Priceless

$24 train ride to Boston

$2 t-ride to the North End

one dozen cannolis from Mike's Pastry - priceless!

Enjoy ~SJ

Mac vs PC

So blogosphere.... in case you don't keep up with me on Facebook I'm seeing a new guy. There has been weeks of debate over what his blog name will be. I will spare you the list and simply share that he will be known as MacPro. And in honor of MacPro I shall share one of my favorite Mac vs PC commercials since yes I'm a Mac Geek and enjoy watching them on the Apple website.

Sea-Monkeys

I can't believe it.... I have had a colony of sea-monkeys for over two years now and have yet to blog about them. I have blogged about all of my other pets - cats, ants, but never the sea monkeys. Typically they live at school and during the summer with enjoy the window sill near my kitchen sink. They have yet to make the big trip back to school and I have to admit that I have been enjoying them at home. Indexed recently posted an index about sea monkeys that just made me laugh out loud, and I decided to share.

Friday Fill-Ins

And...here we go!

1. I have a history of eating ice cream almost every day.

2. How to knit socks is something I wish I knew.

3. I'm eating (or recently ate) my portion of 18 pounds of pumpkin seeds.

4. I use my GPS when I am on the road, even to places I know how to go.

5. So that's it, that's almost all the time I have this morning devoted to watching students fill in little bubbles on standardized tests.

6. Warm coffee better than nothing!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching the high school field hockey game with my middle school players, tomorrow my plans include getting ready for the Dempsey Challenge and Sunday, I want to not have to walk in the rain!

Seriously Folks!

I have been a long time American Girl Doll fan - since around the age of 6. I had Kirsten and then Molly. This is way back when there were only three American Girls that we made in Europe. Let's flash forward twenty plus years to today. Now the American Girl Doll company has a store on 5th Avenue and is owned by Mattel (the owners of Barbie - GASP just the reason why I started playing with American Girl in the first place - to get away from Barbie!)

Now there are many more than three dolls in the line-up. I emailed American Girl early last year suggesting that they start making an Obama inspired doll - no can do. I just read today that they now have a homeless doll! Yes folks, a doll who is homeless for our pre-teens to play with! And we were worried about the poor body image that Barbie was sending. Let's just go back to the simple days of three dolls that you buy from a beautiful catalog and call it good!

Enjoy ~SJ

Codes

I own and rent government subsidized rental property. At times the hoops that you have to go through in order to meet all of the government codes are crazy! This recent Speed Bump comic reminds me of some of my recent conversations.

Enjoy ~SJ

It's 11 p.m.

.... and my lunch is packed, the crate is filled with all of my school books that came home for summer vacation, my "Big Paper" that was supposed to be done - isn't, things have been checked off my summer to-do list, and as of tonight there is a new shed in my driveway. Although tonight marks the end of summer as so many of the other River Valley Bloggers have commented via Facebook and their blogs, tonight also marks the beginning of a new year. Years have always begun for me in September and end in June, July and August are there own separate months. So let's raise our glass of pink lemonade and toast to another wonderful summer, I can't wait to play again next summer, but until then there are many more adventures to be had.

Enjoy ~SJ

Berry Challenges

I have said this hundreds of times, I love to pick all types of berries and could pick berries all day long. Summer of course is the best time to engage in this activity. Each type of berry poses its own challenges. Strawberries strains your legs, blueberries runs the risk of bears, and blackberries requires full body combat gear to even get into the bushes!

I have a little blackberry patch in my back yard, and grew up crawling through them for the precious fruit. Blackberries, like other fruit decided to grow on uneven ground adding to the overall challenge. As you carefully climb through the picky bush you not only need to make sure that you can get back out, but you also need to watch as carefully as you can your footing. Oh, and there is usually a snake or two so don't be startled.

It looks like I will be enjoying the yummy fruit from my yard over the next few weeks as long as I can figure out how to get myself to all of the fruit.

Enjoy ~SJ

Wonderful!

Enjoy ~SJ

I'm Trying To Be Good....

I have been working at my desk for many days now leaving only to feed and water myself. No, just kidding, it hasn't been that bad, but I have been logging excessive numbers of hours working on a paper that just doesn't seem to be going anywhere too fast. The blackberries have been taunting me out the window by slowly getting ripe. I think by this weekend I might be able to pick some to make a yummy treat. Until then I will try to get my work done.

Enjoy ~SJ

Friday Fill-Ins

And...here we go!

1. It's time for coffee and cereal.

2. _____; it's not a bad place for _____.

3. I must be crazy to think that I'm going to get all my work done next month, but I will manage!

4. Happiness is the best thing I have ever known.

5. My plan is simply always to enjoy life.

6. The last time I laughed really loudly was the other day over breakfast with Mi Prima, I was telling her about orphaned food (more about that later).

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the cousins arriving, tomorrow my plans include the Big Swim and Sunday, I want to relax!

And Now Mr. McCourt?!

This summer has been filled with celebrity deaths and now Frank McCourt! I been a fan of his writing since he published Angela's Ashes in the 90's. I just read Teacher Man earlier this year and was inspired by his novel teaching style. His amazing ability to tell a story came through vividly in his novels.

Enjoy ~SJ

Things I Have Neglected

The Music Man pointed out last night that I have been a little lax with my bog posts lately. Between posting pictures of Kermit's adventures, keeping my status updates up to date on Facebook, and plugging away at the huge paper I have not gotten enough started on, my blog has fallen to the side.

Over the past few weeks The Music Man and I have been consumed with surfing and searching for new motorcycles. It all started one afternoon when I took a break from that paper I just don't seem to have any interest in writing and decided to check out Craig's List. As I am sure you all know Craig's List can be a very consuming website where there are just too many great deals to check out, cross reference, and ponder. During this particular break I noticed that there was a motorcycle just like mine for sale at a price that I thought was fair, and the best part was mine was nicer. (Notice the use of past tense here). So on a whim I decided to post my motorcycle for sale and see what sort of

luck I would have with selling it. About a year ago a tried my luck with Craig's List to sell my scooter, in less than two days it was gone. Within an hour of posting my motorcycle on Craig's List The Music Man found it and sent me an email wondering what was up. I explained that I thought I would post it and see what happened. Well, let's just say that within six hours the bike was sold!

So started the search for another motorcycle. Let's just say that I spent way too much time looking at Craig's List, Uncle Henry's online as well as the paper version of Uncle Henry's. There were reviews online to check out, and brands to compare, and the all important seat height to study (see I have kind of short legs and it is important to me to have my feet flat on the ground).

In the end I found a Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic for sale in the next town ov

er, just exactly what I

wanted and so close. One day after summer school the Music Man and I went and checked it out. The couple selling it couldn't have been nicer, the bike was everything that I was looking for, and now it sits proudly in my driveway.

After the entire process of selling my old bike and purchase of the new bike the Music Man got inspired to do the same with his bike. So again started the cycle of checking out Craig's List, and Uncle

Henry's, reading reviews, and the constant debate of which one to get. In the end he found a great Honda Magna 750.

Now we both have "grown-up" motorcycles that we will be able to ride for years to come. Yesterday we went on an adventure to pick up a screw for his bike at the dealership in Lewiston (come to find out they had to special order the screw), and then went to our favorite burrito restaurant in Farmington, Big Mouth Burrito (more to come on that later). All totaled about 122 miles using less than five gallons of gas, hours of entertainment, and a great lunch.

So sorry regular readers, I haven't been neglecting you, it is just that I have been wrapped up in the world of Craig's List and Uncle Henry's.

Enjoy ~SJ

Friday Fill-Ins

And...here we go, another Friday Fill In!

1. The last thing I ate was a strawberry and another strawberry (who can stop at one?)!

2. A new motorcycle is something I recently bought.

3. When it rains, it seems to never stop - especially in Maine lately.

4. The Music Man was the first person I talked to today.

5. Hugs are always welcome.

6. Sunny days and fresh strawberries provide extra comfort after too many days of rain.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing and finishing my annotations, tomorrow my plans include (not sure) and Sunday, I want to (not sure)!

"These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things"*

Oregon Trail that you can play online with the original graphics! Got to love it!

Sun all day in the forecast with no rain!

* Title inspired by Rach and her recent blog titles.

Enjoy ~SJ

Kermit At The Beach

Kermit enjoyed a little R & R over the weekend taking in the rays at the beach in Humarock.

He is even getting creative with his photography.

Enjoy ~SJ

Skywatch Friday

In Humarock the 4th of July is celebrated on the 3rd, complete with bonfires and fireworks on the beach. With all of the rain that the northeast has been having the 3rd of July festivities have been a little dampened.

Happy Skywatch!

Enjoy ~SJ

Skywatch Friday or Photo Sleuthing?

A family member has been sending out old family pictures this week and asking for people to share if they know more about the story than just who is in the picture. I haven't been able to contribute much to this conversation but have been enjoying looking at the old pictures and learning more family stories. There was one photo that I could put in my two cents on and it is below. As I am sure that I have mentioned Worthley Pond has a long and deep rooted family tradition. Many generations of the family on both sides have spent their summers on the shores of the pond. The picture is just one piece of that family tradition. The part of the story that I could tell with the below picture is where on the pond the picture was taken, it happens to be not too far from my own house. I recognized the shoreline in the old picture and went down to my dock to confirm that this old picture was taken not to far from my own house - I decided to take a picture to prove it. I sent this all back to the family member who was happy to learn more about the picture. I am going to add it to my growing collection of family pictures from the pond.

Maybe doing a little Skywatch will help solve your own family photo questions!

Enjoy ~SJ

Raft Shack!

I want one, I mean I really want one! Yesterday The Music Man and I went to the Cape and had the opportunity to do a little fishing off from a "House Boat". I'm not sure if House Boat is the correct title for this amazing aquatic find, but I want one. Basically it is a little building that sits on top of a floating raft. Inside the building you could put a futon for sleeping, a bbq, chairs, and other overnight essentials. This would be a perfect addition to the Shamrock in the summer and could accommodate more guests, I think I shall name is Clover. Now I just have to figure out how to get one built for me, and what do do with it in the off season, any ideas?

Enjoy ~SJ

And Sometimes Y And Sometimes Y

I read a small list of comics on a daily basis via the internet. They are all neatly bookmarked in one folder where I simply have to click on "open all in tabs" and my morning chuckle is ready to read - isn't tab browsing and comics on the internet two of the greatest things?

I read the below comic a few days ago on Mordent Orange and just had to share.

Here is a list of the comics that I read daily in case you want to check them out:

Mordant Orange

Pooch Cafe

Close To Home

Calvin and Hobbes

Mother Goose and Grimm

Speed Bump

Enjoy ~SJ

And Cue The Fat Lady!

We have been able to hear the Fat Lady warming up for weeks now through the halls of school. I think she entered the building about a month ago when the 8th graders (Kermit and I) went on the three day trip to New York City. Her warm ups intensified when I could say to myself "That is the last new topic I have to teach", or "This is the last homework, quiz, or test assignment I have to grade", she was almost ready for her final note last week when I could say "My grades are done!" Yesterday was the last day for the students and although the students got to hear the Fat Lady, the staff only caught a glimpse of her since we have a workshop day today. Our district tradition is to have a school wide staff lunch and the Superintendent acknowledges those who have been teaching for specific milestones, or are retiring. I anticipate hearing the Fat Lady hit her final note after this lunch.

So, please cue the Fat Lady soon so that we can start our much anticipated and deserved summer vacation.

Enjoy ~SJ

As a side note, the phrase "It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings" was coined by Ralph Carpenter during a Red Raiders, Texas Tech basketball game in 1976.

A Point Of Reflection

The last few weeks have been filled with the hectic finish of the school year, topped of with a pile of homework for my own courses. While sitting at my kitchen counter this afternoon reading and outlining this was my view, thankfully I stopped and took a moment to enjoy this reflection. I think that it makes a fitting Skywatch post.

Enjoy ~SJ

Friday Fill-Ins

Another week of Friday Fill-Ins, the Mad-Lib blog! And...here we go!

1. I grew up thinking I wanted to be a dolphin trainer.

2.FedEx track your package was the last website I was at before coming here.

3. Why don't you give Friday Fill-Ins a try??

4. Naps help me relax.

5. "Thanks for the memories".

6. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a relaxing evening, tomorrow my plans include the Boston Guitar Festival and Sunday, I want to get some Chinese bubble tea!

Enjoy ~SJ

Skywatch Friday

The sky from the top of the Empire State Building, wish I would have tried to do a Kermit King Kong picture there. Click here for more Skywatch Friday posts.

Enjoy ~SJ

Friday Fill-Ins

I came across this new themed Friday blog event called Friday Fill-Ins where you simply mad-lib your way through a blog post. Feel free to play along!

1. I love my home and sometimes find it hard to go to work in the morning because of it.

2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been pork chops.

3. Quack! Quack! Quack! and bark! bark! bark! have been themes for the last few weeks.

4. A nice long walk would be a great thing if I could find the time.

5. Summer vacation is just around the corner is some good news.

6. When all is said and done, I love my life.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to planting and motorcycle rides, tomorrow my plans include trash and coffee and Sunday, I want to relax!

Enjoy ~SJ

Kermit's Adventure in New York

Kermit The Frog and I went on a little trip to New York City this past week with my 8th grade students. It was a great trip, but like so many to short. Here is our amphibious hero enjoying the sights.

KTF on top of the Empire State building and sitting on the bull near the Stock Exchange for good financial luck.

KTF inside the Apple store checking out an iPod touch and looking at the Apple Store sign.

KTF checking out Time Square and the dinosaur exhibit in the Natural History Museum.

Enjoy ~SJ

Skywatch Friday (ok Saturday)

Fresh back from his New York City tour, Kermit enjoyed many sights. His favorite was the Statue of Liberty where he can be seen here doing an impression of her. Happy Skywatch!

Enjoy ~SJ

The Grown Up Meme

Play along if you wish, this originally came from Amity

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?

Since I am a math teacher you would think that I enjoy the task of paying bills, but mostly I just dread sitting down and paying them all.

2. Do you miss being a child?

I was just talking about this last night with friends, there are great parts of being a child and great parts of being an adult.

3. Chore you hate the most?

Anything to do with laundry, just ask The Mother.

4. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?

The Music Man and I went to Slate's, always a wonderful dinner.

5. If you could go back and change one thing what would it be?

What sort of question is this?

6. Name of your first grade teacher?

Mrs. Collins, and Bob had a different chair than the rest of us.

7. What do you really want to be doing right now?

This

8. What did you want to be when you grew up?

A dolphin trainer

9. How many colleges did you attend?

One for undergrad, and another one for masters and doctoral

10. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?

It was there on the pile

11. What are your thoughts on gas prices?

Got to get the motorcycle out and drive it more.

12. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?

No alarm today, it is Sunday.

13. Last thought before going to sleep last night?

Long weekend.....

14. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?

Gary Larson

15. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?

Gone of the road a few times due to icy conditions

16. If you didn’t have to work, would you volunteer?

Yes

17. Get up early or sleep in?

Both

18. What is your favorite cartoon character?

They aren't a cartoon, but I loved the Fraggles

20. When did you first start feeling old?

When I got my first real job

21. Favorite lunch meat?

I hate lunch meat

22. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?

Lean Cuisines, that way I don't have to eat lunch meat for lunch

23. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?

It works for some people, so no

24. Favorite movie you wouldn’t want anyone to find out about?

??

25. What’s your favorite drink?

Fruit smoothies

26. Who[m] from high school would you like to run in to?

Well I ran into a whole bunch of them last night, it was great to catch up with them all.

27. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now?

NPR.

28. Sopranos or Desperate Housewives?

Sopranos, I had hope for Desperate Housewives but it just got too weird.

29. Do you like the person that sits directly across from you at work?

Yes, and sometimes we wave across the hall/library to one another when we shut our classroom doors.

30. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purposes?

Yes, a coffee cup caught on fire it the microwave. Moral of the story: Some plastic travel mugs have screws in them and fire extinguishers can make a huge mess!

31. Last book you finished reading?

Prep

Enjoy ~SJ

The Dump

Most people I would imagine just put their trash out to the curb and never wonder what happens to it after that. If you live in an area without trash pickup, like me, then you know a little more to the story of your trash. The Dump, or more formally known The Transfer Station has a series of etiquette that needs to be followed:

1) If it a busy day at The Dump wait patiently in your vehicle in line for the next available space.

2) If you are waiting in line make sure that you have moved your vehicle as far to the right as possible so vehicles can still get out.

3) Once you have a space close to "The Hopper" (giant pit where trash goes) quickly move to get your trash and recycling in all of the appropriate receptacles.

4) If you see someone you know (this always happens) talk quickly while taking care of trash, this is particularly true if there is a line.

5) Anything that might still have some use goes along the wall, "One persons trash is another persons treasures" this saying can not be more true than at The Dump.

6) Put all of your trash and recyclables in the correct place or The Dump Guy might come and yell at you. You must listen to him, he has a name tag and will remember you.

7) Do not leave your vehicle doors open, it makes it difficult for others to park close to "The Hopper".

Enjoy ~SJ

Skywatch Friday

The Music Man and I took the motorcycles out for a ride last weekend to the Height of Land an the way to Rangeley. As always the view was amazing.

Happy Skywatch Friday!

Enjoy ~SJ

Netflix Origami Fun!

In my relaxing hours of the evening I sometimes like to practice a little paper folding art. As I have mentioned earlier origami has been a hobby since childhood. I have a lot of origami books, none of which have a hippo pattern in them! I recently stumbled upon this website that is origami out of Netflix envelopes, environmentally friendly and exercises your visual-spatial skills! So far I have tried the shirt, frog, and crab.

Enjoy ~SJ

Skywatch Friday!

It has been awhile since I have posted a Skywatch. Last week while driving home from the middle school production of Annie the moon was reflecting beautifully on the river. Oh, and I guess I am the "Skywatch Host" for another week - such an honor!

Enjoy ~SJ

Origami Hippo

My students and I have had a running joke about hippos that steams from the Pythagorean Theorem. We also have been working on origami on and off all year long, so last night I got the idea of teaching them how to make an origami hippo. One small problem though, I don't know how to make an origami hippo, nor do I have a pattern - Google to the rescue! I did a little searching, found a few patterns but nothing that I really liked. While in search of the perfect paper hippo I updated my Facebook status to "is wondering how to make an origami hippo, anyone know?" Within moments I had a response complete with links, another few moments and I Mi Prima offer to look at the library for me today. Talk about service! Today I had a few moments so I gave one of the hippos a try, very simple and it might be the one I teach them how to make. With a few changes in the "nose" folding it could become an elephant too!

Enjoy ~SJ

Just Too Funny!

On my list of SJ facts that I have not shared yet is that I am a fan of the HBO show Sex and the City. When Indexed came out with this new chart today:

I added Indexed to my Google Reader about a year ago after Rach pointed me in that direction. The science/math geek in me just loves the almost daily index card chart outlining some phenomena. If Indexed isn't in your Google Reader I suggest you add it now.

Enjoy ~SJ

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's day to those two very special ladies in my life, with the continuous encouragement and support from the two of you so many things have been accomplished.

Enjoy ~SJ

If I Only Had A Brain Pythagorus

I have been teaching about the Pythagorean Theorem this week and I made reference to the fact that the Scarecrow quoted the Pythagorean Theorem when the Wizard gave him a brain. I decided today to look the scene up on youtube so that I could share it with my students tomorrow. Come to find out the Scarecrow misquoted the theorem! This makes it even more fun to share with them tomorrow. Can you find the mistake?

Enjoy ~SJ

It been a week....

.... and SJ has not posted anything new to her blog. Sorry readers, I think I am back into a state of blogging doldrum. Life has been filled with the same old routine - school, homework, sleep, eat, and maybe a motorcycle ride squeezed in. The Music Man and I did go to a great concert at Bates College last night with some friends, but other than that, nothing to exciting to blog about. The Mother is on her journey northward and will be arriving at the Shamrock on Wednesday, very excited to see her after her 6 months in Florida. Tomorrows goal is to take a picture of something exciting to post.

Enjoy ~SJ

Ben & Jerry's Flavor Generator

As part of the Ben and Jerry's website you can create and submit your own flavor creation to the flavor Gurus. Well, since I eat my share of Ben and Jerry's I decided to try my hand at creating my own flavor - I think it sounds amazing and here's hoping that The Gurus think so too. If you want to create you own simply click here.

Enjoy ~SJ

SJ's ABC's

Thanks Facebook for this one....

A - Age: 28

B - Bed size: Queen

C - Chore you hate: Folding laundry, but I have gotten much better over the years

D - Dog's name: Figment - since she is a figment of my imagination

E - Essential start to your day: shower and coffee

F - Favorite color: red

G - Gold or Silver: silver

H - Height: 5'4"

I - Instruments you play: viola, bass

J- Job: Teacher

K – Kids: nope

L - Living arrangements: A great house on a lake

M - Mom's name: Andrea

N - Nicknames:Sarah Jane, SJ

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: none

P - Pet Peeve: Getting things done late

Q - Quote from a movie:

R – Robot or Human? A robot would be cool to have fold my laundry

S - Siblings: none

T - Time you wake up: 6:10 on school days

U- Underwear: cotton

V - Vegetable you dislike: olives, mushrooms

W - Ways you run late: Don't factor in the travel time correctly

X - X-rays you've had:Teeth and nose

Y - Yummy food you make: Cookies, and bread

Z - Zoo favorite: Camel

Great Vacation

Vacation Accomplishments

Got the motorcycle out

Worked on homework

Slept

Errands in Portland

Free cone day at Ben & Jerry's

Learned how to change the oil in the motorcycle

Went to the Apple Store

Free cone day at Ben & Jerry's (yes, I had two)

So far it has been a great vacation and it is only Tuesday!

Enjoy ~SJ

Skywatch Friday!

The ice is out, the ducks and loons are coming back, so that must mean that spring is here! Happy skywatch!

Enjoy ~SJ

Where's SJ Answer, or American Folktale & Skywatch

The two winners of the Guess Where SJ Is contest are Rach, and Uncommonly Common. Both will be winning the Dixfield University (Corner Store) gift card prize! Thank you for all participating.

Now onto the answer. Yes, I was standing at the foot of the Paul Bunyan statue in Rumford at the Information Center. While visiting the Information Center I learned why we have a Paul Bunyon statue, and how he grow up here in Maine. What follows is the Paul Bunyon story according to the Information Center.

"As the legend goes, Paul Bunyon was born in Bangor, Maine. At the time of his birth, not only one stork brought Paul to his parents but also it took five very large storks. He did not have a normal size crable because he was so large, his first bed happened to be a lumber wagon that was pulled by a team of horses. To rock Paul to sleep, his father would drive the wagon up to the top of Maine and back home again.

When he was just a few days old, he could cry loud, so loud that he scared all of the fish out of the rivers and streams in the entire agea. The frogs that lived in the ponds nearby began wearing earmuffs in the morning when Paul would scream so loudly for his breakfast afraid they might go deaf. The cows had a large order to fill as it took the milk from 24 cows to keep his bottle filled and his mother had to give him ten barrels of porridge every two hours to keep his stomach from growling and knocking the house down.

When he was only a week old, he could wear his father's clothing. When he was three weeks old, he rolled around during his nap and tore down the timeber on four square miles of timberland. His parents could not handle all the destruction that their young Paul was causing, so they built a raft and floated it just off the coast of Maine. However, this was not a great idea. He rolled over on the raft and caused a 75-foot tidal wave in the Bay of Fundy. The British Navy had to come to the resuce to awaken Paul from hi nap. It took every cannon on the entire fleet and seven hours of firing their cannons to awaken him. Paul woke up and stepped off his raft but accidently sank four war ships.

After this, his parents decided that Maine and the entire easter coast were just too small for Paul, so they moved to Minnesote."

So that is the tall tale about the childhood of Paul Bunyan growing up in Maine. This last picture is my Skywatch Friday picture.

Enjoy ~SJ

Marketing Overload Take 2

Around this time last year I blogged extensively about the ridiculous variety of Peeps available on the market. They seem to come in every shape and size for all holidays. What ever happened to Peeps being available for only Easter as yellow chicks? I mean, isn't the word peep simply a synonym for chick? During a recent trip to Rite Aid I noticed another new Peep color, orange. Now as odd as it was to see orange Peeps I have to admit that it seems like the most logical color besides yellow since it closely resembles to color of a bird. At least it is a closer color choice than say electric blue or hot pink, right?

Happy Easter, enjoy ~SJ

Where's SJ?

As the title suggests, this is a little like Waldo, only you have to guess where SJ was when she took the picture. I will give you a hint, I was in the Greater River Valley area. The winner gets a prize, click here for a hint at what the prize is.

Enjoy ~SJ

Swimming Anyone?

The ice is starting to go out and it looks like the public beach is welcoming swimmers. Glad that I took this picture when I did because a few hours later when I drove by again the little green frog float toy was gone. Wonder where he hopped off to?

Skywatch Friday Guest Host

I was selected to be the Guest Host on the Skywatch Friday site. To be a host you simply have to send an email to the site moderator and wait your turn. I sent my request in late last week and got the good news a few days ago. You can click here to read more about how you too can be a Guest Host.

Enjoy ~SJ











Kermit at the Fort Worth Stockyards

April Fools Day

Ok, I know that I am a day late posting about April Fools Day, but it took me 24 hours to recover. You have to understand that for middle school students April Fools Day is a national holiday, bigger than Christmas and Halloween combined. Since this year the first of April fell on a school day it was pure crazy in my school yesterday! We had students leave rocks that looked like feces in classrooms, hide on teachers, and bark like dogs whenever teachers said a predetermined word. I think that I will have to do some researching and planning before next years day of pranks comes around.

Enjoy ~SJ

Views From Worthley Pond, or Skywatch Tuesday?

We all can smell it in the air and witness it in the familiar new sights around us, spring is on its way. Winter coats are being put away, yards can be seen again after their months under heavy blankets of snow, and birds are coming back from their winter travels. The view out my front window is changing, but the exciting sign of spring has not happened yet. The ice is still on the pond and it will be there for at least a few more weeks. I took this picture last Friday for Skywatch Friday but got too busy to post it. If you look carefully you can see my snowshoe prints walking off across the pond. Although I am excited for spring to come, and am sadly going to miss my afternoons of trekking on the pond enjoying the sun and fresh air.

Enjoy ~SJ

What Part Of Spring?

Thank you oh amazing internet quizzes! I am down for the count with a cold, up to my ears in class work, and trying to grade and enter student work. I keep thinking that I will feel more inspired and energized once spring is really here. This quiz kind of help....

You Are Chirping Birds

You are a very caring person. You especially feel for innocent beings, like animals and children. You are keyed in to the world and very peaceful. You believe that everyone is connected. You remain focused and in the moment. You are not easily distracted. You have a good memory, especially for things that you hear. You listen carefully.

What Part of Spring Are You?

Enjoy ~SJ