Tuesday, June 10, 2025

120

Same old, same old day yesterday except for the order of things as it rained in the morning when we tried to take our walk. Dinner at the Mexican place was just as good as previously.

Today we may go off campus after our morning activities. The plan is to go snorkeling, then lunch out at a beach shack place. Dinner tonight at a pier on the water near the airport. All remaining days are pretty much accounted for as far as dinners other than possibly Thursday. I used to hate when we had fewer days remaining than we have been here and we were winding down toward home and work. Now that isn't the case as I am looking forward to getting home and seeing Justice. And MAYBE the weather up there will finally get nice.

Speaking of weather, the forecast here shows rain in the morning Wednesday through Friday. That is almost unheard of here! It may change though.

Have a titanium Tuesday!

I get the feeling that vacation winding down doesn't hit the same way when you're retired. I saw an early ad for the Minnesota State Fair, and I felt a twinge of sadness because, while fun, its Labor Day Weekend. Then I remembered that Labor Day is NOT the summons to return to school anymore. In fact, I won't be at the State Fair either, because I will be in Scotland that day. :)

Last year I had to pack up my classroom because I was getting new carpet. I complained some, but it turned out to be a blessing, because I tossed a bunch of stuff. Packing up this week has been so easy. My desk, shelves, file cabinets are completely done. All that's left is to take down my bulletin boards and move a few things like my dorm fridge and microwave to it's new owner.

The weather is very nice today, sun and 80s. I wonder if it reached Wisconsin and is Paula kayaking?

We bought tickets for Boston, so we can assist my Aunt after her surgery. We will be in Amherst from the 23rd - 29th, and spend the night of the 29th with DD, then fly home on the 30th.

Speaking of DD, she is continuing to see the nice young man from work. As always when my kids are dating someone new, I hope they are having fun. It sounds like it.

I am overwhelmed by the kindness students are showing me as school is winding down. Kids I had in class two or three years ago are stopping by to say goodbye. What a privilege to have been a part of their lives. This is the deeply satisfying part of teaching: knowing that while you may have changed them, they have definitely changed you. And made you laugh, oh my goodness, the laughs. I am ready to retire, but I leave with so much gratitude for the opportunity to know these young people.

No kayaking today. It was cold, cloudy and windy today. I had to wear a sweatshirt and an additional jacket! Your nice weather should reach us by tomorrow and kayaking is indeed on the docket!

How cool that students from years before are stopping by with their well wishes. I certainly had a few teachers in my life that I have done that for!

What a tribute to affect the lives of so many others in a positive way. Leaving an insurance company didn't really feel that way LOL. Though I did mentor some people who continued on to have great careers.

I just looked at the weather in Massachusetts for next week when we are home. Still rainy half the time. Yuck!

I know for sure that you impacted people in a positive way during your professional life, by extending kindness and empathy. There are people who were in a bind or tough situation *****member to this day that you helped them out.

I definitely have favorite teachers from my school days that helped shape who I am today. How wonderful to know that's YOU for many kids!

Thank you! It means the world to me if I made a kid feel seen and valuable.

What a deserving paean that is to the professional life you chose for yourself. You're one of the goodest ones!

Greetings all

Overcast today with a chill I find delightful. I made myself go to the gym to walk and am glad I did. Later in the day I always feel better and less gimpy. Memo to that other person who lives inside my head : get up and get over it! After that it was a studio day with much glazing to finish. 6 items. Then I made a stop at the bank for spending $$. No Scrabble today so it feels like a Friday or something.

Well continue to enjoy the Aruba beach Liz. Sounds like a totally relaxing place. Snorkeling is a must. Please report. Just realized that if I ever do it again my snorkel mask won't be right because it has prescription lenses in it. Hmm on rain. I remember in Mexico it often rained for a bit mid morning but did not last.

DD nice to hear that your winding down days are pleasant and striking a good note. Hold those thoughts. School is soon in the rear view mirror.

Not much else here. DH got Costco shrimp so thats a win win for me. Good food plus no cooking.

Waiting to hear from our continental traveler.

Diane S

Yum on the Costco shrimp. I always buy their frozen, raw, tail off variety. I bet the pre cooked is wonderful. I do pick up some shrimp ****tail and surimi from the local Pick N Save!

Congrats on going to the gym and getting 'er done!