Santa Hats and Cookies

 Merry Christmas - and for those who don't celebrate, Happy Day!

It has been a strange year, so why not make it a slightly strange holiday? I was missing singing at mass last night, something I look forward to every year. The choir would have been working on songs starting at the end of September, and a merry time we would have had!  Last year we were in Williamsburg for Christmas, which was a wonderful time. I didn't sing with the choir last Christmas, and though I sort of missed it, I didn't expect at the time there would barely be any singing for 2020. So, when I tuned in to a live stream of mass last night, seeing all the red poinsettia plants amidst the lit trees, there was a tiny, bittersweet pang of "I wish" in my heart. 

We did put up the tree, and because everything is in storage, we only brought two boxes of ornaments with the tree back to the house. I don't believe I've unveiled DH's plan for 2021 - more on that in the new year. For now, know that many holiday items are in a storage unit, and much of our household will be traveling there to join it all in the coming months.

One box is filled with an assortment of red, burgundy, and gold balls - plus a few other spheres that hold special meaning, like the one with Snoopy that commemorated the year I graduated high school, and one for our first Christmas as a married couple. The other box is labeled "Santa Ornaments", which contains Santa ornaments (no kidding!), plus angels, Hallmarks' Frosty Friends (which we eventually stopped buying) and another series with penguins, which Moink usually got in his stocking. We have collected several series of ornaments depicting Santa from around the world. There is Pere Noel, one is Father Christmas, Santa Lucia, Saint Nicholas, and so on. There are egg0 shaped wooden Santas, and some are Santa icicles that have lovely textured and painted details. Then, there are the angels. DH made a dozen of ceramic angels in white and gold. There is a Jim Shore angel. A new one given to me by BFF - two angels with arms linked, with the word 'friends' written on it. And, one elf - an ornament made from a nylon stocking that was stuffed with fluff, and sewn into an elf form - wearing a Santa hat, and nothing else! It was given to me by a 7th grader - Billie Jo - from my very first teaching assignment, oh so many years ago. It must go on the tree every year, no matter what. Not DH's style for certain, but he's been very understanding, for 36 years now!

Speaking of DH, he's been pretty busy, too! Completely retired now, he's been out a lot in the past week, and every time he comes home, he brings another goodie. Working full-time doesn't afford the spare minutes to bake cookies. One thing that has always been a big part of his Christmas is the baking. and he wand to make up a nice cookie tray, so he's been buying them. There are thumbprints and cheesecake cookies, and little truffle/mint delights; there is apricot kolochki, and amoretto cookies, and don't forget the lady fingers...and the list just goes on. There are also Italian meat and cheese appetizers to put out today to munch on while we wait for the roast beast to cook. Cookies and snacks galore. Not complaining! 

Of course, there is a story to go with the Santa hat reference. Years ago, I worked for a while at a store called  Children's Palace, a massive toy store. (boy, now there's a treasure trove of stories!) I was walking through the store at the end of a shift doing a clean-up. People would decide not to get something and set it down where it didn't belong (can you imagine?). There would also be the awful chore of finding packaging from things that had been stolen, and of course, that all had to be written up and reported as losses. Not a good thing for any retail store! During one of those clean-up runs, I found this Santa hat. It didn't look like any of the others (it is a really nice quality!), and there was no tag. So, I brought it up to the front desk. My friend Dorothy said, "I've never seen one like that here before. Do you want it? It isn't like the others, but we can ring it up using one of those tags."

So I bought it. 

Did Santa lose his hat? Where did it come from? I'll never know for certain, but I've kept it safe all these years, just in case he comes looking for it. So, one Christmas, I don't know what was going on, but we must have been decorating for the holiday.  I must have been verbally disapproving of something when the hat was unpacked. Apparently, I stopped mid-chastisement to exclaim, "Ooh, Santa hat!" This became a favorite of the children and DH, who would point and yell, "Look, Santa hat!" if they were about to get an earful from their loving mother. And, it hasn't died down. While I no longer need to chastise my adult children, they are quite quick to point out Santa hats. Ha, ha ha. I mean, ho, ho ho!

So, in this weirdness of 2020, we are still looking for the things that make us happy - obviously, cookies, and of course, Santa hats. I hope you are enjoying the things that make you happy with the loved ones you are able to safely gather around you. Here at the pool, we'll be dipping our toes into the warm memories that make this time of year so special. Let's learn from this past year, taking those lessons into the new, and know that together, we'll make a difference for each other. Hugs.

One and a Half Minutes Left in the Game

 Hey there! Welcome back to the Stress Pool, where the water is warm and the concession stand never closes. Christmas cookies are on the menu now, along with eggnog and everything to go with it!

Have you ever noticed how you end up with a train of thought, with no idea of the origin? That happens to me all the time, like it did this morning. DH and I were on our way to the grocery store, each mired in our own thoughts. Mine were stuck on trying to remember today's date. (I eventually did, by the way!). Then, it came to me how close we are to ringing in the New Year, and beads of sweat broke out along my hairline. "Oh no," I thought, "don't jinx it!" Don't worry, nothing was uttered out loud - but it did remind me of a story.

Many several years ago (and it had to be before 2006, because Jerome Bettis was still playing), Mima, BFFB, and possibly one of the girls and I went out to do a little Christmas shopping. On the way home, BFFB asked if I would tune in to the Steeler game to catch the score. We were in the fourth quarter, and if I remember correctly, it was a very important game. Die-hard fans, Mima and BFFB.

Let me digress here: Big Brother was a kicker for both his high school and college football teams. I know squat about football, except what BFFB explained to me as we sat in the stands and watched our boys - her son, Davis, a year ahead of Big Brother, was also on the high school team. However, there were a few things I learned that nobody had to teach me. One of those things was the course of the game could change at any given moment. You see where this is going...

They were close to the end of the fourth quarter. The Steelers had the ball, and we were ahead. The announcer said, "There's a minute and a half left in the game." Cheers erupted in the car.

Then, I spouted out the one thing I knew to be true: "A minute and a half? Anything can happen in a minute and a half!"

As if on cue, Bettis fumbled the ball, and the other team (whoever they were) retrieved it. There might have been some yardage gained - like, enough to give them points advantage. I don't quite remember all the details, and believe I've blocked it out. It was good for me that I was driving and the car was moving, if you catch my drift. I might have found myself stranded on the road! No 'bad' words were said, but apparently it was my fault the fumble occurred, and the mood of our group was radically changed. 

"How could you say that?"

 "What's wrong with you?"

 In the fraction of a second I'd failed my mother, my children, my friends, my city. Just lead me to the path of shame!

So, this morning as we drove along and my thoughts drifted, I bit my tongue. No, I did not say it, nor will I type those incriminating words here. I will not be blamed for any troubles in the New Year brought on by jinxing events that have nothing to do with me, because I obviously hold some crazy power over the cosmos. For the record, last New Year's eve I did not say that 2020 would have to be better than 2019 - I didn't think 2019 was that bad! So, if Atlas shrugs, oceans rise, mountains fall, or your car doesn't start, it won't be my fault.

Wondering what happened in the game? In order to regain my status as a respectable Pittsburgher, I said, "There is still over a minute left; anything can happen!" Amid groans by my companions and by some miracle, Pittsburgh regained the ball, scored a touchdown, kicked the extra point, and won the game. I was redeemed, but it was decided that I should never listen to or watch a Steeler game again. And I haven't. So, when they lost last week and broke their winning streak, that was somebody else's doing, not mine. (We will not count that 10 seconds where I checked the score and saw that we were ahead.)

Let's just live in the moments we have left this year, and keep looking for the good. Our family has had a lot of good runs in the midst of the chaos and turmoil. We have each other. We have good friends. Even some scary health moments have been overcome, at least for now. I just need a little work on keeping track of the thought train - especially the express!

So, pop on down to the Pool, and we can talk about what's on our minds, but maybe after the game. You know.

The Great Purge

 The GREAT PURGE has begun.

Although, if you look at the progress I made yesterday, you might not agree. After eight hours and two filled trash bags (tall kitchen size - don't be too impressed!), I can just about see the top of my desk and one corner of the office.

The office. It is directly off the garage, where we walk through with groceries to the laundry room, before going up to the kitchen. It has been a bedroom three times: once for the boys, once for Mima, and lastly for Morticia; a den; a catch-all room, and now, it is officially known as the office. It holds my desk, desktop computer, two chairs and a small table I found at a consignment shop, a book shelf, end table, and a lamp. There is a lovely window and a lot of plants that usually go to school with me, but with this year's schedule and uncertainties, are staying home permanently. When we came home from school last March for full on-line learning, it turned into my home-away-from-home. When school ended in June, I turned off the computer and walked away. Everything sat as it was until I packed things up for the new school year. Well, some things, and not nearly enough!

We decided months ago that this coming spring would be the big move - more about that another time - but the PURGE must begin. We've been in this house as a family for 34 years, and his mother many before that. We have about 50 years of things to get rid of, pack up, and make presentable. I decided that I would start with the office. It's small, and once it was pristine, it would send me off into a whirlwind of energetic cleaning mode. Right?

Educational magazines - several I can use, most I'm ready to get rid of. Twenty years of paperwork from my mother's bitter divorce papers; several more piles from her stay at Senior Prison. Months of paid bill receipts - mostly utility, and fortunately, none past-due. Mail that someone nicely sat on the desk in October that I just found yesterday. Planners from years past, photos, and saved memories. All found, and now organized in one form or another. There is still a pile of stuff (books, mostly) still waiting for my attention. That's today, along with beginning in what we used to refer to as 'the workroom'. That room will be a little easier - most of it can be tossed, and I expect to fill another bag or two by the end of the day.

If you think it's easy, it isn't. My mantra in this case: am I willing to pack and move this?

In many cases, the answer is no. I'm beginning to understand my father from when they moved years ago (another bitter page in my mother's memory as her vintage salt and pepper collection disappeared). He got rid of things that he wasn't willing to move, no matter what they might have meant to someone else.

So, in fairness, I've warned the children: anything not claimed by December 31 is leaving the house, and I don't mean to the storage unit. I think that's pretty fair! We'll be keeping Waste Management busy for some time.

But, not the Pool. No, the Stress Pool is portable, and will be going wherever we go, and is open all the time. Come on in - I'll gladly take a break to sit and chat.

I'm curious. What would you be able to get rid of in the blink of an eye?  

Until next time!

A Time for Thanks

 Greetings from the deep end of the Stress Pool!

'Remember last New Year's Eve? Were you one of those people who said "Thank heavens 2019 is behind us! 2020 has GOT to be better!" Well, we are nearing the end of 2020 - the year to remember to try to forget. DH said the last year he said the new year had to be better was when we rang in 2008 - and two months later Eggbert died. He decided never to tempt the fates again. I usually look for the brighter side of the penny, and tend not to say it, either. There's always some shining moment to remember in any year.

Today, Donna and I went to our local Blick art store - I order a lot of supplies online, but had never been to the store in Shadyside. I seldom drive into any part of the city - Oakland is the best I do. But, since I went to high school in that area, I felt pretty confident for where I was going...seems I've lived in the suburbs a long time! And, high school graduation was a mere...well, I'm not going there! It was a long time ago. The ride did give us a lot of time to talk.

One of the reasons we went there was because we meet once a month to discuss our artistic endeavors, and of course, many other things, too. That's what a 30+ year friendship is all about. One of the topics that came up, of course, was Covid, and the effect it has had on our outlook on life, and quite possibly the lack of motivation we sometimes have. She had some questions about how school was going, and how some of our building have had to close, and that we are continuing with a hybrid model for this semester. She's had some ups and downs with some personal issues - demands on her time with job and family; I'm often mentally exhausted after a day of work - kids in the room, kids online - planning, re-planning, and then planning some more. While the spirit is willing, the brain is too tired!

The revelation came to me later. It isn't that I don't see the seriousness of the situation - of course I do. There is still so much researchers are learning about the long lasting effects of the disease, regardless of age, and we all need to be aware and cautious. What I won't do, however, is let this disease rule my life. I learned this with grief: it is there, it never leaves, but we can still carry on.

Part of the wardrobe is now a mask. I wish others felt the same - many young people we saw in Shadyside were mask-less and in groups. I hope they don't take anything to their families over the holidays. I have a small bottle of hand sanitizer with me at all times, and usually use my own pen at a store if one is needed. (Truthfully, I always did that!) My hands are often dry at the end of the day from frequent washings. I see a handful of people, and only those people. We're having two Thanksgiving dinners this year - one with Morticia and The Doctor, and one with Big Brother, Didi, and the Little Man. Big Brother and Morticia haven't been on speaking terms for some time, but even if they made up right this second, because they seldom see each other, I would hesitate to have them all come into contact with each other for a long period of time. It's a matter of keeping each other safe. DH and I see all of them, so we're not worried. In fact, DH has less contact with people than I do, but that's how he's always been.

We still do a fair share of take-out (got to keep those businesses going!), and we cook a lot at home (but then, we always did!). And now that he's home more, DH has taken on a bit more of that role, and he's still the good cook he was when we were first married. Yay for me! 

Covid, grief, clothes fitting a little more snugly... We have a choice - get through it, or let it rule you. Not today. Except the pants thing. I'm working on that!

In this time of looking back and giving thanks, I am grateful for many things: the love of my family and close friends; being able to work and having a job to go to; for supportive parents of students while we try to figure all this out; for food and a roof over our heads, clean running water, electricity, and heat. I am also grateful that Mima did not have to live through this. Isolation in the nursing home would have surely killed her. (She also wouldn't have gotten those sausage biscuits, milk, and chips - that would have been worse!) I do still miss her every day, and am thankful for the love my mother gave me.

I hope you also see the goodness in your life, and that many blessings are still coming your way! Give thanks for each other, and for a brighter future. Stop back anytime - there is always room for you at the Stress Pool - but I may ask you to wear a mask! 

This is No Magic School Bus

 The world around us is ever-changing. We're doing things now we've never done before. We wear masks whenever we go out. We stand apart from our friends while we talk, but at least we are seeing our friends and families, even if it isn't as often as we used to. This year's mantra: We Will Get Through This. 

School has never felt so - well, weird. I can't help but wonder how Ms. Frizzle would have coped.

Only half of the class attends in person 2 days a week - the other half on two other days. Here is my schedule. Try to keep up. Classroom 1: The 'A' group comes on Monday, while full remote and the 'B'' group attends remotely. 'B' group comes in physically on Tuesday (I refer to them as the Hybrid Bees), while the 'A' group and full remote kids attend on-line in a Google Meet. I see 8 classes for 30 minutes each. Wednesdays are either full remote (more-so for classroom teachers, and secondary) or 'office hours' where we are available for questions. Great day for making 'how to' videos and catching up on assignments, lesson planning, etc. Thursday and Friday is filled with 8 other classes. Doesn't sound too bad, right?

But wait, there's more.

I set up the Chromebook in front of my whiteboards around 9:00, and let the remote kids in at 9:05, which is when the first class of the day starts. I teach in front of the Chromebook, making sure that everyone remotely and in person can see what I'm doing. I walk around the room (individual desks this year instead of tables), and students are expected to take their artwork back and forth, so they can work on it at home, remotely, when they aren't attending in person. Every child has been given colored pencils, and remote kids got markers - the rest are back ordered. Who knows when we'll get them? And, I can't do anything with them in school that the remote kids can't do. So, no watercolor painting, tempera painting, no clay, and no printmaking with Gelli plates, because it was just too expensive to order a complete set of everything for 400+ kids. I'm a professional. I can work with colored pencils and charcoal, and hopefully, markers in the near future. We will get through this.

But wait, there's more.

If I'm showing visuals of artists' and their works, I have to run across the room to the PC (and, for those who haven't seen me in awhile, running is not my forte'!), because that's what the projector is wired to. Then back to the Chromebook, then take a spin around the room to make sure everyone in front of me is doing okay. You would think I could lose a few pounds doing this running bit, but my pre-Covid dress pants are still a little too uncomfortable. Maybe in a another week or two...

But wait, there's more.

Now there's a whole new kettle of fish - kids on remote, who are having a blast on the 'chat'. I've finally gotten them to understand they have to turn off the mic while they're on remotely, and to be careful of the chat, because if I need to record a section of the class, their chat also gets recorded, and it tells me who said what. I also check through the chat during the class time, and they know it - they can see me doing it! However, there have been some instances when I've shaken my head - don't know how it hasn't fallen off yet! There was the child who had his camera on (we encourage them to turn it off - don't want to see grandpa walking by in his skivvies - which has happened to another teacher - and everyone would be able to see him!), but he had it on. He was lounging about on the sofa, cuddling with the dog. I finally asked him why he wasn't working. He didn't realize he was supposed to! Then, there was the boy who (accidentally, I hope!) started to present his screen, which caused me to echo- annoying! It took a good 5 minutes before he finally figured out how to un-present! There are the kids who, for whatever reason, either don't hear or aren't paying attention, who ask the same question as the previous 6 kids! Same answer, just a slight escalation of voice each time on my part. Even some of the other remote kids start chiming in the answer on the chat! We will get through this. 

But wait, there's more.

Internet is a wonderful thing - most times. The first few days there were many glitches, but they seem to have worked out most of the bugs. So, the other day, I say to one class that we're just continuing working from the previous day, that they should have found their quotes, and they should be done with the observational drawing of their shoes. One child raises a hand. "I wasn't on yesterday. We didn't have internet."

"Neither did I", says another, very quickly.

"Oh, that's terrible," I reply. "Did you get a chance to go on Schoology to look at the recording of the class?"

 "Well, we didn't have internet," the young lady persisted.

"The entire day?" I asked. Guilty looks from both. Sigh. The new excuse instead of 'the dog ate my homework'.

But wait, there's more.

Then, there was the class that came in on Friday, none of whom got colored pencils. I call the secretary. "Didn't everyone get colored pencils?"

"They were supposed to - we ordered enough."

But, either we were short some boxes (or someone took more boxes than they were supposed to), and the teacher asked the principal if she could just give them crayons. He said yes, forgetting that the art teacher is allergic to crayons! (another story for another day!) So, thanks to my retired music teacher friend Cheri M., who had given me a cardboard box filled with pencils before she left, I was able to make up sets on the spot for those kids in class, and for the ones I'll see on Thursday. Remote kids will have to use crayons - but since I won't be touching them, it doesn't matter.

They don't like to wear masks - who does? I've had to explain to a couple of them that I have 3 out of the 5 underlying conditions for those most susceptible to Covid - and I really don't want it, so please put on the mask! They get lots of mask breaks, so that isn't a worry. Social distancing? We remind, but they're kids. Distancing from their friends is tough. I really feel for them in that respect.

Excuses for internet loss, leaving their artwork at home, and any other number of things that haven't even come up yet!

Is it any wonder, then, that I practically fall into my desk chair when the last child leaves my room at 3:10? I then have 30 minutes to debrief from the day - notes about what I need to remember for the next day and the next week, emails to answer, Schoology to update. (Schoology is my nemesis)

And so, the Stress Pool is filled to overflowing - but the water is still warm, and we can still make a big splash! Come on down and we'll share a few more stories. Thanks for visiting, and come back soon!

And, if you run into Ms. Frizzle, would you please direct her to my classroom? And tell her she has to wear a mask.

The Stress Pool Never Closes

Greetings to all from the warm waters of the Stress Pool! Most pools in our area stayed closed for the summer, but not the Stress Pool! Oh no, it is always open and hoppin'!

I appeared to have a little more time on my hands in the early days of the pandemic - or, there was more to say. That was before every day was the same as the next. Groundhog day, most of my friends were calling it! There was so much hope for the summer - a vegetable garden, paintings to do, alcohol inks to try, organizing recipes and art supplies, and purging, purging, purging!

What a bust.

I did try the alcohol inks - those were fun! I set everything up on the covered back patio one day in July. Morticia came by to vent about the Doctor - who is now her husband! No reception; that was a no-go after 3 failed attempts - thanks, Covid! I offered her some Yupo paper and showed her how to use them. We chatted and painted. After she left, Ms. Business came outside, and she got a tutorial. Moink didn't come outside, or I would have shown him, too. I took them over to DiDi's and showed her how to use them, and we had a pleasant afternoon painting together. I am blessed to have so much love in my life!

The garden. Well, we got 3 tomatoes (there is still one on the vine that just isn't getting bigger or red!); 1 nice sized eggplant and 1 not so nice eggplant; 3 zucchini before the plant just outright died; and banana peppers out the wazoo, although they never got big enough for stuffing, and some of them are turning red! Mint - even though it is in a container, there is a ton. Basil - I got a lot of pesto which is now in the freezer, but the basil plants look like they've served on the front line of combat. The rosemary (we planted 2 different varieties) looks great, and the next step is to watch some videos on how to dry and store it. So much for gardening!

The paintings. I have several acrylics on canvas started - under paintings and swatches of colors, and they've been that way since early June. Watercolor paintings - well, there are a few of those started, too. Yeah. I'll get to them. And drawings. Sigh.

I did spend some time going through the scads of quilting material, both mine and Mima's - she who dies with the most wins - and I needed to get out of that contest A friend who quilts got the lion's share, and while I kept some (I've got a few quilts in the works), there is still a fair amount left. I did make masks - I've got one for every day of the week now, which I'll need for school. As for the recipes, they aren't going anywhere, yet.

In December I'll start packing up the art supplies. We're finally going to do it - making the move out of this house that we've lived in for 34 years. (DH has lived in it much longer than I!) One floor living is what we're hoping to find, in a place that is closer to both sets of married children, yet not so bad of a drive to work. Speaking of work, Ms. Business is obtaining her hygiene license, and already has a job lined up. Woo Hoo! Way to go! We did uncork the Asti for that one! Back to the move: I have to be packed up and ready to go by the end of April, and there is a little work to be done in the basement area where I currently do my artwork, so December is my personal deadline to be cleaned out of there.

One thing I discovered this summer: 4 months of family togetherness is my threshold. After that, I'm not responsible for my actions. Work couldn't come back fast enough! I'm looking forward to seeing my young artists - some in person, some remotely. Either way, it will be a joy, and a challenge. More on the challenges of art education during a pandemic next time.

Right now, I've got Great Thoughts to think, and a nap to take. So, if you're looking for a place to escape to, come on over to the Stress Pool, where the water is always warm and the concession stand never closes!

Time is of the Essence

Greetings from the Stress Pool!

It's been a little busy here at the pool, what with wondering what we'll run out of next, and what the stores won't have because everyone is in PANIC MODE! We just know that Simon isn't worried - DH found a huge bag of kitty kibble at the store, and the cat has been keeping his eye on it!

Ms. Business has finished her semester on-line, but she's a bit sad they've postponed the state and national boards for Dental Hygiene. Her summer classes start next week, and one of them is sculpture - I'm kind of excited, because I'm going to see first hand how to use some of these materials!

Morticia and the Doctor are going to profess vows next week - at least, that's still the plan. It's a Quaker, or self-unification ceremony, which you can do here in the Great Commonwealth (since it was founded by Quakers!). We'll just be standing at least 6 feet apart. Except the bride and groom! The reception has been postponed until June, and we're hoping it will still be a go!

On-line learning, in a word, sucks. I spend the entire day on the computer - I'm not complaining, just sort of whining a little. I've learned more things in the past several weeks about how to use some of the things we have at our fingertips that normally I wouldn't even think about, but now suddenly, I'm forced to. I'm not alone - my friend Cynders and I were just commenting yesterday how many new things we've learned. I did have a period of I AM OVERWHELMED AND DONE NOW yesterday when someone introduced me to something new - and proceeded to change several things in my cache of lessons (without a heads up!) Needless to say, the Fine Wine and Spirits stores better be opening up soon. The amaretto I bought in March that should last for at least two years is half empty!
Yikes!

DH and I were talking yesterday about how this crazy pandemic is affecting people. Sleep patterns are crazy - but so are our routines. Look at the commute alone: I can get up at 7:30, get a shower, eat breakfast, and be at my desk by 8:00! High traffic days are when Simon is trying to get down the stairs ahead of me. But it is true. Everyone's sleep patterns are goofy, at least here at this pool. Appetites are off; comfort food looks better and better. More and more people are feeling depressed - including the restless individuals who live here. Nobody is ready to take the bridge, thank heavens, but you can see it in our attitudes, our listlessness. Reading is on the rise here - we read a lot anyway, but now - wow. And, artwork? I do it on the weekends, because by the time my work day is through, after emailing umpteen preteens and their parents, I'm pretty tired. The eyes are bleary, and the best I can hope for a lot of evenings is to binge a show on Netflix. Thank you, Big Brother, for sharing your account!

And now, it's time to rest my fingers after a full day of typing "score indicates missing assignments, and will be changed upon submission of work."
Yes, it is the weekend, and yes, I can still tell!
So, grab your towel, set it about six feet from mine, and we'll laugh about this and all the other crazy things in our lives! Until the next time...

Water, Water Everywhere

Greetings from the chaise at the Stress Pool! What a week. Yesterday just capped it all with flooding rains. I was waiting for Moses to stride out of the woods with his staff to part the waters - no such luck. Just a tiny rivulet in the basement, not enough for me to have to turn on the fans! But, that's where the story ends. On to the beginning.

Early in the week, emails started coming through from school that we'll be moving to on-line, or distance learning. We would have a week to get it together, formulate lessons, etc., etc. Okay. Got that. We were told what format we'd be using. Not okay. At my grade levels, we're using Schoology, in which only half of my classes were accessible. I immediately put in a help ticket with technology, and started learning how to use things like Zoom and Google Classroom. Another email - sign up to come in to the school to get necessary materials. We were allowed one hour. I signed up for both schools - one for Tuesday, and one for Wednesday (because there would be travel between the buildings, which doesn't take that long, and how was I going to waste an hour with everything closed?) Oh, and by the way, some of the kids don't have a means to do this, so we're making up packets for them every week. They'll need to be emailed to the principal by Thursday, enough for one week.

Day 2: Emails - we are NOT to use any platforms that would involve live audience. Okay, one day wasted. Still not able to access all classes. Panicking a little over what to do - dug out the bottle of amaretto just to settle the old nerves that evening. However, did get a lovely text from DiDi showing pictures of our Little Lamb playing with a large water park toy in the laundry room - probably trying to stay out of Big Brother's way since he is also working from home. Looked like he was having a blast!

Went to school number one - packed up my plants and some materials. Looked around the room. I was never so happy to walk into my work space as I was then. One hundred weavings waiting to be woven; clay projects dried and ready to be fired; another fifty or so waiting to be finished.

An email from principal number two: we're going to be making up packets for the kiddos who don't have computers - give him four weeks of lessons, due tomorrow. Drop everything, get four projects together for inclusion in packets. Emailed them off.

Day 3: Went to school number two. I had been out sick right before the closings, but some of the kids had finished what I'd left, and had handed them in. How creative they were, and it made me miss them all the more. Put my grades in for this quarter - I was having difficulty loading the grade book onto my laptop. Got my plants and some other materials, and went home. Still not able to access all my classes. Sent the principal of that building an email that I still couldn't put work up for that school. Sigh. Moving on... Got my grade book loaded onto the desk top in the office, which was great since that's where I'll be doing most of my work. One thing accomplished! Yay me!

Day 4: Went to the office and moved the mouse to wake up the computer - nothing. It was on, but showed only a black screen. That was the proverbial straw. I put my head in my hands and had a total breakdown - water, water, flowing down my cheeks. Ms. Business came to the doorway. I wiped away the tears.
"Sorry, just a little breakdown. I don't know how to do this stuff, any of it, and now the computer has decided not to work!"
Ever the comforter, she said, "Don't worry. You've gotten through everything else, you'll get through this."
She's right.
DH said he'd go with me to the computer repair place - that has apparently changed it's name, or closed and someone else opened up, but they were closed, leaving phone numbers for remote fixing. I took a picture and we went back home. I set the computer up again, and low and behold, the insolent child just needed to get out of the house - so far, so good! I sent another email to the principal - not to beat a dead horse, but I still couldn't access my classes for that school, and what was going to happen if it was still that way on Monday? I didn't want to get swept under the rug. We emailed back and forth a bit, he also having put a ticket in with technology.

Day 5: Spent a few hours going through a refresher tutorial on how to use Schoology, and joined in on a webinar from an art supply company on teaching art on-line. After an hour I had one good bit of info - the rest was fluff, and nice ideas if you were in the classroom - but not in a remote classroom! I shut it down. Then, my heaven- sent friend Cynders called - she had finally gotten through to technology and her classes were now showing up. Sure enough, I got an email from tech, and by three o'clock I had access to all of my classes! Kudos to the tech team - they were getting Chrome books ready for pick-up and dealing with all the other incidentals - they are superb! I thank them for all the work they did last week, and for all the other times as well.

Saturday: I took the day off, knowing there was still a major amount of work to do, but I needed to clear my head. Just as well - we had some crazy storms, and I stood at the kitchen window and watched as a waterfall appeared from the top of our wooded yard, making a path through the mulch, spilled over the railroad tie and cement block wall, and funnel into Lake Kelly. At the top level, a robin leaped in and out of the water, splashing and shaking his wings, and while this overflow of water was concerning, it gladdened my heart that this small creature could enjoy the moment, unaffected by the events of the world, or the storm for that matter. It reminded me of the verse "If the Father takes care of the least of these creatures, what will He do for you?"

Sunday. The storms are over, a lesson is formulated on paper (I just need to figure out how to put it in Schoology), and I'm breathing easier. If you were ever curious as to why we named it the Stress Pool, now you know! Take heart, friends - as Ms. Business says, we'll get through this!

Thanks for stopping by for a chat - and listening to the crazy woman vent about her week. Until we meet again, may the rain fall soft upon your fields - and your own pool! My friend Amy E mentioned in a previous comment what beverage she might be bringing when she stops by - what's your beverage of choice? I love your comments, and please don't be afraid to leave them. Love you all - stay safe!

Keeping Your Head Above Water

Hello, fellow swimmers! Today's lesson is 'Keep Your Head Above the Water' - unless you're going in for the deep dive. In case you're wondering, I'm still only dipping my toes in at the shallow end, and truthfully, I'm happy to be there.

It has been a crazy time for most. We're learning to dance around each other in the house or apartment - older kids who are used to keeping their own hours - spouses who spend a good bit of their day out of the house and now find they're wandering around - and, while I remember those days as beautiful watercolors, young children who have just about had it with not being able to see friends, or go to the playground, and so on. We've been laughing at the memes and posts on Facebook about gaining weight from stress eating, or coming out of this as an alcoholic (no offense to anyone here!) - and laugh we should. We know that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter moves muscles deep inside, and the heartier the laugh, the more exercise we get! So, we laugh, and poke fun, and get as much exercise as possible!

There is a more serious side. I'm concerned for those whose family life isn't the best, what with all the added stress of lost work and wages, and people forced to spend more time than usual together. It is a good thing the shelters are still open for those who find their loved ones, who I'm sure still love them, might not be kind. Kindness - something we continually remind students of - needs to be practiced everywhere. PSA for the day - be kind.

Back to keeping my head above water. We're getting ready for 'distance learning' to roll out next week. This is considered a training week, where we prepare lessons and get things rolling (very little training!). There's only one problem: this isn't how we teach! So, while we might be preparing lessons, and finding cool things for them to see and do, it's a whole new mindset. Great for times when the teacher can't be there, or if the student has been absent, or is at home with illness, but not for an extended time. "Keep it simple" is the best motto for this time, and my friend Cynders reminded me yesterday that all will be well - just roll.

But I can't access all of my classes - a small SNAFU that I'm hoping the tech department can work out before Monday. And, after several failed attempts, I was finally able to get my online gradebook loaded onto my computer. I don't know if it downloaded or uploaded, but it's on there! Tomorrow I plan on playing with Google forms and docs, and learn how to best put things on this online platform. Youtube has become my best friend this week!

One thing I would like everyone to remember - not that I'm using it as an excuse, because we all know what Big Brother says about those (excuses are like a--holes: we all have them, and they all stink!) - I graduated college before the PC was a household item. I recall one of the mathematics professors excitedly taking us to the Macintosh lab. I learned to move the cursor (called the Turtle) up, across, down, and back - Oh look, a square! No mouse - and we didn't move it with the arrows. It was coding. Everything was done by coding. Word wasn't a thing, spreadsheets were papers used by accountants, and the internet didn't exist.  These computers were super expensive, and not for general purposes. They were meant for a school setting. The school where I first taught bought a few Commodore 64s. If you have any computer knowledge, you're probably rolling on the floor with laughter. By the way, I didn't have to use the darn things - the math teacher did!

I've adapted a lot, but  there are a few things that just don't come up as an art teacher, like doing much on a computer. Maybe I should use docs and forms more; maybe it will only drive me crazier than I already am! If I could, I'd probably retire, make way for the younger generations to come in and use all this brilliant know- how. But, I would miss it. I like teaching them the rudimentary ideas of art - how to use color, line, forms, and how they work together. I like playing with new materials, and getting them to play with them, exploring and getting their hands dirty with paint and clay. This is what childhood should be - getting dirty and learning through exploration and experimentation. Many kids tell me they don't have paints or playdoh at home - mom thinks it's messy. It's my job, my duty then, to give them that experience.

One mom recently said her daughter is sad because we were starting weaving, and she was so looking forward to that. 6th grade was elbow deep in clay - some done; some just starting. It was downright eerie walking into my classrooms yesterday and today, looking at partially finished projects, sitting where they'd been stored, no children in the room. Very science fiction-like.

So, I'll learn how to use docs and forms. They're not going to be perfect - they probably won't even be pretty - but hopefully, they'll do the job!

How are you keeping your head above water these days? Are you baking? Walking? Playing a musical instrument? Writing? Playing video games? I still plan on working on the creativity in the studio, playing with all the wonderful supplies I'm so fortunate to have at my disposal. So, drop on by the Stress Pool, and we'll chat up some ways to stay purposefully occupied!
Anything to keep our hair dry!

As Long As There Aren't Frogs

Greetings!
We're all still treading here at the pool - literally. We had some heavy rains last night, and I woke up to a water feature in the back yard. Our back is a hill - quite steep, in fact - and when we get a heavy rain, a waterfall appears. It flows in a stream through the mulch, through the wall into Lake Kelly, and becomes a river along the side of the house. I haven't gone to the basement yet to see if the reservoir has started - I'm hopeful the repairs I made to the mortar at the end of last summer will hold up. Always trying to see the bright side, I pointed out the waterfall to Ms. Business when she came downstairs for breakfast.
"Look at the water feature out back."
She glanced out the window. "Wow, yeah."
I chuckled. "So, we've had plague, and now flooding. I guess locusts are next!"
She shook her head as she walked away. "As long as we don't get frogs. I hate frogs."

Well. I hadn't even thought of frogs.

Things I wouldn't want to be over-run by: stink bugs; roaches; termites (nothing that will eat my house, thank you!); rats (eww).

Things I wouldn't mind having more of: kittens; puppies; art supplies; cookies; muffins...hmm, I haven't had breakfast yet, can you tell?

Some friends have posted on Facebook that they're stress-baking; some are writing; some are painting and drawing. With more time to get into the studio, I hope to get some creative time in! Why don't we try to post some of our creative endeavors, even if it's as simple as coloring in a coloring book, or making origami cranes, or baking treats!  Are you learning a new dance? Do you play music? Have you found a meditation program that will help us feel better? Did you take a fun picture of your loving pet today? Or, any photograph! Maybe you like to take pictures of the sky. Show us! Let's post as many positive things as possible! Inspire us!

I'm off to eat breakfast, and then I'll head to the studio, hoping not to find a small flood. Or frogs.

Overcrowding at the Pool

Greetings! Here we are, day 3 of captivity, and a second post this week - Wendy must be at home! Observations from the Lifeguard chair:
The pool is overcrowded.

I've been chuckling at Facebook posts about parents with young children, and the challenges with which they are suddenly faced. Ah yes, I remember those days, like with the blizzard of '93, when schools were shut down for a week, and of course, summer vacations of the past. But, there are no small children in the house anymore, and haven't been for some time.

Now, there are 4 adults meandering about..

DH is going to work every morning and putting in half days. He's the only one who has to leave right now. Ms. Business has taken the social distancing to heart, and we really only see her at meals. Oh, wait, that's as per usual. (She keeps herself busy!)  Moink is deeply feeling the loss of his alone time, which is what he usually has when we're all out of the house during the day.

So, I've decided to enforce some rules here at the pool. If you find you're also having some issues, take note, and maybe we can compare!

1. Living room, dining room, and kitchen are community areas. If anyone is present, be kind, polite, and refrain from saying things that will be hurtful. Remove yourself from that area if you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed - everyone will love you for it!

Television (in the living room - we are a one television family!) There are shows we watch all the time. Some times are negotiable. It would be rude to watch something nobody else would be interested in during evening times when we all might be in the community areas. Watch personal shows when no one else is about, or at least ask the others if they mind. Be kind; be patient.

2. Bedrooms and the bathroom are secure sanctuaries. Please knock on bedroom doors, and please respond if someone knocks. Remember, that person might just need their alone time! Bathrooms shall not be used as an escape; no camping! Please don't take more than half an hour if showering!

Not everyone will have the next couple of areas:

3. Office - fair game, anyone can use, but should be considered a quiet area, a retreat for reading or using the computer.

4.  Studio - great for working on any art projects one might have going on. Light-hearted banter is welcome; no unkind words.

5. Garage: (in our case, it's used as an attic - storage for everything except cars!) In the process of being cleaned out. All hands welcome. Should be used as a last resort for escaping.

6. Back patio: still a little cold out, but can be used as a safe haven. Still a community area, so please have respect!

I think these are acceptable, reasonable expectations for 4 adults, don't you? That way, coexistence at the pool is at least marginally livable!

What are you doing to alleviate anxiety at your house? We'll all get through this, I promise! Stay safe and healthy, and keep treading, just like our family is here at the Stress Pool.

Deep Breathing in the Pool

Greetings!
Listening to the news about Covid-19 updates had me feeling a little anxious this morning. We're off school for 2 weeks and now, listening to what the CDC is saying, maybe a little longer. Last week, I came home early from work with some sort of virus - they're not saying it is THE VIRUS, but I was advised to stay home with minimal contact with others until symptoms subside. And, by-the-bye, no testing unless symptoms worsened. Glad to report I haven't had to go for testing, as I'm feeling a little better, not worse, but would have had to take a couple more days off. Now, those sick days are saved for another time. (Deep breath in, deep breath out...)

Darling Hubby had to go in for a meeting today at the Great University of our city to find out what they're going to be doing. Ms. Business, who is in their dental school for hygiene, was saying this morning if they're off for the next eight weeks, this runs right into State Boards - and they'll not have had a chance to get patients lined up. National Boards are conducted at a testing center - that's probably not happening, either. (Deep breath in, deep breath out...)

Then, there's Morticia, whose wedding to the Doctor is the first week of May, the eighth week. Even though it is a small affair (under 50 people), it's at the National Aviary. If National Parks and Monuments stay closed that long - well, I guess we'll be rescheduling the reception. They can still have the ceremony - just immediate family would have been there, anyway - so having the party another day shouldn't be a big deal. (deep breath in, long breath out...)

Let's look at some happy things!
Spring is here! At least if we have to be home, we can go outside. Can you imagine if this was going down in a cold, cold winter?

Our little grandson is walking and enjoying one of his first words - "NO!" He's a joy to behold, even if we can't see him for a while.

Time to get to all those little things we've been saying "We'll get around to it." I gave  DH a Round Tuit when we were engaged - a nifty little ditty on a round piece of wood that I used press-on letters for, to ensure the entire thing would look uniform. He was less than impressed, but we still have it-somewhere! Guess we'll get 'around to' looking for it!

Getting creative with meals - no biggie here, but Moink is going to have to learn to eat what we have on the table. If it's something with dairy, I understand, but money could become an issue, so...yeah.

Being thankful we're relatively healthy and happy that we have each other.

And Simon is certainly beyond happy that his family is home - he gets to curl up with me on sofa, and watch for his favorite human (Ms. Business) to come out of her room, and for chances to play with Moink.

This gives me a lot of time for creative endeavors - back to those paintings, and maybe a little writing!

In light of the symptoms of Covid-19, thankful I can take those deep breaths in and out!

So, come for a virtual swim - social distancing and all that - but pop in for a while. Why don't you share a positive thought with everyone what you plan on doing during our time of home encampment? Would love to hear your thoughts!
And remember..."Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."

Seeking Peace

Greetings, fellow waders!
A new year, and a time for reflecting on the past, and what the future might hold. I'm missing Mima, and have now had several 'firsts' without her. This year, I'm seeking peace. If only I could stay in my little house next to the pool, it would be much easier. Unfortunately, one must occasionally go out among the people, where peace hides under rocks and ducks around corners. I remember tacking a poem to my wall in my teenage years that started "Go placidly amidst the noise and haste..." Good words to live by forty years later.

Put it all in perspective: mother of five, teacher of many, for many years. While I like what I do, and I find the children interesting and fun, there are times when my colleagues and I look at them and ask, "What were you thinking? Why did you do that?"
The standard answer is, "I don't know." Perhaps it's always been this way, but I fear they are the product of society, and my generation allowed it. My first year as a teacher was in 7th and 8th grades in a parochial school. One day, the nun across the hall from me said, "Children are different now than they were thirty years ago." That was thirty-five years ago, and yes, children are different now than they were even then, and not necessarily for the better. They are so inundated with electronics and technology and fast paces that attention spans are practically at zero percent. Creativity - many are, but if it doesn't come easily, they tend to give up. One little girl looked at me last week while blending oil pastels and said, "This is hard for me."
My response? "If we stopped when things got too hard, we'd never learn anything new. We'd never get anywhere. Everything is hard in the beginning."
Going back to seeking peace...I ventured out into the world of retail because I needed socks. (I'm really not keen on shopping, going maybe once or twice a year). As I made my way through the sock aisle, I came upon a young woman, probably in her twenties, sitting in the middle of the floor talking on her phone, bitterly complaining about her boyfriend/husband/baby daddy (whatever he was - I already had Too Much Information) using very colorful expletives. I just wanted to find my socks and move on. So as not to bother her, I went around and came up the other side, and was instantly appalled to find her TRYING ON SOCKS! What was she thinking? Why did she think this was okay? Seriously. And, what does one say? Note to all: if the socks come in packages, and they are no longer attached, WASH THEM when you get home - who knows who's had their feet in them? Not wanting to get into an altercation, I picked up what I wanted and went on, saying something to the cashier, hoping it would get passed on to a manager. I'm sure it didn't. Where does it end? I'm only ordering underwear on-line from now on - and I'll still wash it before I wear it!
I then went on to the grocery store - nothing more than what usually happens at the store - people training for marathons while pushing carts. I'm curious where these races are held, because I think it would be a lot like Roller Derby, and it might be fun to watch! I spend a lot of time getting out of the way while looking for things that may or may not exist! No, the problem was leaving the parking lot. Someone else decided they didn't need to take their turn at the stop sign, and nearly hit me in their haste to get out! No collision, and I very nicely did not give them the universal signage for 'you're an idiot', but I did sincerely hope that karma would follow them, and they would get behind every slow driver for the rest of the day. Talk about someone needing to find peace...slow down, people, and arrive alive.
Kindness, peace...things that start within. May you find these, as well as pass them on. For now, with the sock drawer full, I'm going to look for those things here, next to the Stress Pool. Come on over, bring your favorite beverage, and maybe a tale of when someone was exceptionally kind, or when you had the chance to be kind, or where you find your peace. Happy 2020 everyone, and may your pool water always be clean and the perfect temperature!