, 2014

Mine or Bust

Today finds us in Salida. We met Don's cousin Mark and family from Texas for a mining adventure. My motherinlaw's grandparents met each other while living in the mining town of Bonanza. They owned a silver mine that has since been passed down through the generations and is now owned by Mark. To our knowledge, no silver has come out if it. The last two generations have never seen the mine so a local man who also owns property in this area agreed to show us where it was. It was only about 800 feet from the road but straight up with no path. It took a lot of climbing but we successfully made it.

August 8, 2014

What Not to Wear

This afternoon I went with Alex to spend the Macy's gift certificates that he had received as Chritmas and birthday presents this year. This was a much needed trip to replace his theatre climbing-ladders-running-wire work clothes with scholarly-man-about campus clothes. When he was little, I thought I had laid the fashion groundwork by dressing him in snappy outfits-many with matching hats and suspenders but today I discovered a horrible fact. Alex hates clothes shopping! What?! No child of mine should ever say such a thing! This called for serious intervention. Luckily, Paige met us at the Mall for support and we guided him around the sale racks. Note: Back to school shopping bargains are plentiful when looking for a Florida wardrobe - shorts and summer shirts! Paige and I channeled our inner Stacy and Clinton and Alex successfully chose some great clothes.

Mission accomplished!

August 8, 2014

Deja Vu and Seagulls

I'm writing this at the first Bronco pre-season game. We are experiencing a lightning delay so I have a little time on my hands. The players are all tucked away in the locker room and the fans are hoping that lighting doesn't strike people wearing orange!

I was hesitant to come to the game because the last time I sat in a stadium to see the Seahawks and the Broncos it wasn't a pleasant experience! When Peyton baubled a snap tonight, I experienced a scary flashback! Actually, what we have seen has been pretty good and we're really hoping that Capri Bibbs, former CSU player, gets to play. He's putting all his chips on the table by quitting school and trying to make it as a pro. I hope he's successful....

Lovin' my green chili fries and beer!

Post Script: The Broncos won and Bibbs got a touchdown!

August 6, 2014

Positivity and Perseverance 

My camping friend Karen just gave me a bracelet that says Positivity in honor of my Blog. I wore it today - my first day back at work. I must say I had to look at it a few times to psyche myself up for the school year ahead! I guess with anything that is worthwhile the task before you tends to look daunting but if you persevere and take a step at a time, you will ultimately get it done. I observed an example of perseverance this evening on my front porch. You may remember that our neighborhood was hit by a nasty hail storm a few weeks ago. One planter on my front porch took a direct hit and all the flowers in it were annihilated. Today however, I noticed that the flowers are making a strong comeback and starting to fill up the planter again. I hope that during this school year I can think about these flowers when I'm feeling beaten down and find the strength to dig in my roots and start blooming again...while wearing my bracelet of course!