Happy First Day of Spring??

Darn that Global Warming (TM), anyways!

Accomplished Something!

Over the course of the last two terms at school, I have been in some relatively serious self-doubt about my teaching ability, and my "fit" with the school.  Among other things, it has me looking for work somewhere else, and not necessarily teaching.

I have a student who has issues that are affecting his attendance.  He can do the work, he's just not in class enough to really show it, which makes it difficult for me to coach and evaluate him.  He appeared in class last week, and afterwards, I offered to stay after and help him get caught up.  He seemed happy for the offer, and we left it at that.

Yesterday, he was in class for the full time.  I stayed after with him to help him get his projects up to date.  Happily, he was able to get two of the three he needed to do done.  The third is pretty simple, but his computer needed to do updates before he could complete it, so we called it a day after about an hour and a half.  We agreed that he would run updates next time during the lecture/demo part of the class, so he could finish the last missing lab.

He appeared happy to be caught up, and I felt like I had actually accomplished something positive.

Nice change.

I Am Now Officially Old!

As of about 4AM West Coast time today, I have been on planet for 65 orbits around the Sun.

Lt to Rt: me, Martha, Lane

Martha and me, on a social call

Out in the yard ca. 1954

Andi and me, junior prom, 1967

Sunset, San Simeon beach, 1970 (taken by Jen's mom, Carole)

Jen's Grad Nite, before us parents got locked out.

Luncheon, post Jen's swearing in to the California Bar

Koda and me, doing what we do best

Pacuare River, Costa Rica, 2003

My internet 'persona', 2004

So far, it's been a hoot!

Hello, Benny of PA!

The pack has grown by one new member - Benny:

This is Benny on his way to his new foster home a couple of months ago.

He has fit right in. Suzu and Griffin did the obligatory olfactory check (as did Benny), and that was about it for the first encounter.

He's hopped up to join me on the couch a couple of times - he is a serious snuggle-bug.  Seems pretty bomb-proof, not easily startled. Barked as I walked along the side of the house, so I now have the guard dog/alert dog function covered.

He does like to bark when he's excited. He stops if I clap my hand or stamp my foot in front of him, so the should be an easy correction.  He does not like the stairs here, but then who does?  They have narrow treads, and are pitched at a 45 degree angle, so they are a challenge.

But!  He's here, he fits in, and seems to be quite happy!

Benny at home in the office.

Advancing Decrepitude

As of today, I am Officially Enrolled in Medicare!

I clearly remember this!

That is all.

(BD in two weeks...)

Say Hello to Griffin!

We have a new member of the pack/clowder, Griffin!

Checking out the living area

At home in the kitchen,

On Dakota's old chair.

He's thirteen, seems to be in very good health.  He has a bald patch on his lower back, where he scraped the hair off crawling under the fence to get out.

I 'rescued' him from a woman who has to move, and her new home won't allow dogs.  He's a bit homesick, I think, for his buddy, Charley.  He and Suzu sort of pass each other in the night.  No aggression, no visible bonding.

He ignores Baxter, and I haven't seen any attempts at interaction w/ Nadia.

He's on the floor by my feet as I type this.

I need to get him to the vet, and find an obedience class to join, so he and I can get some structured time together.

Halloween Party...

...and you're invited.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all!