Teachlady

Good morning, Violets. Ethan arrived a half hour early this morning so it's going to be a long day till 5 p.m. Then first choir rehearsal of the season. It can't be possible that the summer is just about over. Everyone have a great day and be good to yourselves.

Back in those days, there was a big debate about whether to use sign language or lip reading. My mom was not taught sign language until she went to the Flint School for the Deaf. There she was not allowed to use lip reading and had to learn signing on the spot. My dad never did well with signing, but he was slow in most things. So, when the kids came along, the rest of the family thought it better to use lip reading only. It was a very interesting childhood.

Here's a good site to visit, Laura.. ASL Browser

My parents were both deaf, but both could talk, so they didn't teach my brother and I sign language. As a grown up I kept telling my mother that I regretted that she didn't teach it to us. Soooo I took a couple of classes and always taught my kindergarten students to sign the pledge, color words, vocab words and some songs. When I got a book my students made for my retirement, lots of them mentioned that the thing they remembered from Kindergarten was learning sign language. I have taught Ethan some signs and gave Kris the signing book for a shower gift. Grady is 6 months old in a week, so I'll have to remind her to start using the signs. Sooo, good for you Laura!!!!

Good morning, Violets.. A beautiful day here weatherwise. Roomie and Roomie.. thanks for the happy fluffies last night. I don't know what I'm going to do about church. Bob has been advised not to attend during this whole hub bub, so I won't be able to worship with him for 7 months, at least. I was looking forward to he and I being in church together in our retirement. There are others in my choir who are considering not attending anymore, so that is another concern. We have a great choir, the strongest program in the church and now it's going to be less. I just don't know. So much for venting. The good news is, it is supposed to be 85 today and I don't have Ethan so I'm spending my afternoon in and around the pool. Larua.. I was the 100th vote for Carson today. Wooo hooo! Do I get a prize?????? TracyK.. keep eating healthy and you'll see results like Jenn. (and I need to listen to my own advice!!) Needless to say my eating has not been the best throughout this church ordeal.

Back from the church meeting. I am beyond words. He has 7 months to improve. We're paying someone $600 a month to come here and work with him. The church is $30,000 in the hole and we're spending money for that. I just don't get it. I'm tired and frustrated and angry. Going to bed to try and find some sense in it all.

OMG!!! Michael Jackson died!!!

Good evening, Violets.. What a great day today. The pool was awesome. 90 degrees and the air temp was 73. Sun was shining and Ethan and I swam for an hour and a half. He is getting so good at getting around by himself. He used to wear a floaty that went around his waist and slipped around his arms, but today he wore the suit that has the floaters built in. We had a ball, swimming and talking and splashing. And the best part is when he came in he was ready for a nap. He's been sleeping for a couple of hours now. We're just waiting for his daddy to come and pick him up. I leave in a few minutes to go to church for the big meeting. I don't know what to expect. I know what I hope, but that's just a hope. I will be just glad to get things over with. Everyone have a good evening. Enjoy those school kids and their stories this evening. Hope they all had wonderful first days today.

My kids are wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy past school bus time and I still don't have an empty house. Ethan and I are headed out to go fimming. 73 degrees, but at least the pool is warm.

Great pictures and look at you!!! wooo hoooo!!!

Good morning, Violets.. We got home at midnight last night from the wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony. The music was just awesome. They had a choral group singing and a marimba for special pieces. The sister of one of the grooms performed the ceremony. Members of the grooms families spoke and we all sang a couple of hymns during the service. It really was special. It was so neat to see both sets of parents happy and supportive. The only disappointing thing was that our cousin JoEllen, mother of one of the grooms, quit her choir directorship after 30 years because of the refusal of her church to participate in or accept the "marriage". They were refused use of the church and their minister refused to participate. Another member of the family is a retired Methodist minister and was not allowed to participate. Granted I don't understand homosexuality completely, but I DO understand love and these two gentlemen were obviously in love. They were "married" and just who did it hurt???? Denying people their basic human rights is totally beyond my understanding. The reception was a hoot. Our cousin JoEllen, has a big barn and it was all lit up with tiny white lights with a stage at one end. (it hadn't had any animals in it for years, so it was very clean and not stinky! lol) The band was great, dancing was great.. Grady and I danced to several numbers and all in all it was just a great time. Too bad the cloud of disappointment in the people of their church hung over it. We are not going to church today because we got home so late and just don't feel like going in today. Tomorrow is the big church meeting to see where we go from here. At least I am proud of our church for it's progressive thinking. "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here". Ok.. off my soapbox for today. Going to find some breakfast and then continue chillaxing today! Everyone make it a good one!!

Good morning, Violets.. Off to a wedding today. Ethan was here all day yesterday and we were able to get in the pool in the afternoon even with rain storms all around us. It was sunshine in our little corner of the world long enough for us to enjoy some fimming time. After we came in and got changed he snuggled up on my lap and fell asleep. I love that feeling. Everyone have a good day today. No matter what, we're all in this together and I'm not just talking about the weight loss journey. Be good to yourselves. See you tomorrow.

Good morning, Violets.. Ethan is here for the day and it's yucky weather out so don't know if we'll be able to go "fimming". He loved it yesterday. I was so hoping we could spend some time in there today, but it's supposed to rain most of the day. Grady comes at 10:30 so I can watch him while Kris gets her hair cut. She's having a real hard time keeping him on schedule. He is in a crying mood lately and she's frustrated. I keep telling her, this too shall pass. She was supposed to go with us to a wedding this weekend, but decided it would be too hard on Grady. It's a 3 hour trip, then the wedding, reception and a 3 hour trip home. I can understand why she doesn't want to go, but I was looking forward to having her there with us. Bob's cousin's son and his partner are getting married. Ethan is playing Wii right now so I better take the opportunity to get dressed for the day. He's here till 5 and then I have a meeting at 7. Laura.. saw your post on Facebook. So sorry to hear about your band. Isn't the manufacturer responsible if there is a leak???? Everyone have a good day.. Will check in when I can.

Good morning, Violets.. Pretty day out there today. 52 degrees right now and sun is shining so the temp will get up there by mid afternoon. By the time I got out of rehearsal last night at 9:15, it was dark, so didn't get in the pool again like I hoped. Michelle... I have an email prayer chain of about 40 people and will put your MIL on it. Busy day for me, so I'm off to get some breakfast and be on my way. Everyone be good to yourselves.

Where'd everybody go??? Just finished the last of the U.P. pasties. Will have to make another trip north to stock up or take a day and make my own. Off to singing rehearsal. Will check in after my evening pool time.

Good afternoon, Violets.. I've been doing laundry and catching up on everything today. It was a great weekend. It was VERY hot and humid.. in the 90's, but at least the house was air conditioned and so was church on Sunday. I got to buy granddaughter Mara some shirts and Everett some shoes for school. Little Amelia didn't need anything except hugs from Gramma and she got lots of those. We went out for burgers and fries for lunch on Saturday, but of course I pb'd and son Joshua was very impressed. NOT! It's been great summer weather here lately. The a/c is on in the house and I'm about ready to jump in the pool for some exercising and sun. It's 79 right now, and the humidity isn't as bad as it's been. The pool should be just right. The Bobster needs to mow the grass again. We got tons of rain last night and this morning. As usual, my plants are all watered without me having to do anything! Terry.. hope you're feeling better. Be strong. PamELa... school already??? That's hard to believe, isn't it! I'm so glad I don't have to worry about getting a room ready anymore. Now I just look forward to the social security and pension checks. Life is good. The Bobster has his name in for an interim pastorate in a town about 40 minutes away. Hope it works out for him. I don't know what is going to happen at our church here. We have a big meeting Monday night and the future of the pastor will be discussed. I'm certainly hoping he will leave for the good of the church. Michelle, your lunch looks soooooooooo good!! We had some kind of meal for 2 thingy out of a bag. Very tasty, but certainly not as good looking as yours. Laura... Grady is having sleeping problems again. I keep telling her.. one of these days, it will all be behind her. He is teething and can now sit up for awhile if he's put in the sitting position. He's also up on all fours and scooting backwards. I haven't seen him in a week so I'm anxious to see him tomorrow. Kris and Nathan are going to the health club Monday, Wed. and Fri. now. Hope it works well for her. She wants to lose 40# before they head to Hawaii next January for Nathan's best friend's wedding. Well, I don't watch BB, but I'm enjoying Real Chance of love, Back in the Saddle. Well, I better get off here and get in the pool. I have a singing rehearsal tonight. Everyone have a great day!

Good evening, Violets.. I'm back.. I'm tired... I'll catch up tomorrow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAT!!! HOPE YOUR DAY WAS A GREAT ONE!!!:party::hurray:

Good morning, Violets.. We are off to see the far away grandkids. Everyone have a great weekend. Summer is finally here in Northern Michigan. Three days of upper 80's and I'm not going to be anywhere near my pool. sighhhhhhhhh Oh well, it will be worth it to see the kid's house and spend time with the new grandpup as well as the family. Be good to yourselves!! Will check in on Monday evening.

Good morning, Violets.. No work for Joe today so no Ethan, but I'll be "fimming" after lunch. We're having pasties from the U.P. of Michigan... the REAL pasties. Laura, we're talking food here!:drool::tt2: We leave tomorrow morning for a trip down to see our other grandkids. It's a 6 hour trip so i have the Kindle to take along plus my tabloids, of course. We'll be seeing their new house and dog. They've lived in an apartment and mobile home for 10 years, so this is a new adventure. They have 4 acres and a pond. Can't wait to see it all. I've been doing 2 workouts a day in the pool. It's so nice to get those exercises done and then relax on the raft and look at all the flowers as I float around. TracyinKS.. love the new digs. Sounds like you're really ready for a new life. When does Robby start school?? 76 degrees right now and the sun is shining so I'm eating lunch and then spending the afternoon outside. Everyone have a great day! Be good to yourselves.

Good morning,Violets.. Terry... hugs to you and praying for you and Evan. Stay strong and know this is not about you. It's his choices and his consequences. Michelle..you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Janie.... compacted, eh? Gravity sucks!! It's been working on me for a long time. We had our meetings yesterday about the pastor and his job performance. I don't know what the outcome will be, but I put my 2 cents worth in. The staff also made their feelings known. I just wish the pastor would have enough guts to say this isn't working, I need to find another church before he destroys this one. Hospital volunteer shift today and then hopefully some pool time. It's going to be 78 today, but it's only 58 right now. The water temp is still 88 so I'll make it in one way or another. Just would like some sunshine so I can work on my tan also. Roomie.... I finished that Sweetness book. I enjoyed it. Also finished the newest James Patterson book. I'm now on Best Friends Forever.. I try and get a couple chapters read each day, but it's a challenge to get off Facebook to do it! The Bobster was at Kris's house last night grandpup sitting while they are out of town. I had the bed to myself, but couldn't sleep well cause I kept thinking of the church and what's ahead. No work for Joe today so no Ethan, but we're going to pick him up this afternoon for some swim time and Gramma time. Everyone have a great day. And no, Haydee.. GOOD BOY, would not be what I would be saying to the Bobster.... believe me, it wouldn't!!

sprinkle the cucumbers with salt and put them in a strainer on top of a bowl for about an hour. The liquid will drain out into the bowl. Then mix in the ingredients and put in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Suzie.. here's the recipe for cucumbers that I use. It's good for 3 bean salad too. 1/2 cup sugar(I use splenda) 2/3 cup vinegar 1/3 cup salad oil 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MACY!!!! HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY.:w00t::hurray::sneaky:

When I make it, the topping isn't that crumbly.. it's more of a crusty type thing.

Michelle... So sorry you are going through this. Have you considered counseling?? Sounds like some counseling on communication issues needs to be done. The worst thing to do would be not to take this seriously. Would DH be willing to go to someone for help??? Would you??? Hang in there.. we're here for you. Let out anything you need to in here. Love you, Roomie..(((hugs)))