30 years

30 years ago today my life changed forever. 30 years ago today my dad passed away. 30 years ago today I was shocked this could happen. I knew dad was sick, but also naively believed he would get better. I never considered the possibility he could die.

I miss my dad a lot and I am thinking about him today. I know the rest of the family is too.

On the bright side I am thankful that our family has been blessed with Cliff. He was just what mom needed and he still is.

Has dad really been gone 30 years? He certainly has, but it boggles my mind to think about it.

George M. (Mick) Meyer Jr.
June 30, 1943 - August 31, 1990

Sunset

Another beautiful sunset over Hidden Valley Lake!

Peaceful?

Peaceful? I don't think so! Who does CNN think they're kidding?

Same here!

I feel the same way! This year has sucked swamp water!

Storm Clouds

These beautiful storm clouds as seen from my deck last night.

Mowing then down!

We have completed another puzzle! We are mowing them down (literally), like there's no tomorrow. If you look closely at the puzzle it shows a whacky and zany lawn mower race. This one was 1000 pieces and took about three days. Next up is a puzzle of the First Ladies of the United States. Note our new puzzle lamp hanging over the completed puzzle.... we love it!

Here we go- Day 2

Here we go with the second day of school, or as I affectionately call it... 179 days until summer vacation!

Here we go!

Here we go! It is 8:00 Monday morning and I pick up my students in 15 minutes. I am getting ready to begin my 31st year of teaching. You would think after 30 years I would be an old pro, but COVID-19 has everyone feeling like a rookie teacher. Nothing is the same as it used to be.

Electoral College

This is why we have the Electoral College. We can't allow pockets of densely populated areas speak for the entire nation.

In the first map, the population of Los Angeles (in red) is greater than each state in blue. Individually, not combined.

In the second map, the red areas, and orange areas have equal populations.

In the third map, the red areas have a greater combined population than the gray areas.

Another one down

Finished another one last night!

Bizarro World!

I am officially living in Bizarro World! Check out the photo of our staff meeting today. It is BY FAR the strangest staff meeting I have ever attended. Yes, we are standing outside. Yes, we are standing on yellow dots spaced 6 feet apart. Yes, we're wearing masks. I don't even know what to say anymore.

Another layer

Here's another layer of protection. In addition to the face shield, we were also issued these Titan themed masks. The school is providing one for each of the students as well. And so it goes...

30 years

What do you get when you complete 30 years of teaching? This beautiful tie tack/pin. I'm not complaining... it's actually kind of cool. I now have six. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and now 30 years.

Coming Back

The students come back to school Monday. It is going to be a year like no other...

Last Fish?

This could very well be the last fish of the season. I don't generally fish very much once school starts. He's small, but it beats a blank. This photo was taken last Thursday.

Another one down

Tami and I just finished another puzzle. This time it was a 2000 piece collage of Route 66. Fun!

Cream of the crop?

He's the cream of the crop? Really? He's the best you've got, Democrats? LOL!

I don't know what to say

I spend a lot of time kidding around on the blog. Not today...

This photo shows what I have to wear all day, every day when I teach. I really don't know what to say about this. I really don't.

This is it

This is it... my last night of freedom. School starts for teachers tomorrow...

A fleeting memory

School starts Friday. Summer is now nothing but a fleeting memory. We sure had some good family time though :-)

Grandkids--- 1st day of school

Here's the latest from Katy, Texas. Today was the first day of school for my grandchildren. They are homeschooled, and the first day was reportedly a success.

Sveta is 12 years old, in 7th grade, and wants to be an artist when she grows up.

Elliott is 7 years old, in 2nd grade, and wants to be an inventor when he grows up.

Asher is 4 years old, in Pre-K, and wants to be a Woody when he grows up. When asked for clarification he said he wants to be a pecker that pecks wood. Sooooo... my youngest grandchild wants to be a woodpecker when he grows up! Got it! I'm not sure what type of degree is required, or how much money there is to be made in pecking wood, but to each his/her own! You go, Asher!

Introvert

More Beauty

More beauty from where we live. These photos were taken overlooking the beach at Hidden Valley Lake.

Life is beautiful where we live

I sure do love living in this beautiful place called Hidden Valley Lake!

Mixed feelings

Mixed feelings today. Tremendous sadness that the Mortons have gone back home to Texas. Where in the world did two and a half weeks go? But also grateful for the time we did get to spend with them. Memories were built the last few weeks and that's something you can't put a price on. This wonderful visit only makes me long for the next time we see them.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to the love of my life!

It's August

Today the calendar turns to August. For me, that means summer is over and it's time to start thinking about going back to school. Let the weeping and gnashing of teeth begin! This year marks my 31st in teaching and it also marks the first time in those years that I will have to wear a mask while teaching. I am NOT looking forward to that :-(