First Day of School

Today is the first day of school for students at my son's middle school in Virginia. When Sarah and I went up for Ella's birthday at the beginning of the month, I went with David one day to his classroom to see his setup and to view the Smart Board that he has in his classroom. What a wonderful way to be able to demonstrate math concepts to eighth graders. His is the only middle school in his city, and the school has undergone some major renovation and new construction.

When I walked into his classroom and walked the halls and visited some of the other classrooms, the first thing I looked at was the floors. How they sparkled awaiting new students. I remember as I would begin a new year of teaching looking at my room that had been cleaned so well over the summer with the shiny floors. The first day was probably the last day that they were so clean. Those of you who have been in the classroom know what I mean.

David's computer is connected to the smart board, and he is able to write with a stylus on the board and then choose to have the computer recognize it and save it. As you can see here, his desktop shows up there on the board. I asked David what his students thought of his photo of Sabrina and Ella. He said, "Oh, they love it. It helps them know that I'm human."

While he's there at the board, he can go to the internet and pull up helps and visuals for his students. Did you have a good grasp of fractions as a student, or did you just learn those facts like I did? Why does the larger denominator mean a smaller part? Here it is easier to visualize.

He can have a worksheet like this reproduced for the students to work at their desks as he demonstrates and helps them from the front.

This equation was written with the stylus by hand, then recognized by the computer. I was amazed. I'm not sure how many Smart Boards are in his school, but he, as a first year teacher, had one at his disposal last year. Such is not the case everywhere. I asked one of my teacher friends who in our county had smart boards. Her reply? "If you have connections, you might have one. They're very expensive." And then, unfortunately, there are still teachers who are a bit afraid of the "new stuff."

It is a new day in education. Methods change. Technology makes advances every day, and yet teachers are still working with human beings. I was always a bit jealous of my husband who was a master electrician. When he did a wiring job and was finished, there were never any loose ends, no wires hanging loose. If there had been, he would have been in big trouble. When he was finished, he was finished.

As a teacher, I never felt that way. I never felt that my job was done. There was always something more that could be done...never finished. And we were working with humans. We tried methods that got thrown out because it was decided that wasn't the right way to do it, and then if we waited long enough, here it came again...the same thing with a different name.

I salute the teachers who have started or will be starting this school year,

and I take my hat off to you, my son.
May you be a teacher who will make a difference in the lives of your
students this year, not just by the things that you try to teach in the
classroom, but by the life that you live before them each day.

(Please excuse the appearance of this post. The way that it posts, and the way that it previews are not one and the same.)

Hope

True hope dwells on the possible, even when life seems to be a plot writtenby someone who wants to see how much adversity we can overcome. --Walter Anderson

I have been thinking about the word "hope" a lot lately. We use the word so easily. "Well, I hope so." Hope seems to be tied in with waiting. Several months ago, I wrote about a young man named Anthony who was awaiting a bone marrow transplant at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati. Whenever his father would write in the journal at Caring Bridge, he would end his entries with this passage, Isaiah 40:31 and then write, "I will hope."

Last week Anthony and his twin brother, who also has Fanconi's Anemia, but who is not affected yet, were examined by physicians in Cincinnati. All of their tests show them well, and they cleared Anthony to go back to school, so this past week, Anthony began his senior year at Bradenton Christian School. Talk about excitement there. The school is such a great family, and everyone had been praying for and raising funds for Anthony and all his family's expenses.

On Wednesday of this past week, Anthony was back in class. You can read his story here.

I have been following another young person who had a bone marrow transplant about three months ago. Louise is still waiting to soar on her eagle's wings. She has had infection after infection and graft versus host disease. She has been gravely ill and remains so. Her liver is now affected. The doctors have run out of drugs to use. The family had researched and found a new drug that is not out yet, and they were going to try to get that and use it. In the meantime, the doctors have been doing plasmapheresis to try to help her condition improve some.

At the end of every update, her boyfriend, who has not left her side, asks for prayer and a miracle. Sometimes it seems that they've almost given up hope. But I guess the saying is true, "While there is breath, there is hope."

Rejoice with Anthony and pray for Louise that her miracle will come.

These verses from Jeremiah are a wonderful promise for those who hope and wait for God.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Growing Older

The photo of Ella and her Aunt Sarah has nothing whatsoever to do with this post. I just thought it was a cute picture of her in the straw hat. She loves hats as you may have noticed from previous posts.

I received an e-mail today from a friend inquiring about how I was. I replied that I was quite tired. She responded by saying, "Well, as we get older, it takes longer to rest up from a long trip." I guess it is true, after all, isn't it. Our minds think we're still young, but the body sometimes lets us know that it just isn't so. (I wanted to use "ain't" there so badly, but I couldn't let myself.)

This evening when I was checking my e-mail, I received this from a high school friend. It pretty much expresses how I feel.

The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let him know.

Growing Older, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body ... The wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the cellulite. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don't agonize over those things for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to be messy, to be extravagant, to smell the flowers. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m. And then sleep until -- ?

I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50's & 60's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini set. (Now that is one thing I wouldn't do.)

They, too, will get old. (if they're lucky) I know I am sometimes forgetful. But then again, some of life is just as well forgotten and I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when a beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. I can say "no," and mean it. I can say "yes" and mean it.


A you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being older. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day...

(if I want).

Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles. Love simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Well, I don't really eat dessert every day. Maybe, once a week, because I do know the consequences of that.

I read a blog by a lady who has in her signature line, "I'm going to live forever. So far, so good."

Ella Loves Books

Ella loves books. What a joy to see her enjoy the pictures and listen to the words of favorite children's books. David has been home this summer with her, and he has "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" down pat. Do you remember those days? I do. I loved reading books to my children, hoping that when they got older, they would continue to love books.

We left very hot Virginia and traveled to Florida where, although hot, has not had the temperatures that some of you all have had in other states. When we were driving down I-95, temperatures ranged between 96 and 100 on the thermometer in the car. When we got near home, it dropped to 92, so you see, it is cooler in Florida than other places. Well, not cooler, but temperatures are lower.

One day after I got home, I had to deliver some P*mpered Chef products to a customer, and a lady who works in the place of business I stopped was one of my husband's clients when he did electrical work at her previous place of employment. Don had done work for her and her husband in their home, and he got to know them quite well.

This lady's husband used to be a commercial fisherman. Later he worked for the county and then retired on disability because of problems with his knees. He still loves to fish. His wife told me that one day last week he was cast netting out by the bridge that goes over to the island. He started to move to another spot, and as he did, he felt something like seaweed, or so he thought, caught on his pants.

After a few moments he looked down, and there was a manatee, bumping up against his leg. He was so amazed. His wife said he told her that the fishing was forgotten for a while. He spent probably a half-hour stroking his head and back. The manatee swam around him and through his legs, and then he stroked him some more.

I got goosebumps and had tears in my eyes as she told me this story. What an experience! Some people pay to have that experience. Our local museum has Snooty, a manatee that was born in captivity around 60 years ago. Our school used to take field trips to the museum every year, and that was always the highlight of the trip. The children loved to see Snooty. I still like to go see him, but I especially love to see them in the river or the inlets when they come in.

Have you every seen a manatee?

One year old!

One year old! August 4. Friends and family gathered for a birthday celebration for Ella in the back yard. Ella's mom and dad planned a wonderful day for Ella and all of us who gathered. The gorgeous cake pictured above and another one were available for the guests while Ella had her own cake.

She wasn't too sure about her cake but did manage to get her hands in it and then on her face and in her hair. That's what the first birthday cake is for, right?

Ella's parents had requested the presence of guests, but not presents. However, not too many people listened. Books and clothes were the presents of the day. One of the books was the Golden Book, The Poky Little Puppy. I think that was the first Golden Book that I ever had, and that was probably 55 years ago. Maybe it was actually longer ago than that.

We all oohed and aahed over the clothes while Ella seemed to enjoy the hangers. A couple of molars are working their way through, so the hanger can only help, right?

One year old, part 2

A lovely table was set with several different appetizers and salads for guests to choose from. No one could say that they walked away hungry. Both David and Sabrina are quite good in the kitchen. They find that a lot of the recipes from the P*mpered Chef fit the bill.

One of the ladies who takes care of Ella brought a gift wrapped in D*ra paper. Ella loves D*ra. She just gets the biggest grin on her face when she sees her.

This activity table is going be one of her favorites. It has all sorts of gadgets to stimulate her. If you want to learn the alphabet in either English or Spanish, it's here for the taking.

After everyone was gone, all the balloons were gathered in one place for one last hurrah. Ella had a wonderful first birthday party, and everyone enjoyed being with her. I'm glad that I can share this with my blogging friends and other friends who stop by and let me know that they've read my posts.

Ella has been very healthy this first year of her life. We pray that it continues for many, many years to come. We pray that it won't be long before the scientists can discover how to engineer the gene to effect a cure for cystic fibrosis, a condition for which there is now no cure. Won't you join us?

Ella in April

In April I spent two weeks with Ella, and we really got to know each other quite well. She's eight months old in these photos.

These are my absolute favorites photos of her so far. I love how she looked at the baby in the mirror.
Sarah and I drove up into North Carolina today. We'll drive on to Virginia in the morning...one day before the big birthday number 1 for Ella.

Ella's First Six Months

Ella's first birthday is this Saturday, August 4. Some of you have been reading my blog ever since before she was born, and so you know the excitement that we all felt at this precious little girl was born. My dear daughter-in-law says that she looks at these photos very wistfully because they were all taken before we knew that Ella had cystic fibrosis.

After the first few days the results of the blood test came in, and the doctor said that the test was positive for possible CF, but that further tests would need to be done. After the diagnosis, treatment was begun right away, and Ella has spent this first year of her life in good health. When I read of little ones who are born so ill with it, I'm very thankful. Ella's parents are very diligent in her care and treatment which is done every day.

I remember when she began smiling whenever she was lying on her changing table, and then one day she laughed out loud. Now she really laughs and has a good time.

She hd her first plane ride to Florida and December, and we had a good time together with Aunt Sarah, Great-Grandpa, and many friends who had been praying for this baby faithfully and still do.

In February, Ella's mom went to a convention in Nashville, and I flew up to take care of her while she was in meetings. We had a good time together. During her first six months of life, I got to be with her four different times. I am so thankful for that opportunity.

Day after tomorrow, Sarah and I are going to drive up to be with her for her first birthday. We can hardly wait. I'll post some more photos tomorrow that will pick up from here to the present.

This 'n' that in Chicago

I guess you don't have to guess what store this sign is in front of. Do you remember the days when the NBA was fun to watch? Especially in the days of MJ! Last year when I went to an even at the United Center, I took pictures of the statue of MJ outside the center. Inside it was neat to see his retired number, along with those of other players for the Bulls.

I have no idea who said that, but it true, isn't it.

I would have like to visit inside this building. Do they build harps there? Do they get them ready for shipping? How many harps do they sell? Do you play the harp?

Finally, this sign. Isn't that a hoot! And it isn't in Florida. It's in Chicago, out by the United Center. I remember seeing that last summer and being amused. I don't know if there is a senior citizens center nearby or what... must be. I'd say that we could use some here in Florida, but the only problem is, they're all behind the wheel. And that isn't funny.

Along Michigan Avenue

After we came down from atop the John Hancock Tower, my friend said to me, "We can walk back to the hotel." I was not at all sure that would work, but we took it easy as we walked along Michigan Avenue. There is always something interesting to look at. I'm not much of a shopper, so the stores did not beckon to me. However, all along the way there were interesting plantings and every so often there were these dresses.

I thought of Kenju when I saw these creations. She is florist extraordinaire, you know. I was glad for a chance to stop and take a look and then snap a photo. It rested my feet and legs a bit.

Several years ago, when I started going to Chicago for conferences, there was always something to grab your attention. The first one that I remember was "Cows on Parade." There were cows everywhere, beautifully decorated according to the taste of the artist. Many cities began to do something similar. Cincinnati had "Pigs on Parade." Even our city here has geckos here and there on buildings to which artists have added their touch. Since we're Manatee County, I always thought we should have manatees, but nobody asked me. We do have lots of geckos around.

I have a few more photos to post of Chicago, then I'll be going on to a much more important date...Ella's first birthday. Can you believe that baby will be a year old next Saturday, August 4!!! I just got some new photos of her that are so cute! I know you can hardly wait. LOL.

Commenting or lack of same

I want to let those of you who use the blogger comments know that for some reason I almost always cannot leave a comment on your posts. Please know that I am reading them faithfully, and if I had your e-mail, I'd let you know that way. There must be a glitch in my program somewhere, but I don't know how to fix it.

Atop the Hancock Tower

After visiting the aquarium, my friend and I took the trolley back into the city and got off at the John Hancock tower. After getting a bite to eat, we rode to the top to have a view of the city from on high. The Navy Pier, which is a very popular place, is clearly visible from the tower. To the left is a water treatment plant.

Moving on around, looking to the south, one can see the many tall structures that make up the skyline of Chicago. Coming from Florida where we don't have many towers or high buildings, I'm always in awe of the height of these buildings.

Looking down on these buildings, you can see that people have their patios on the top of the buildings. Many of the hotels have their pools on the top as well.

Before we left I decided to lie down on one of the beams so that you can get some perspective of the view from the top. One could also have his picture made appearing to be washing windows. I decided not to work that day, but there were lots of folks lined up to have their pictures made there.

Under the Sea

Tank after tank of fish and sea life were available for viewing at the aquarium. Many, many displays and lots of people there. Here and there in small areas seated on the floor were docents with their young charges, teaching about the wonders of the sea and the need for conservation.

Several tanks had eels. I wouldn't want to meet one of them at any time. They do indeed have a menacing look.

Camouflage is a wonderful provision of protection for the creatures. I believe this is a spongefish. At first glance, one does not necessarily see the fish, but on closer look, one can see the eyes, the mouth, and the fins.

This tank reminded me of the couple of times that I went snorkeling off the coast of Haiti...truly a different world to behold. I think God had a wonderful sense of humor and great imagination when He created some of our lifeforms. If you click on the photos, you can, of course, see them in greater detail. In the last photo, if you click on it, you can find Nemo. His name seems to be universal. When I was standing looking at these tanks, I kept hearing "There's Nemo...there's Nemo."

Is it safe to come out now?

Walking around the streets of Chicago, I frequently saw these in the sidewalk. I assume that they are fire hydrants, but I don't know for sure, and I didn't see anyone to ask. This photo looks like it's begging for a caption, so I'm going to steal a line from Carmi, "Caption this." I have a couple of ideas of my own, but I'll wait and see what you come up with.

An free and easy way to get around Chicago is to ride the free trolley. A couple of blocks from the hotel, we boarded the red trolley which took us up Michigan Avenue and then to the transfer spot for the green trolley which took us to the museum area of the city. We took it as far as the Shedd Aquarium, got off, enjoyed our visit, and then boarded again to return to our transfer spot. This young man kept us all in order. The pylons were marked with the color of the desired trolley, and he made sure that everyone was in line according to when he had arrived.

It was a beautiful, cool, sunny day when we rode the trolley, so the side flaps were up, and we enjoyed the breeze as it wafted through the car. Everyone was in a good mood, looking forward to a day of sightseeing.

On the way back to the hotel, we once again rode the green trolley to our transfer spot. As we passed by the Art Institute, I thought of Aslan as I saw this lion. He looked a little braver than Vicki's lion at the zoo. I had mentioned in an earlier post that I expected to see Vicki and visit the zoo, but alas, she is a very busy lady, and our schedules didn't quite mesh. As much as I wanted to visit with her, I knew that she was pressed for time. If you go to her blog, you'll see that she was visiting with her dear Bud for much of the week when I was in the Windy City.

When we got back on the red trolley, we rode until we got to the John Hancock Tower where we had lunch and then went to the top. We tried to get reservations to eat on the 94th floor, but they didn't have any...so we ate at the Che*secake Factory and then went to the top. Come back next time for some wonderful views of Chicago.