Camera Critters: Sir McDuff

McDuff is the quintessential subject when it comes to catching critters with the camera. He always loves to pose! To find other camera critters go here.

Photo Hunt: Strings

I caught this picture of Annie as we sat out in the garden this morning. Doesn't it just pull on your heart strings?
For other photo hunters using string go here.

Kiki Aru Becomes a Teenager!!

My friend EM took this picture at my wedding celebration eleven years ago of Kiki Aru. This precious niece has grown up into a intelligent, energetic, talented teenager. She is celebrating her thirteenth birthday today. Happy birthday and best wishes for an awesome first year as a teenager Kiki. I wish I could be there to celebrate.

Classroom Conversations: Beginning a Teaching Year

I have now spent three days back at school. As I reflected back on those first days with sixth, seventh, and eighth graders (and a few high schoolers that came down the hall to visit) this evening, I smiled and even laughed out loud at some of the conversations that have already taken place.

" I really know that I could draw this so much better if I could use that cool extra fine black Expresso pen I saw on your desk!" ( After letting him use it I think he was right.)
" I really want to read this book that has lots of stories about wolves... but can you just ask me questions about one story? I may forget some stuff with this many facts and this many stories in one book." ( Of course.).
"How did you know I wasn't reading? What? You really do have eyes on the back of your head?" as he peered a bit closer. (smile)
While writing a story a new student asked," Is having a guy bring a big gun in and shoot all the people in a bank before he steals the money too violent for you?" ( before I could say a word most of my students replied, "Yes... she doesn't allow violence to that degree!).
" What is that "s" word we can't say in this class again?" ( A voice next to her whispered "shut up".)
When having a discussion about respect one student raised his hand and with all seriousness replied, " I think you should always say excuse me when you fart in class." (" I agree"I said, trying not to laugh.).
" Since it's my birthday could I have a day off from schoolwork? (stern look) Well... it was worth a try." ( "Happy Birthday... now begin writing.")
" Here teacher... .I drew this picture just for you. " ( smile)
" Do I have to read my book today?" ( "No, you don't have to... you get to. It is a privilege to be able to go to a big shelf of books and pick any one you want to read.")

and at least once the first week I always hear, " Are we going to do anything in here today?"
"No... we are going to do everything today... and if we don't get to everything thank goodness there is tomorrow and the next day. Aren't you glad you are ready to learn?" (smile)

A Rare Peek at the Morning Glory

It isn't often I get to see this morning glory in bloom. I don't think it is open when I leave in the morning. I am usually a bit too rushed to check. It is closed by the time I return home. I am glad I caught it over the week-end at the right time of the morning to get some photo images. It was very slow at blooming. It was worth the wait!

Attack of the Squash People

Recently I did a blog post on the poem entitled " My Mother Gives Me Her Recipe'" by Marge Piercy posted here. I had a blog friend Tinker suggest the one below. I laughed so hard when I read it. Now I know why I love Marge Piercy's work so well. Enjoy!

Attack of the Squash People
by Marge Piercy

And thus the people every year
in the valley of humid July
did sacrifice themselves
to the long green phallic god
and eat and eat and eat.
They're coming, they're on us,
the long striped gourds, the silky
babies, the hairy adolescents,
the lumpy vast adults
like the trunks of green elephants.
Recite fifty zucchini recipes!

Zucchini tempura; creamed soup;
sauté with olive oil and cumin,
tomatoes, onion; frittata;
casserole of lamb; baked
topped with cheese; marinated;
stuffed; stewed; driven
through the heart like a stake.

Get rid of old friends: they too
have gardens and full trunks.
Look for newcomers: befriend
them in the post office, unload
on them and run. Stop tourists
in the street. Take truckloads
to Boston. Give to your Red Cross.
Beg on the highway: please
take my zucchini, I have a crippled
mother at home with heartburn.

Sneak out before dawn to drop
them in other people's gardens,
in baby buggies at churchdoors.
Shot, smuggling zucchini into
mailboxes, a federal offense.

With a suave reptilian glitter
you bask among your raspy
fronds sudden and huge as
alligators. You give and give
too much, like summer days
limp with heat, thunderstorms
bursting their bags on our heads,
as we salt and freeze and pickle
for the too little to come.