Monday, June 28, 2010

Summer siestas and such

The past couple of weeks have been so hot. It's very hard to enjoy the outdoors unless you are in a pool! Every morning, I take care of the horses, water potted plants, then mow or do whatever other outdoor activities I need. Afterwards, it's inside for the majority of the rest of my day. As it turns out, after lunch I have very much fallen into a naptime routine. Have I expended so much energy in the morning that I need the nap? The evenings and nights go back to being productive. I can see why other cultures have taken their afternoon naps. I remember many shops in Italy and Greece closed a couple of hours after lunch, those that were away from the touristy areas. Of course, the little Italian town where we stayed during the World Cup championship of 2006 put up a large screen for the entire town to watch the final match with France that evening. It was fabulous to be a part of that! The townspeople were up all night after their win celebrating with car horns and noisemakers. They definitely needed their naps the next day!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

summer musings

Time can be so fleeting. So cliche, but so true. It's already late June and there are so many things I still want to accomplish before another school year begins. I wonder how I get everything done during the school year! My day is busy now without teaching, planing, and grading papers adding to the day! Of course, I'm also reading for pleasure, enjoying my garden, and spending more time with my animals now. My daughter has her own work and relax/play schedule, and we get together at times. I'm hoping the three of us can canoe the river or find that island on the lake to enjoy before summer's end.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Summertime thoughts

High school graduation was today, with family members and friends sitting in the hot sun for a couple of hours in order to get a glimpse of their favorite graduates cross the stage. Ms. Warren, the chosen speaker, was very good. She not only infused humor with an inspiring message, she also sang a lovely goodbye to the class of 2010. This class contained 552 graduates! They have many challenges ahead, but amongst them are our scientists, politicians, caregivers, teachers, mechanics, engineers, business owners, healthcare workers, and tradesmen. They will achieve and share their gifts with the rest of us; all of us benefit when our future workforce is properly educated.