A NEW/OLD FRIEND

Yesterday I was in a new school for me this year. When that happens it is always hard to get into the classrooms and work with teachers. They are hesitant to invite a stranger into their domain. They need to feel safe first. I understand that completely. Because of that I did not have many offers to work with teachers the last few days there.

However, there was one second grade teacher who had been a facilitator and understood my dilemma. She invited me in to watch her and offer suggestions. Second grade is my favorite since I taught that level for so many years. It is like going back home when I enter those rooms. So, I was really looking forward to my visit. I wasn't disappointed. I had so much fun pulling up beside those kiddos as they were reading their books. We had some great discussions.

After the class, the teacher and I had time to talk over lunch. We talked about all kinds of second grade things. I brought in ideas from when I was in the classroom along with new things I had been trying with other teachers. I mentioned that my class back in Hamilton had done a certain thing. The other teacher was amazed. Not at what I had done, but at the fact I had taught in Hamilton. Now it just so happened that she had started her teaching in Hamilton.

I couldn't believe it. I was sure I must have been there when that happened, but I didn't remember her. How could that be, Hamilton is NOT that big? You have to know everyone K-12 when you teach there. Finally, I asked her what her name was then. When she told me I was shocked. I said, "No WAY!" She still looked confused because she didn't remember me either. When I told her what my name was back then she shouted, "NO WAY!" We had been friends thirty years ago. We talked and talked about mutual friends and people we both had taught with. Then she said, "Well, no wonder we had a connection right away. We have been friends for a LONG time!"

I am so glad I found her again. It is like discovering a new secret. What a joy it will be to team up with her and work with those second graders and my new/old friend!!!

CHICAGO OR BUST

On Tuesday three of us went to Chicago. Our goal was to see a play and have some fun. We had been planning this trip for a while and were very excited to take off. We left 'Busco at 7:30 in the morning. The first thing we did was travel to Chesterton to catch the Southshore train. We made it after only a few stops and a scare of a detour. The train was running late a few minutes when we got there. Many people were taking the train that day. We were afraid we would have to stand all the way, but we didn't!

When we got to Chicago, we headed right for Cheesecake Factory. We were ready to eat! We sat outside and listened to some musicians as we shared our cheesecake. It was SO good!

After doing some shopping, we headed for the theater. We finally found it just in time. The play was awesome. We loved the music so much because all three of us could remember The Four Seasons from our childhoods. What a great day with great friends.

Lazy Days of Summer

Today started off with rain streaming down the patio door. I couldn't believe it. I had planned for this day for a week. I was so looking forward to my long-time friend coming over for lunch and a long, long talk. I wanted to sit by the pool and eat on the patio. Now, the rain!

I went ahead with all my plans of making lunch, cleaning the house and taking my shower. I knew we would still have loads to talk about and could do that in the living room or dining room with no problem. Still the patio was so comfortable and cozy. Luckily, the rain did let up about an hour before she was to be here.

I took my new Oprah magazine and went to the lounge chair by the pool with a can of pop and began to browse. I had told Murphy to let me know if anyone came. He knew his "Aunt Marsha" was coming. I was just settling into my chair when sure enough Murphy started his "Murphy-bell". I wasn't sure if he was tricking me or someone really was there. I couldn't take the chance even though it was early for my friend.

Well, Murphy was good for his word and she was standing at the door when I got there. I put the juicy strawberries she brought into the frig and we made our way to the patio. Yes, we got to spend our whole time out there. The Big D even came home for lunch so he could take our picture. We have our picture taken together every time we meet. I was afraid this time there would be no waitress to do it, but he came to our rescue.

This is my favorite way to spend a summer afternoon!

The Book Club

Have you ever had something fit the minute you tried it on? That's the way I felt last night. No, I didn't get a new dress, new shoes or even new jeans. My fit was a brand new Book Club.
There are five of us--all teachers--all lovers of books. We drove up to the new Starbucks in Auburn clutching notebooks, bags of books and datebooks. As we piled out of cars, the chatter was sporatic.
"How've you been?"
"How have the last days of school been for you?"
"When is your last day?"
After grabbing our favorite drinks from the counter we gathered outside--it was so warm--on couches and chairs with a coffee table in front of us. Then the serious business began. We had so much to decide.
We past books. We looked over handouts of book information. We made lists of possible titles. Finally, we made a book pick, figured out a future meeting date and place, and even made a promise to keep our eyes open for future reads.
As we were winding down we talked about personal plans for the rest of the school year and summer. We all loaded into our cars with new dates in our books, addresses to look up on the web and dreams of the newest read to start. As I pulled out of Starbucks, I felt so intelligent, but also so comfortable knowing that my friends would all be reading the same book and then we could talk!
Now, I can't wait to share the experience of a book club with my fourth grade students at Waynedale. They are starting book clubs and I had told them about mine. They had asked, "Why are we going to do book clubs?" My answer: "Because they are so much fun!"
And they are!!!