Back to School

It's been a couple of weeks now since my grandkids have gone back to school and, quite frankly, I miss them - although I do sort of feel like I am on vacation now that they are not.  

My granddaughter, in an all-day Pre-Kindergarten, has learned how to pronounce her teacher's name.  She told me before school started that she was just going to call her teacher Mrs. Carrot because her real name was just too hard for little kids to say. Actually her big brother had her pretty much up to speed on that by the morning of the first day. My daughter overheard him patiently teaching her to pronounce the name in question. He, of course, has a handle on everything "school" because he is, after all, in the third grade.  He came home after the end of the first full week with poster paper, markers, and a plan. He explained that he is going to run for student government and, in fact, already has not one, but two campaign managers.  Did I mention that he is eight-years-old?  And so it begins....

On another school front -- although they go to different schools, both my granddaughter and grandson ride the same bus. I find comfort in this and in the fact that there are no really big kids on the bus while they are on it. Seriously -- they are four and eight.  They shouldn't have to ride with high schoolers.  There is time for that later on when their heads are higher than the seat backs of the school bus.  Do you agree? Anyway --  then when they get off the bus, their Mom and the Lovely Luna, my favorite dog, are waiting for them at the bus stop and together the four of them walk the two blocks to their home.  Nice... and comforting as well. It sort of pleasantly Norman Rockwellian to picture that scene.

Times have changed though -- changed a lot in the eight years since I retired from teaching.  Technological advances are amazing. My granddaughter patiently explained to me that she can communicate with her teacher from home through an avatar that she, the four-year-old, "created".  It is a bit mind boggling. (I am not even sure what she means and remember -- she is four -- definitely a "technobaby". She uses her Mom's iPad or fancy android phone I guess.)  Her teacher, whom I will always think of as Mrs. Carrot, even sent a mass message to all the tense Mommas pacing at home the first day of school to tell them that all the kids were doing just fine, had survived the morning in excellent shape, and that they were at lunch. The next day she sent home photographs -- mementos of the first day of school. I do so love Mrs. Carrot.

With all this in mind, I find it majorly comforting that her brother is still using poster board and markers as well as all the other fancy "stuff". For sure technological advances can be good things whether or not I am able to understand them.  My Grandson, in illustration of this point, is taking part in the STEM program at his school.  He is doing all sorts of cool stuff -- he tells me that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are his "thing". ( I hope I got the right words to go with the letters.) His major regret is that he only gets to go to this STEM class once a week.  He has already done "coding" for several video games which means he can make the characters move in specific directions --- I think.  The more I hear these kids talk about school, the more I have confidence in the future.  I am willing to let them have their go at it...the future, that is.

It is important to note though that there are some things that never change. My Granddaughter tells me with her big brown eyes snapping, that one little boy in her class keeps pulling her hair and that she finds it most annoying. To say that she is "most annoyed" though is an understatement. I know her well.  I am thinking that this unsuspecting little boy better watch out - I have seen her go after her brother when at the end of her patience, and that little shrimp can really pack a wallop when she has reached her breaking point. Yep -- that little boy better be very careful. Wish I could be a fly on the wall when he pokes the bear one too many times.  She is a feisty little thing. Beware all hair pullers.  If you know any -- please let them know.

And so Autumn begins...one last thought -- the kids are back in school so, of course, the weather turns hot and humid -- just in time for the kids and teachers to suffer.  It may be different now, but when I was a teacher, the only rooms that had air-conditioning were the computer labs and the offices of the administrators who had to work all summer in stuffy little offices. Maybe the schools ought to consider the benefits of Air-Conditioning as a technological advancement. Is there grant money available for that? Wouldn't that be lovely?

Lackadaisically Nerdy

I recently finished reading Stephen King's Finders Keepers.  It is the sequel to Mr. Mercedes.  I enjoyed them both and was so hoping for a part three. When I finished the second book, I felt that King had left the door open for that possibility and happily discovered on his website that Finders Keepers is, in fact, the second book of the Mr. Mercedes Trilogy. Happiness!  Will preorder the third book as soon as possible. Anyway, I ran across the word "lackadaisically" while reading King. From one word lover to another (or even if you are not...), have you ever seen that word in print before?  I have not, or if I have, I don't remember.  It surprised me in a way to see it.  (I most likely would have misspelled it if I had chosen to write it.) Then on further consideration I wondered when I had actually used that word in my speech/writing, if ever. Can you relate? I know I have heard that word but have I ever actually spoken it out loud?  Not sure, but I don't think so.   It ranks up there with lollygagging, a word I have been fond of recently and, therefore, have incorporated into my speech/writing of late.  I like both words. So here goes... years ago I was floating on an innertube on a "lazy river" at Water Country USA/Water Park in Williamsburg, VA.  My children and I were with my sister and her children. She and I were "zoning out" on the river while keeping one eye on our children who were within sight -- I think standing under a waterfall or something. Anyway -- my sister and I were lollygagging lackadaisically while floating along.  It was most relaxing. Now it is at this point where my sister would mention, or at least think, that I am just weird.  She's right.  I am, in fact, not only weird but also the biggest nerd I know, and those are just two things I like about me.  I do not apologize.  I, in fact, love most nerdy people I have encountered in this life.  Kindred spirits and all that.... Such individuals are unique and most interesting to me. On careful thought -- I have encountered few people that I dislike. So -- does it follow that maybe there is a little of the nerd in all of us? What do you think?

A point of interest whether or not you find Stephen King to be scary, a little nerdy or weird...  I also saw on his website that he will be appearing on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on September 11th.  Happy Birthday, my wonderful sister, who is also a Stephen King fan.  (Set your DVR.... I am going to....)

Overnight at Nana's House

School is starting the day this blog "goes live", so this past weekend was the last chance that I had to keep a promise I had made to my two local grandkids that they could stay overnight again before the end of summer vacation.  Why I made this promise, I will never understand. Maybe it is because they are so cute, so well-behaved, so wonderful....  Nevertheless, I have to say that I wonder if I am alone in this but... I have mixed emotions about overnights with grandkids.  It isn't them; it's me.  Take last night, for example. My two little grandkids arrived with toys and pillows in hand and huge smiles on their faces. It doesn't get any better than those smiles.  They were through the door and into "their" rooms as quickly as can be -- busily getting their areas arranged. They exude a lovely (and exhausting) energy. It makes me tired even to think about it.  Wish I could borrow some of it.  The dog, lest I neglect to mention her, came with them, of course. We (the dog and I) share the kids -- only they are more hers than mine.  She sleeps on the floor between their rooms when they are here.  Personally, if I were the dog, I think I would have snuck up onto the couch after Nana dozed off, but not the Lovely Luna....  she is the guard dog to end all guard dogs where her little people are concerned. Guess I am not the only one to sleep/not sleep with one eye open and ears alert all night. 

So anyway -- by the time the kids had settled in their 35 stuffed animals, etc. (pardon the exaggeration, there were probably only 30), it was time for the dinner I had also promised -- which involved a short drive to a neighboring town for the Chinese food which we all love.  So after the unpacking  -- we were off to our favorite Chinese restaurant. The children had perfect restaurant manners and we were all smiling as we left for home with our leftovers.  Then came a movie that we had all been waiting to see.  One of their favorite people had given them the DVD of HOME, and we settled in to share the experience.  That too was wonderful.  I found myself smiling most of the way through and clapping enthusiastically with my four-year-old granddaughter at the happy ending. (My eight-year-old grandson just looked at us...)  Anyway -- shortly thereafter, they both went right to bed and I never heard another peep out of them until morning - in the predawn hours. Anyway -- you must/may be wondering by now what my problem is. Well... here's the thing.  Sleep is not one of my personal "talents", and when the little ones are here, I barely sleep at all.  I leave little lights on all over the place in case they get up in the night.  I don't want them to be afraid or anything.... Then all throughout the night I listen with renewed attention to noises and hear all these strange sounds that I simply do not remember ever hearing before. I find myself sitting up in bed or padding around in the semi-dark trying to find the source of the sound.  Good grief!  I am exhausted by morning.  I am exhausted just typing words about the experience. Please understand, as well, that all of this Nana behavior is actually an improvement. When these kids were babies and spending the night, I would sleep on the floor next to the crib so I could hear them breathe.  Am I alone in all of this?  Is there anyone else out there who exhibits this same nutty behavior?  Please tell me that I am not alone.  Ah -- the joys of "grandparenting".  

All of this overnight stuff and my nana behavior being explored a bit, I simply must say that I do so love being a Nana.  It is the best gift ever- even if it does tire me out once in a while.  These kids will be invited to stay again and, of course, the Lovely Luna will be invited as well.  I can sleep later.  They are growing up way too quickly.

The Gathering

My four-year-old granddaughter calls it The Gathering, a title which freaks out some of the older generation of my family, reminding them of something Stephen "Kingish". So -- what is a "gathering" in this case? It is a getting together of three generations of family who have not all been together for ten years, if ever, when you consider marriages and the addition of five children. That sounds so simple, but it was a lot more than the traditional single afternoon of fun reunion. This gathering involved people rearranging their lives to come here for several days, or in the case of my daughter and her family -- helping to plan and prepare off and on for some time in advance. (Thank you all!) Family members started arriving on Wednesday of this past week. People came from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, and Illinois with most staying until Monday and some until Tuesday of this week. By the way --a big thanks to our only hotel in town --  The Cobblestone Inn -- where everyone could stay comfortably and all be under the same roof.  I would have had to stack people up like cord wood in my basement to fit everyone in my house; that's for sure. 

Now that everyone is home safely and my home way too quiet, I am taking this time to thank all the participants for making it here at no small effort on each of their parts. Not only did vacation time need to be arranged, but also, cars rented, care organized for beloved pets, fireworks, coolers and large games purchased and transported, and ... people had to deal with traveling issues -- some got stranded on the PA Turnpike, others traveled for long hours with small children, and some had to endure traffic trouble and/or heavy rains on the way home as well. Yet - everyone said it was worth the effort, and I don't think they were just being polite. It was a gathering to be remembered. Fortunately, the weather cooperated, and we pretty much lived outside during the day - every day.  Also fortunately -- most of my family live in areas that are a lot warmer than it is here, so they found the August weather of Northwest Pennsylvania to be refreshing.  While I found myself seeking shade, they explored the property in my work vehicle (the beloved Margaret), rediscovered croquet, played bocce and corn hole and... the big favorite -- practiced throwing a boomerang around in the pasture for a competition orchestrated by my eight-year-old grandson. The little ones also enjoyed splashing around in a kiddy pool and singing the Tooty Ta song with the experienced nursery school teacher of the bunch (we have photos and video for future reference if needed). Most importantly, we caught up with each others' lives and had the opportunity to get to know new additions to the family.  

All in all, it was an amazing few days...a gift to each one of us.   Who knows when we will be able to "accomplish" such a gathering again.  It was huge. I am still smiling. Oh -- did I mention that all of this happened to coincide with my birthday?  It doesn't get any better than that. I will always remember this past week. There is something profoundly touching about watching adult children taking charge in wonderful ways while remembering when they were little and they were doing things like stuffing gum up their noses, dressing up like policeman ... and putting on plays together at holidays, etc.  I started missing everyone as they pulled out of my driveway to return home. So -- I now have a week full of wonderful memories and ... all the "leftovers".  Plus -- we didn't even need to use the First Aid Kit even one time.  Nice.... 

Presbyterian Bunnies

As a part of my self-developed fitness plan with which you may be familiar if you are a regular reader of my blog, I have begun to walk as often as possible.   The parking lot at the First Presbyterian Church -- just up the hill from my house, is a lovely place to walk.  They have a program called "Walk Our Lot" and invite anyone to walk there during the quiet hours of the day.  Some say that once around the lot is 1/4 of a mile.  I don't really care about mileage, I just enjoy the peaceful nature of walking there as well as the flat surface and the perfectly maintained grounds.  It's lovely.  Then, of course, there are what I call the Presbyterian Bunnies.  They are adorable.  There are two or more of them at any given time, and I am quite certain that it is the same two who come out first to greet me in the early morning hours as I walk the back part of the lot.  If you also walk there, have you seen any of them? They are quite tame actually.  It's not like they are going to eat out of your hand or anything, but they wander about quite closely to where I am walking and don't seem too eager to scamper away. Like all Presbyterians I know and have known, they are friendly and most pleasant.     

We chat once in a while...sort of.  You know what I mean.  I am thinking of naming them.  That is not so odd really.  I name almost everything except house plants.  In the past few years, I have had vehicles named Esmeralda, Walter, Priscilla McBeans, and Fii (rhymes with Wii). Currently, I have a terrifically practical garden vehicle with an automatic dumping cargo bed that is named Margaret -- so dependable and sturdy.  My Jeep Wrangler is named Tobias after an ancestor who, with his bride Anna,  crossed the Atlantic in a schooner - traveling from Rotterdam to New York in 1857. My younger grandson has shortened the name to Toby, and it seems to fit. Toby hasn't crossed any oceans, but I have thought about dismantling it and driving it through my horse pond. Toby is sort of like a large Lego toy -- it all comes apart -- roof detaches in three pieces -- each of the doors lifts off.  What's a Jeep if you can't take it apart? Seriously.   Anyway -- I just can't think of appropriate names for these little furry creatures with the pom-pom tails. Perhaps I don't know them well enough. Let me know if you think of anything. Thumper I and II just doesn't cut it. They deserve unique names that have some meaning particular to them. Thanks.

Evening at the Museum

It only takes a few minutes to discover that the Corry Area Historical Museum on Mead Avenue treasures tradition and the preservation of memories of the fascinating past of the City of Corry as well as the surrounding area. In fact, the items at the museum document much of the way of life of people within a 250 square mile area.  Recently I was able to tour the museum as part of an event sponsored by Village Friends, Inc. As museum volunteer, Ann Clark, said in her introductory remarks of the tour, “People have done a great deal of work before us to preserve the record of our heritage, and we are working hard to continue that tradition.  That hard work and dedication, past and present, is evident to all who were able to attend. Many of us were even able to explore the record of our own families.  Now that is an amazing and emotional experience.  

The museum is a most “welcoming” place to visit.  Housing 15,000 artifacts arranged in creative ways, it also contains a large archive where newspaper clippings dating as far back as 1880 are organized and stored in a climate-controlled environment.   In addition to clippings is information not only on families from all walks of life, businesses, churches, and schools throughout time, but also many photographs that still need to be identified…just in case you are interested in doing a little detective work. 

Important point -- the museum can always use volunteers to catalog and to arrange new bits of history, to provide tours and to answer questions for the people who visit each year – over 3000 last year alone – 800 of whom came to do research on site.  It is a “happening” place to be sure.  Serious work is being done there and….  it is fun to visit.  Where else can you find such a variety – everything from yardsticks of local businesses to industrial machinery -- including a Climax Engine? 

No doubt about it. The Corry Area Historical Museum is a gift to Corry and the surrounding area.  It is open Thursdays 10-2 and Sundays 2-4 or by appointment.  Check out www.corryareahistoricalsociety.org for more details.

Not Good with Change? Join the Club.

Last week I met two of my cousins for lunch at Krasa's Kove in Findley Lake, New York.  In the course of our time together one cousin, who recently returned from several months in Florida, was talking about how she had cleaned out all of her closets, and I think her garage as well, since her return north.  What? I was unable to speak.  I just looked at her and then snuck a peek at the other cousin to see if her jaw had dropped as well.  You see this other cousin and I have been talking off and on all winter about how we need to clean out our closets, basements, garages, etc.  We have even considered cleaning out each other's as an incentive to get the job done -- you know -- thinking it would be fun to sort out someone else's stuff... like it is more fun to clean up someone else's kitchen than your own.  Alas -- we have accomplished very little. Our closets remain clogged, and although this other cousin has cleaned her basement and garage,  the spiders have settled into my basement- spinning a veritable web of condos by now for sure -- and my garage...? I have only swept it twice since the first thaw. Among the three of us, I am definitely in last place.  To sit there and listen to someone who has actually accomplished these tasks is to sit in awe.  It is impressive. Here's my theory --- at the core of the problem is that I do not like change. Further, I don't like to part with my favorite clothing and "stuff". I might need it again.  I am, for example, still mourning the loss of a long green knit dress that I used to wear on particularly cold winter days. Can you identify? Are there others out there who have clothing in three sizes?

Okay; so there. I confess that I am on the stodgy side as far as change is concerned. I tend to hang on.  It is a fact that I have had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the current world as it evolves and the new enters. I have my theories as to why, but who cares really?  It doesn't matter.  I am who I am in this respect. I actually think that one of the reasons I retired from teaching is that "they" took away my blackboard and chalk and replaced it with a whiteboard setup complete with electronic everything and markers that have a disgusting odor about them.  Oh my, ... it was all too much! The whiteness of that board and coping with adolescents who could text without looking at their hidden cell phones were most irritating. Handling and policing electronics in the classroom take away from the ideal learning experience as far as I am concerned. I fear that there is a large percentage of young people out there who do not know how to talk with other people unless they can use abbreviations and emoticons, not to mention all those who don't know how to add or subtract in their head, or... how to make change properly. (Please don't send me one of those "Old Fart" baseball hats.  I know... I know....)   

Is there a point when tolerance levels drop and the ability/willingness to adapt changes? Having discussed this with others on a couple of occasions, I am thinking that the answer is "yes".  Nevertheless, although my closets are overflowing at the moment and my To Do List is long... most often I eventually do come around and adapt -- often I actually adopt the latest and wonder how I ever did without it. Cable TV and Caller ID are just two examples. Going back a bit further,  I also own a microwave and, in fact, use it once in a while to melt butter, to make popcorn or to warm up left-overs. Does anyone actually cook in a microwave?  Further... I am typing on the keyboard that is attached to my desktop PC, but... I also own a laptop and an android phone, both of which I know how to use - sort of. I installed my own WiFi. Impressed? When I first heard of these "inventions" I thought they were newfangled gimmicks, gizmos with no future. I didn't buy Microsoft stock at the beginning either.  So -- that tells you something. Some of us change resistant folks miss a few opportunities.

Some things do not change, however.  Take a good hot dog and "home made" ice cream, for example.  You can find those for sure on Findley Lake, New York at Krasa's Kove. They serve the best -- Smith's and Addie's.  It is especially nice when you can share them with fun cousin/friends...even if one of them does have clean closets and the other an organized basement and garage. Some things it is just necessary to forget and forgive.  Plus -- I am thinking that it is possible that clean closets, basements, and garages will need cleaning again. There's still time to catch up...or not. My cousins don't care if I am behind.  We have more important and fun things to care about.  That will never change.  Nice....