Book Club

One good thing about having a book club is that you get a chance to reevaluate the book. Tonight we discussed Gilead. I thought that the writing was very poetic and beautiful, but I got more of an understanding of the book by hearing what other people had to say about it. I think that if I read the book a second time, I would definitely get more out of it, but since the pile of books by my bed keeps growing, I doubt that will ever happen.

Winter in So Cal

After summer-like conditions in January, it has decided to be winter in So Cal. We have just finished our third winter storm in a row, starting last Thursday (I think). Today we had thunder and occasional showers, and now the clouds are moving on, and this is our view of the mountains. We need the rain desperately, but we also need to dry out a bit between the showers.

Turbo Taxin'

It's the beginning of February which means time to think about taxes. Hal and I spent four hours making a first pass through our taxes and also filed Claire's taxes. Today was also our annual meeting at church where I officially joined the membership committee for a three-year term. After all that business, I'm glad I have a day off from teaching tomorrow!

Orffing Along

Today I went with my friend, Lee, to Orange County for an Orff workshop. I have seen these two guys present before, and I know how great they are, so I was excited to go. I was not disappointed. I learned lots of new stuff to teach. Here is a short snippet of one of the pieces.

Nature around the house

The squirrels were busy today.








And then it continued raining this afternoon.

Yard Progress

The prep work for the yard is nearly finished, and after the weekend rain, Eric will have the decomposed granite delivered to complete the pathways and seating areas, and then we'll have bark delivered for the other areas, then Hal and I will buy plants, hook up the drip irrigation and finish up. We are so pleased with how everything is turning out and can't wait for summer to entertain in the yard, or just enjoy the morning coffee.

Movie Time

This movie came out when we were in Evanston, and I have been wanting to watch it since reading about it in the Chicago Tribune. This film felt as though it might be a foreign film, but the characters live in a small town in Wisconsin. The main character is completely delusional and cuts himself away from society, and yet the townsfolk support his delusion. I found it quite funny in subtle ways and very charming.

Movin' Up to the Next Level

This is the day. I got my first pair of progressive lenses. I managed to walk home from the eye doctor without falling off a curb. My computer screen appears bigger to me, and I'm anxious to see how I do with reading. No more sliding my glasses down to the end of my nose!

Facebook

I dug out my second grade class photo because I am now friends on Facebook with six girls from my class! I put an x on each friend, except Karen who was not in my class that year (her twin, Lisa, is the second from the left in the front row with the cute braids). My lovely picture has a check on it. I am still looking for several more friends from my early days in Chicago.

I loved second grade and my teacher, Miss Bernstein.

Home and Photos

Hal and I made it home with no glitches today. It just takes longer going from the east coast to the west. I have uploaded pics to my Picasa Web Site - so check it out (link in the left column).