It's Seems I Just Turned 40 (13 Years Ago). How Can Kaitlyn be 40 Already? Surreal How Fast the Time Goes as We Age...

We celebrated Kaitlyn's birthday yesterday at Stappa Vineyard in North Haven and I'm thinking back to celebrating my own when I first came to Connecticut. Then I have to remember I arrived 14 years ago, when Kaitlin was still in her 20s. It just seems weird, especially with all the toddlers running around in every direction. I didn't know there was a winery that close to my house and I liked the grab a table, bring your own food, and order bottles of wine vibe...was something different. 

Went to Home Goods to get her a gift card and walked out with a couple of clearance items I didn't need but seemed to speak to the Mt. Pleasant vibe. Also got a great walk in with Karal, as it was a beautiful day and the air was as fresh as could be.

A couple more recommendations were completed and more external review letters that have been in the hopper have been addressed. I like that this is a 3-day weekend, as Sunday is actually Monday, so there's a second to relax and take a breather. 

I think it's the last Walnut Beach Sunday bands tomorrow and, perhaps, I'll take the afternoon off. 

Meanwhile, Happy Birthday week, Kaitlyn!

I Always Wonder if Nature Knows that the Body Needs to Gear Up for the Impossible, so It Forces You to Rest at No Cost When You Can

I felt the migraine coming on Thursday night. I did what I know how to do...darkened a room, got wet cloths for my neck, and prayed I'd fall asleep before it hit. I accomplished my goal and when my alarms went off yesterday morning, I didn't want to get up. I did, though, walked the dog, and then proceeded to go on a sprint of work, until I wanted to see what Lowe's porch furniture clearance looked like. I need to replace all the chairs as they are spent. They had nothing, so I came home to work some more. By 4:30 p.m. I realized I wanted a blanket and I was out...for two hours. I just slept until Karal's barking woke me up because she wanted dinner. 

Of course, I convinced myself I have mono or Lyme disease, because I rarely get tired and take breaks. I had two doctor's appointments, however, confirming all is well. I think it is psychosomatic, because I know I don't want to get back into the grind, so I'm looking for reason not to work at all. Naps seem to take care of this..

People are reaching out to go out, too, but I hate all the hubbub, crowds, noise, and people. Yuck. I'd rather sit at home reading and writing. Then I feel guilty that I'm not more sociable and feel I should make the rounds. 

I told a friend yesterday that I'm growing into a curmudgeon, which is far from what I want to be. It's simply coming with the material, though, and I can't shake the inner cynic out of my system. I feel great when I'm hiking or in the flow of the work, but when I give myself a second to think about it, I hate it.

And I'm thinking of Cynde and Mike's patio...that is labor that offers a result. It's hard. Time consuming. Frustrating. Etc. But when it's done, you have an accomplishment. 

I'm ready for retirement. That'll be the retirement that is overdue. Yes, I know I have a good decade more, but I've been in it for a while and I'm tired.

Proud to Celebrate a Local Graduate as He Embarks to Stamford University in the Fall to Begin His Next Journey

I met Dereje at a Maker's Fair at the Westport Library where he was fan-boying Jerry Craft's earliest work, a good year before New Kid came out. Dereje Tarrant was ahead of his time...loved diverse representation, understood the comic book genre, and new good writing when he saw it.

Unfortunately, Covid upset his Project Citizen years, and we had him online, but he was a quick-witted, political writer who had his eyes on what needs to be said and how to say it. He finished his senior year this year and I knew I wanted to send him off with a package for his first year, including good soap for the dormitories and an Ubuntu T-shirt to represent the game out West. 

Last night, we had the honor of pre-recording Derrick Barnes with Dr. Chandra Maxwell, and I loved that he shouted out Dr. Alfred Tatum, who is a man who made me become the person/writer/thinker I am today. I loved that they also had a connection and I couldn't help but think about the ways people lead to people.

We also welcomed another generation of scholars to campus and had our FWC summer picnic, where I got to see all those who have been away for the summer.  

I shared with Dereje jewelry and a keychain from Zambia. Here to all entering their freshmen year. May they find a pathway through these turbulent times. 

I'll Take It. After Several Years We Finally Have My Blood Pressure Where It Should Be. Always Love Back To School Appointments

Forecast: I will live. After doing my cycles through local circuits, I'm cleared with a good bill of health, besides the need for a 2nd colonoscopy to be scheduled this year. Blood drawn, shots given, and cough cough. All good.

I spent most my day reading, caring for the house, walking the dog, eating my delicious Wegman's Sub, planning for classes, and answering emails. I tried to go back-to-school shopping, but the whole idea of buying clothes midlife is simply boring. I just want to kick around in weekend lounge wear. Not professional at all. 

This morning is more bloodwork, the hair will be cut, I have a lunch, and then there's the FWC picnic, a ritual I rarely miss. It's the official start to a new year when the new faculty arrive to the FWC picnic...it is camaraderie with camaraderie...one of the few occasions where faculty are united as a front.

I also want to finish a book before I have to return. I'm almost there, but it hasn't grabbed me to the point of obsession yet. Those are the ones I love most. I'm hoping it will in the next couple of page flips. We're getting there. 

It doesn't matter if a beginning teacher, a mid-career educator, or a late-mover and shaker like me now...the back to the grind-rendezvous is never fun. It's a severing of the persona for 180 days and a total commitment to a classroom of others. It's good...but it's a lot. 31 years in...still a lot. But here we are. 

This Could Be Very Problematic. I Get Alerts When Traffic to Wegman's is Unusually Low. So I Go. But I Should Also Consider the Return

I worked on my porch until 1 p.m. and then got the alert that I-95 was clean. It only took me 22 minutes to get to Wegman's. I wanted a sub, more chips and salsa, and have been thinking about the Asian buffet wince visiting last time. I picked up a meal for dinner and head out of there (also saving $10 for spending over $100). The way back showed a frenzy return, however, so it took me to the Merritt, which was a parking lot, too. The twenty minutes there turned into almost 120 minutes home. Ugh.

I will say that the Wegman's Asian bar was worth it. We air fried what was purchased and everything tasted crips and fresh. 

Again, it's probably best that it isn't quite convenient. I'm not regretting not buying the fresh mussels that were on sale. 

Today there are more syllabi to create, more dossiers to review, and a couple of doctor's appointments while I can get them in. Tomorrow is back-to-school picnics, haircuts, and the reminder that there are very few in my school who'll actually partake. Likely to just be me and often John Kiweewa and Delaney. 

All I can do is focus on what needs to be done to support the programs that matter to me. The rest of it is out of m control. 

Loving the cooler temperatures. Still hoping a Wegman's store will move even closer.

They're Back! Well, the New Student Leaders, That Is - Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors Assisting Incoming Students & They Needed to Be Trained

Ah, I'm not sure what year this is. Every time I'm asked to do the training I think, "Maybe I should suggest someone else," and even if I ignore the requests, they keep coming. Eventually I give in  and say, "What a few hours of your life, especially when it's to promote classroom strategies to make a 50-Minute block of time go faster:

• Kick-Off/Write Your Way In
• Pair/Share
• Group Talk,
• Music
• Visuals
• Jokes (Humor)
• Organization / Have a Plan
• Dialogue and Word Exercises
• Theatrics
• Art

I'm laughing that all these kids are the age of my nephew Sean now, who is also in college. This morning, I need to tackle syllabi, a podcast, and get the summer busses paid. Not sure why it is a struggle every year. 

So, we had a 30-second dance party, but I couldn't push Adelle to the side. It's too much fun hearing a room full of anyone singing her music. Max texted me later to say his friends were in the session and instead of whining about my age often, they had fun. Phew. I am feeling it for sure. 

Okay, Tuesday. Onward.

It's Been a Couple of Years, But Wandered Down to Walnut Beach Sunday Concerts to Hear Kathy Thompson Band. Always Love When I'm Caught Up.

Needed to exercise. Check. Needed groceries. Check. Needed to write. Check. Needed to Plan Check. Then decided I needed to cook, so put together a dinner for a Leo, Bev, Pam, & Nick picnic to hear the Kathy Thompson cover band. Gorgeous night. Cool breezes from the ocean onto the warm shoreline. Good food and good company, too.

Then I got a call from my cousin. Now all of us are worrying and praying as his mother, my Aunt Bobbie, left her housing facility with the dog and has been missing for over 24 hours. She has dementia like my father, but her onset is more aggressive and she gets very confused - much more in the last couple of weeks, my cousin said. He gave me Hannah's number because he's not able to talk...it's hitting him hard. Hannah filled me in with what she knows, as she's in Montana and they're still in Sonoma, California. A Silver Alert has been issued in the town of 1,000 people. I can't imagine the frantic nature of it all.

All energies to the skies in hope that she's found safe as soon as possible. Crazy how one moment you can be listening to a band doing a carefree Sunday and suddenly you get a call and the mood changes entirely. 

Feeling rather helpless on the East Coast, so all we can do is hope.

Just Because I'm in Possession of the Coolest Toilet Paper Holder in the Universe Thanks to My Big Sister! Let's Hear It for Long Frog Legs

It cost me a package of toilet paper, but I'll take. Cynderballz said she needed some, and unbeknownst to me, it was for a repurposes gift...a golden frog with a long leg that could hold extra toilet paper in the downstairs bathroom. It's perfect. I love the finer things in life and this was just the right choice and gift. I'm so glad she made it in one piece from Syracuse so I could display on Mt. Pleasant. 

The trip home was an absolute breeze because I wanted to listen to a Kate McKinnon memoir, but there isn't one, but I found Heads Will Roll, a special series made for Audible. It was ridiculous comedy about an evil Queen and her power, that starred the comedian and even Meryl Streep. It was enough to keep me laughing and stupid humor and made the trip a complete pleasure. 

I wasn't expecting the hotter than Syracuse sun when I returned, but I did love returning to a clean house. Sad for the Fairfield Little League team and wondering how it is that they beat Nevada, who came back from he loser's bracket, and won the series with a vengeance game. Nevada played extremely well and deserved the game, but I don't understand why there isn't a third game to break the 1:1 match-ups. I said in the first game they were evenly matched, so the thought that there isn't another game doesn't quite make sense to me. Either way, great sportsmanship from the Connecticut team and best of luck to Nevada at the international championship.

I think Karal is missing the non-stop action that comes from road trips and family visits, especially because I gave her the night off from being a nuisance when I went to Pam's to watch the Little League World Series match-up. I got some Rico Suave Dorado Arezzo Kelly love and I feel bad I cheated her from all the puppy crazy.

Now I need to think about the work ahead. It's time to hunker down, tie bows on a number of projects and reports, and get ready for the PD to give and the classes to teach. 

I'm very thankful to all who hosted us the past week and wish the road trip could last longer. It all flew by much to fast...as life seems to these day. 

Happy Sunday. Make it a relaxed one.

Stayed an Extra Day To Help Out the Brother-in-Law and Was Lucky that Nikki and Adamo Arrived, and Later Dylan. Lots Accomplished

And so much more to do. Taking out posts is a bear, and although I thought they were all done (having only to tackle one, it turns out there were more. Adamo got that job. He and Nikki are incredible workers. They give it their all. Dylan, too, but he had to work and couldn't join until later. I was drenched and drank a lot of water and lemonade. Moving 180 lbs. of concrete for every hole, times that by 16 holes, then factor in the mixing of concrete and pouring...it's tiring. But I like the physical labor and opportunity to use muscles instead of my phalanges.

We finished around 5:30, I came home and make-shifted a peach cobbler for the folks, then went out to dinner with Abu and Lossine. It's hard to see everyone when I come to Syracuse, as the home front takes top priority...spend the morning cleaning a bathroom. Stopped on the way home to pick up more groceries. 

I need to depart today and I hope to make it in time for the Little League World Series championship game with Fairfield. The good news is I'm coming home to a clean house, as I left it spotless before I departed...new sheets, cleaned floors, vacuumed, laundry put away. So I can enter the house and then quickly get to relaxing, over the stress of maintaining a home. I also mowed before I left. I was thinking ahead. 

It's hard to take consecutive days off when there's always more and more work to get done, but I did a pretty darn good job of separating for at least a week. Yes, I did email, edited POW!, and worked on another batch of grants, but that is what keeps the work flowing. 

I'm sure Karal will appreciate another road trip, but she is exhausted, too. Two days with cousin-dogs has her pretty wiped out. Shoot, I'm wiped out, too. All the lifting and mixing. 

The cars already packed and I simply need to do rounds to pick up anything I forgot. Casey also picked up two years of birthday gifts that have been left at my parents. She doesn't get to Clay much, and when she does, she forgets, I guess. But she can't open them until October.

Crazy, too...Abu, Lossini, and I were talking about how fast 17 years flew by. They are approaching the age I was when I first started working with them. "Dang, we old," was the high-five response. It all flies extremely fast. Shoot, this is Nikki and Chitunga's last year in their 20s, too. Now time for Sean and Jacob to approach that decade and then, WOLA, that's over, too. 

I have to thank Syracuse for the beautiful weather...warm skies, cool breezes, and no rain, even as rain was forecasted. Almost hard to recognize the region without rain. 

But now it's time to head back to CT. I've bot my book already booted up. Now for the thru-way.

Upon Papa Butch's Supervision of Mikey's Perspiration...Another Day for Cementing Posts as a New Deck Is Built

Two days ago, it took us four hours to remove cement and to plant a new post. Yesterday and today, we cemented a few more and with a half day for Mike tomorrow, we hope to finish the posts, anyway. Lots of cement stirring, measuring, and leveling off. Got a Chubby's dinner out of it...Val's chicken wings rarely go wrong, although my stomach doesn't do well with fried foods any more. I typically avoid them. 

The morning was spent with grant work and walking the dog, before Casey and Karen visited. Karen picked up her cottage pie and Casey finally picked up two years of birthday gifts that have been adding up and Mimi and Papi's Homefront. Her car has tree drippings on it, so the bees are all over it. It's like her car needs an exorcism. 

My plan was to leave Syracuse this morning, but I'll help Mike another day and it will give me time to get groceries for the parents to clean around a little. 

Cynde, Mike, Dylan, and I worked up a sweat with the work - putting a cherry on it in the end when we moved 24 bags of 60 lb-cement into the garage. I just treated it like it was an overdue workout. 

The good news is the $100 hearing aids my mom found on Amazon appear to work for dad, as he can hear without us having to scream out to Caughdenoy Road. 

And with that, it's been a week of being on the road. Nice to get away from the daily responsibility and hustle of my Fairfield University work. Still not a break, but I can pretend it is one.

Checking That Off the Bucket List. Always Wanted to Try My Hands at Shepherd's Pie...CNY Weather Gave Me a Reason to Go For It

Amazing to wake up to 40 degree temperatures after the heat waves of this past summer. I had it in my mind to grocery shop and make a meal that would last my parents a few days. I actually made enough for about 15 people. I was worried about the flavors and getting it all right, but in the end I won out. I might skip rosemary if I was to make it again and add something with a little more kick. But it was hardy and perfect for the cold temperatures. 

Of course, the dishes for making all the goods were a major part of the day. 

Also tuned into another game of the Fairfield Little League team and although evenly matched with Nevada, they pulled off another W, guaranteeing their place in the championship. I should be home on Saturday for the game. 

Today looks like back patio pole vaulting with Mike and Dylan, to set the poles for the labor they still have to complete. On Tuesday, we were on our stomach ripping out the cement from the previous deck. Good labor. Probably better to hire out.

It's also nail biting time as I'm starting to see families dropping off kids to college and teachers going back to orientations for a new year. I realize I need to get to work and sit down to get all in place (and, of course, there's all the emails I've been ignoring because I needed a break from it all). 

Anyway, Thursday. Onward. Here we go.

It's the Small Gestures to Hang On To, To File Away, To Cherish in the Demented Days of Aging & Progressing. Papa Butch for the Win

Mom needed bloodwork done, so the orders were in place, the organization arranged, and the strategies mapped. I was to drive and help her down the stairs and he was to take the machines she needed down to the foyer, so we could unplug the one from upstairs and realign herself as she headed towards my car.

Nope. Dad brought her goods out to a chair on the front porch and then proceeded to see that the garbage had come, and he needed to bring up everyone's bins to their front doors (a ritual that is probably five years old now). I catch my mother frustrated in the foyer and bring her the bags she needed, all while she's cursing "Butch" under her breath. 

We get to the car without incident. The wheelchair fit nicely in the back seat of the hulk and finding a way into the front seat wasn't as tricky as she thought. We had the air conditioning cranking and once in, it was time to take off. 

We couldn't, however. I look down the street and I see my father waving his arms for us to wait. "Maybe he wants to come with you, Mom," I said while we waited for him to eventually make it to the car. "What's that in his hand?"

As he walked up to the car he asked my mom to roll down the window. He proceeded to hand her a small shrub of flowers. "I picked these for you," he said. "Have a good appointment."

I told my Mom I was getting a photo...some things are too precious not to record. I needed a photo. I got one, and I knew this is what I'd write about this morning. 

According to my phone it is European Centaury. Beautiful gesture and beautiful day.

Impromptu Stop in Elmira, New York, to See Teacher Superhero Latoya Lisle, a CWP-Fairfield Transplant Who Happened to be on My Path to Syracuse

The only other time I was in Williamsport, PA, was when I was applying to college and was heavily recruited from Lycoming College. No go for me, but I remember visiting the Little League World Series Stadium which was a life-long dream. The route from State College to Syracuse had me return by the stadium in Williamsport (wonderful view from the highway, although the stands were empty...getting ready for Fairfield's blowout of South Dakota later on). 

As a 17 year old, I don't think I realized how beautiful southern New York and northern Pennsylvania are, especially the rivers, canals, hills, and greenery. I got off in Corning, however, to meet Latoya Lisle at her house in Elmira. She's now working for Horsehead Public Schools, which is irony, because the only think I know about art district was they marched against my sister at the NYS Marching Band Championships at the Carrier Dome. She moved to be with her boyfriend last year, starting out teaching in Binghamton and then getting a job closer to their home. She's still at SUNY Binghamton, though, earning her administrative degree.

Latoya participated in the summer institute in 2021 and quickly became a favorite to partner with on grants and support of young writers. She was a reading specialist in the Norwalk Public Schools and always a visionary of what is possible with young writers. When she chose to relocate, I was sad for the State, but she brings brilliance wherever she goes. 

"Hey, why don't you bring your dogs to meet my dogs," she said when I called from the highway. I didn't know how Karal would do with little dogs, but she played and played and played, as did they. Also met Makenley, the boyfriend, in addition to Juno and Brownie. They met at University of New Haven and now he's an engineer in Corning. Visiting their home reminded me of the charm of tows across the region: the large houses, the shops, the blocked roads, and the appreciation for nature. It was a wonderful stop-over on my way back to Syracuse and now I wish that was the route I always took on the way home.

I made it safe to Syracuse and all is well. Dad wanted Chubby's but halfway through his beer he said, "I guess I'm not that thirsty." 

I also enjoyed driving through Ithaca to get home, as I only have a few memories of visiting friends who went to Cornell (and the deer that jumped through the windshield of a friend's car on the way to see Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians at Ithaca College. 

Okay, only one meeting today and I'm good to go.

Last Night in Penn State. We Had a Slow Day of Porch Down Time, Then Hit a Brewery for Pizza and Ice Cream. Also, Great Rains

Waking up and heading north through Williamsport towards Elmira/Ithaca, taking a new way into Syracuse as I head up to the folks one last time before the holidays. Karal had a good time with many people to be a nuisance to, especially at the brewery when it was an absolute downpour. Have to admit, the pizza truck was pretty pathetic, but we ate on through and countered the bad experience with an incredible ice cream one. Nothing like farmland dairy. So fresh. 

As I drive home, Juliette and Justin should be having Juniper, Kris's academic friend should be replacing my space in the house, and I'll be listening to some book or other, while taking in new angles while being in a New York State of Mindfulness. 

(and hoping my intestines aren't disrupted by ice cream or the cheese on the nasty pizza)

Kris and Dave warned me that eating out was slim pickins' in State College. I didn't believe then, but now I know. Now sure how a college town survives without numerous choices for good food...but Pennsylvania has its reputation for a reason 

Looking forward to a week in Syracuse before charging ahead in the Fall semester. 

And here we go. 

The Warmer Weather Stayed with Us in Penn State, Toured Campus with Karal (Hot), and The Awaited the Arrival of Isaiah and Maddie

Trinidad fruit salad rocks. I've missed this since Kris and Dave departed for Pennsylvania, and I was treated to it once again at State College as the fruit was cut, prepared, spices added, and Dave did his magic with the ribs...three racks of deliciousness. 

In the morning, I was taken to campus for a tour (as the entire town exists for this enormous university). Lots of buildings. Lots of people. Lots of money. Lots of learning. Lots of construction. Lots of campus pride.

I took advantage of out-of-routine-time and actually took an afternoon nap. It's probably because of being fed so well. My meals aren't as fancy (all the time).

Isaiah and Maddie arrived around 8 p.m., having trekked from Boston where Isaiah was doing a political internship. They'll be heading into their junior years of college...quite amazing how quickly the time flies.

Karal is in heaven with all the attention. She loves people, even through people don't necessarily love her the same way. 

Also should shout out the Fairfield Little League team for hanging on in the Little League World Series in Williamsport. Kind of cool that I'll have to drive through there when I head to Syracuse. Haven't been there since 1989 when my parents took me there to look at Lycoming College. 

Okay, I need to go hunt down some coffee.

Arrived to Penn State to Dave's Incredible Cooking (that Lemon Pasta...that Lemon Pasta) and Now to Get to Know the Area a Little More

First of all, is it me, or does New Jersey simply need a bottle of windex and a vacuum cleaner. Yes, there's high traffic after the Tappen Z/Cuomo bridge, but that doesn't excuse that all the roads look like dump site for drivers. Rubber tires, McDonald's bags, decaying animals...It's really alarming actually. If I was a tax payer, I'd be frustrated, but I think I say that every time I'm forced to drive through the State. I know they have good beaches somewhere.

Pennsylvania, as always, is just wide and boring. The Poconos are always good to see, but for the most part it is one long, boring drive. I didn't do a book. I'm saving that for Syracuse, so listened to music and cursed construction. There highways shift to one lane with no reason. Just an orange cone on the side of the road. 

I did make it out of CT in record time. No traffic, which never happens. Not sure what that was about.

Kris and Dave have flipped scrips for themselves in PA, as they had a home built by the Amish, reside in a wooded area, and no longer have the traffic of Nichols in front of their house. There is MUCH space for all the kids, a wonderful layout of the kitchen, dining room and living room, and plenty of sleeping space. There are also two front porches with wonderful views of Penn Station ahead. 

Last night, Dave built a fire and we allowed the flames to keep the bugs away (because the hover flies during the day were definitely hovering). Karal is being Karal...too excited for life, commanding, and everywhere at once. She hit her bed last night and zonked out rather quickly. 

So did I. Good sleep, indeed.

Didn't Get a Single Number Correct Wednesday Night, But I'm Road-Trippin' Like I'm a Boss. I Rarely Play. I Always Lose. Onward.

Every once in a while I get a wild hair that wonders, "What would it be like to hit a Powerball Jackpot," so I play every now and again. I already know what I'd do...take a lil' chunk for me and then create a trust for the National Writing Project so individuals like me don't have to work so hard to secure funds in support of teachers and kids. I'd like to restore the normalcy of solid literacy instruction through research-based professional development for teaching writing. Simple, really. 

But I lost. I'm over it.

I'm actually hitting the road this morning for Pine Grove Mills, PA, to finally spend a long weekend with my dear friends who I miss tremendously. It's been too long and a year ago I married their son to his wife and today, a baby is due any minute. Their collegiate life kicks off next week, so I'm kicked out and will head to Syracuse from there...a four hour drive. I figure I can do the triangle in a week and should land on Amalfi Drive by Monday (in time for the week, but not to pacify my mother's weekend boredom. Sad news, too...I have to leave Syracuse by the following weekend because our work is picking back up at Fairfield. 

I got myself in a good place with syllabi, publications, editing, and materials for Fall (finally put away a garage full of CWP-Summer goods). So now I'm looking forward to taking off for a little while and not being monopolized by the National Writing Project work or Fairfield University. I know that the vast majority of academics get June, July, and August off and I can't even wrap my head around three months being away. I'm lucky if I get a week or two (but I know my responsibilities are different, and if you want to make a good world for young people and their teachers, you have to put that much more time in). 

Of course, in two weeks I'll get head-whopped again by all my colleagues who have posted all their summer vacation spots and relaxation photos, only to state they need their summers for research. We see each others CVs. Those in the know, always know. 

In my next life, I hope to be a better person for drawing lines and saying, "This is owed me." I'm not that way, though, because I have too much K-12 in me, and even more passion for helping those who get beat down the most. Returning to the hypocrisy is part for the course and, who knows, maybe one day I'll hit that Powerball and then I can really focus on the good work I know needs to be done.

Replacing the Wind-Up Toys of Crandall Gifts of Yesteryear is the 30-Second Dance Party Button that Plays Techno for 30 Seconds. Why? To Dance, of Course

Lolis would roll her eyes. Crandall spends all his day farting around buying stupid toys from $1 stores and wasting his money on acting silly. Well, the boxes of wind-up toys and now THE 30-SECOND DANCE PARTY buttons are a little more than Dollar Tree shenanigans.

Ethan turns 3 this weekend and when he got up from his nap he was greeted with a gift from Crandall...a button for dancing. At first, he moved a little, and then it became his new companion, I am told. I have received videos from his parents, too, as he won't let it go and is dancing with it on the beds at his home. 

Wusah! Perfect gift.

(for those wanting to see what the hype is, they can Google 30-second dance party. There are an ample number of videos there)

I'm not sure what got into me this week, but I've continued to be horns-down, total ram mode to get work completed from summer. Often, I don't get to POW! until the later Autumn months, but I wanted the publications in the hands of families early in the school year, so I can concentrate on the other work of the academic year (journals, publications, teaching, service, etc). With that noted, I finished editing last night and only am missing a couple of entries from kids, having sleuthed down the names of pieces written by ghosts. Usually when I contact a parent I get a response, "Doesn't surprise me one bit that they didn't do what they were supposed to." 

Youth is wasted on the young.

Ah, with this off the radar, I can then begin thinking about the million and one other things needing attention...including a mental break. I really do try to find ways to get away from the grind, but every time I try to do that, I get overwhelmed by what I will return to...so I keep grinding. 

Dang it. They grab teachers by the gonads...they really do. Anyway, onwards. 

I Like Dog-Sitting Days. They're Fun, Joyful, Energetic, Cut, and with a Little More Funk than Just Any Other Day. Besides. Puppy Breath. Is There Anything Better

I continued to edit POW! Power of Words, did two grant reports, tried to get on top of Fall work but have been greeted with yet ANOTHER overhaul of University systems (and lord knows if they can find a user-unfriendly, and ugly interface, they'll choose it every time), and wanted to finish some reading. Well, I also did a round of catching up with colleagues across the nation on where their head lies given the absolute insanity against all things just, right, honest, scholarly, and humane. Wanted to be sure their heads were still twisted on right and that they didn't give up yet.

I'm two season into The 100, and after finishing the 2nd I thought, "How much more of this garbage is there?" Turns out, there are 7 seasons of humans brutally destroying, feeding up, sucking the life out of, and backstabbing humans. I believe that is the mission of the entire show...to show how it's a dog eat dog world and only the most vicious win. Sad to have missed it in 2014 and because of a few pop references I decided to give it a shot. I now just want to read a review of all 7 seasons to see how it ends. Curious if anyone from the original cast mades it to the final season. I mean, pretty much someone is slaughtered off every week and, although mildly entertaining for a little while, it gets old pretty fast.

I made a promise of another Wegman's run and will keep that on the radar to make sure it happens should the possibility arise. Rumor is it was a 2 hour drive on I-95 to go 14 miles yesterday. That is not worth it, in my opinion.

I should also mow the lawn, but I hate these temperatures and the lawn is so dried out. It's just depressing. Still, there are those puffs of grass that still find a way to grow...they need to be taken down.

Was treated to Pam homemade pizzas last night (a thank you for watching Rico all day - although he is zero problem...all the trouble he gives her, doesn't show itself at my house...instead...he's just a good boy).

Okay, hump day. Get Humpty Dumpty with it already. I'm looking forward to the heat snapping again.

12th Edited Collection of Student and Teacher Writing, POW!, Will Be Heading Off to the Publisher Soon. Hard to Believe We've Gone Full Circle Again

In the pre-tenure, bad years, where everything was dumped on junior faculty and there was little room to resist, it took me almost a year to get POW! to the publisher. Now, post-tenure and granted Full Professorship, I'm more entitled to call the shots the way I want them to be played, and this includes prioritizing what is most important to me, which is getting a copy of the publication in the hands of teachers and students from summer programs as soon as possible.

This means, of course, that I am spending all my free time editing the writing of 100s of teachers and kids so it is ready to head to the printshop. The little kid writing and Ubuntu Academy cracks me up and brings total joy. Teacher writing is peculiar, but it's easy to figure out what they're trying to accomplish. As for the middle-grade novelists. Oi Vay! Now that is a process. The kids never seem to put a name on anything. They love adding tabs and using bizarre fonts that don't translate well to our editing software, and they only sometimes choose to use punctuation (which is agonizing when 150% of their novel is written in script form. In the end it comes together, but while editing I want to gouge my eyes out.

This is the 12th publication of POW! and we're using it to celebrate our 40th anniversary in Connecticut. We're just a decade younger than the first institute that was established in 1974.  I'm not sure the teacher network is as solidified as it was in the 80s and 90s, but we're doing everything we can to fight the encroachment of politicians destroying what actually works in the classroom. It gets harder every year.

I'm not sure what got into me yesterday to commit to 14-hours of editing, but I know I want to get this off my plate so I can be prepared to put out the zillion fires that will likely arrive when everyone else returns to campus after three months off after taking their summers 'to write.' I use the pace of summer to stay disciplined, and usually dust of 2 to 3 articles myself (which I did this summer, which pleases me, because I'm also running a 175 hours of labs, teaching, and editing POW!. 

I'm fickle about the heat. I don't mind it in July and am used to sweating bullets then. When it enters August, however, with the grass and perennials all dried up (I don't water) and the cicadas humming as they do, I don't want the heat. I'm sick of it. My throats dry. My mouth is dry. My nostrils are dry. I want rain and revitalization....not humidity and air quality alerts.

It's already Tuesday and my summer to-do list is waiting for me to yell ta-da! All done (it won't happen, but I will try). 

Here's to the grind. For many of us, it's all we will ever know.

Took Advantage of a Free Sunday to Pack the Dog Up for a Coastal Drive Where I Dropped Off Items and Thought About Work

I spent my Sunday writing review for journal articles that are in the service part of my job, and worked more on the teacher and young people writing for POW! and CWP's summer programs. I read a book and then decided I wanted to see the ocean, so I packed up Karal and we did a coastal run imagining that we lived in a coastal home with the beautiful homes and the unfiltered income that puts such locations into existence. I suppose it's hard to realize that even at your finest, top of your game, you're never able to find yourself with coastal luxuries handed down for generations, most often as 2nd, 3rd homes for vacations. 

That is the two Americas. I live in a location where I can see it in front of my face with the schools I support, and the households who send their kids to private and boarding schools. The economic narrative is always owned by those on the top. 

Today is Monday and I'm looking at two weeks of space where a new semester is upon me and I need to get rest from the summer work that just was. To heal or to organize. 

I need to heal. 

I like this coastal mini-romp and feel I need more of this to make sense of the work I love to do and the systems that exist, historically, to keep us from doing such work. All the research I review leads to the same conclusion - greatness is possible, but our societal structures keep us from realizing our fullest potential. Perhaps this is the curse given to every scholar that ever existed. The luxury of know the best practices should be, the privilege of being in facilities to name this, but the absolute inability to enact change because of money and institutional traditions. 

My continued phrase is, "The Gods Must Be Crazy."

I Can't Help But Love Messages Like the Ones I Get Where Brothers are Plotting Out the Rest Of Their Summer and Using Notebooks from CWP to Make a Plan

Dr. Michelle Caruso Walker contacted me to share that her three sons were working on a movie they want to make, post summer programs, and the eldest ran to his writer's notebook to show his younger siblings what he learned from CWP teachers about plotting a story and framing a narrative so it works. It was a random text on a Saturday, but she capture the lil' men in action and it is obvious they are into what they are doing and holding onto a respect for CWP programs. Cool.

Kanyea, Courtney, and Malia are safely back in Syracuse and the departure was sad. Malia insisted on giving hugs to the neighbors before she left. We also had to hatch dinosaur eggs (they were rocks), fertilize all the plants (it was water), have one more dance party, and make sure at least one Bluey treat was packed in the car. Phew. She's good with her orders.

I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing the summer course I taught (as grades were long overdue), then doing laundry, and heading to get dinner with Bev, Nick, and Pam. I also got a long overdue walk with Karal, as they were less frequent with a two-year old demanding my attention. 

The house has been cleaned and restored to bachelor mode (I live a low maintenance life) and I now have a list of to-do items I'd like to accomplish before another semester takes off.

I received positive notification on another publication and I'm thinking ahead to what I want to prioritize in the year yet to be.

But for now, I simply want to sleep, rest, organize, and appreciate the summer that just was before the academic year steals away all the joy.

We'll Miss the Out of Town Guests, But I Did Talk Them Into Staying an Extra Night (so We Could Eat Jamaican Food & Finish with Walnut Beach Creamery)

Funny to have lived in Connecticut since 2011, but never have paid to go into the local Zoo. It was nice. Love the otters, prairie dogs, and monkeys...definitely could do without the Rainforest hut and its smells. I think it might have been 20 years of feces rotting in humid temperatures. That space stunk.

The crew dropped me off on campus so I could do a workshop with the Volleyball team, then we realized at 4 pm we didn't have lunch so we went to Kingston, the Jamaican joint in Stratford and ordered a feast Funny to see one of my students from the summer working behind the counter. Such a beautiful smile and so smart. 

We came home, and our neighbors arrived with Sai, also in the almost 2-years old phase. It was a lot of running, girl-shrill screaming, and trying to escape any control by the parents. It was comical, actually. The feet just move and move and move.

Afterwards, we walked to the park and got playground time where Ms. Malia is a daredevil and has no fear. I have to say Karal was funny, too, because I took her off the leash and she would run up to the top with the kids. We came home to finish Snow White on Disney (the remake and easily the stupidest/worst remake in the history of all remakes). It was much more fun to poke fun at the choices than it was to actually watch the show. No wonder it flopped in theaters. 

We also chose to go to Walnut Creamery as the sun was setting and the full moon was rising. A pretty productive day, but now it is time for the departure. Kanyea took a new job in Oswego that starts soon and Courtney needs to think about back to school orientations (she'a social worker for Syracuse City Public Schools). 

The Good Thing About 4 O'Clock Blooms, Is They Remind Me an Hour Later It'll be 5 O'Clock Somewhere. I Love these Blooms and Their Seeds

Last year I planted 4 o'clocks, Mirabilis Jalapa, and I loved how much they bloomed and flowered into the Fall. I also like how the flowers seed, as they are really incredible evidence of a much larger design. They are mesmerizing, actually, as they look like they are hand carved mechanisms of nature's stellar brilliance. There are thousands of them so I put them in the pocket and distribute them around my neighborhood, especially in areas that could use color.

We had a great day yesterday at the beach. Perfect weather. No humidity, a nice breeze, lots of sun, and really no one but us on the sand. I've not seen too many days like that - the ones like only a few people know of the sandy luxury.

We came home and I grilled chicken, steak, hot dogs, vegetables, potatoes, as well as made a good caesar and fruit salad. Great meal. Filling. Could do it over and over again.

Today is Friday. I'm working with the Women's volleyball team at Fairfield University, and I'm hoping to have another wonderful day with the out of town guests. Another cloudless, blue-sky, no-humidity celebration. Lawns could use som rain, but I'm not complaining. The Autumn months lie ahead.

Scratched That Part of Connecticut Off the Bucket List...Next Time, Trusting What I Know with Mystic, No Matter What the Town Websites Show

We saw the Children's museum. Definitely a lot of boats and a nice artsy-town feel. There was a dinosaur museum nearby, too, so it seemed like the perfect outing for the day. 41 miles. That's it (but in CT traffic). I think as we pulled into Niantic we realized, "Oh, this is not the place from the online photos." We joked that they hired a really good photographer, and (phew) they misled with that children's museum. If we went again I'd bring a vacuum, bleach wipes, and Windex. Most of the kid stuff was dilapidated. Glad we gave them money, but you'd think they'd invest the cost back into the actual museum. 

We walked through town and found an ice cream parlor and park. Malia liked the slide sand Kanyea is always up for a photo-shoot. We then decided to get lunch (at around 4 pm) and debated on where to go. We took a chance and it was okay. The highlight were the crab cakes...absolutely delicious, but I'd unlikely ever return there again. Never quite sure how you can be a coastal town and have such a horrible selection of fish (and why fry it all?). 

Although we anticipated Malia would sleep on the way there and back...nope. She was too excited to be awake.

All in all, however, it was good to spend a day with Kanya, Courtney, and Malia.

And today the sun comes out. 

I Can Get Used to Puppy-Sitting, Especially When They are Tigger-Like and Curious like Rico Suave Dorado Arroz Kelly.

If I'm home writing and editing, why can't friends drop off their puppies while they go to work all day? I understand the caution, too, especially when they're not quite potty-trained, and leaving them in a tight cage all day doesn't seem like the greatest options. I have no problem opening my home, either, when the dogs get along with Karal and keep her stress level to a minimum. 

Rico and Karal are quickly becoming fast friends, and the playfulness on Mt. Pleasant is appreciated. 

I had dinner with Dilani, the past chair of Counseling who is heading for sabbatical, and then awaited the CNY arrival of Kanyea, Courtney, and Malia. How quickly the house turns to a chorus of Pops and Pop Pops. Malia loves the 30-second dance party which turned into the 90-minutes of dancing with Malia. She also took over the t.v., so I had the opportunity to watch Moana 2 where Courtney sang all the songs (she has a beautiful voice and is one of those people who picks up lyrics the first time they hear the words).

Of course, Karal was in canine heaven...all these new crotches to jump on and annoy.

Not sure what our day will turn into, as it is gray and we will not see sun. The next few days, however, are perfect...high 70s and no clouds. Glad I found time for a haircut yesterday, too. 

I anticipate the noise will begin pretty soon. They're still asleep which allows me my first cup of coffee. You know how that is.

If You Know, You Know. There is Not Much Better than a Hoffman Hotdog, Especially When It Has Been a Minute Since You've Had Them. Go, Wegman's! Go!

I didn't find NYS salt potatoes, but I did get Hoffman's at the Norwalk Wegman's and that's all I needed to do to leave with a smile on my face. We grew up at Heid's hotdogs, and if there was a barbecue, chances are Hoffman's were service. Not to create a national weenie complex, but I've never enjoyed the hot dogs in other states. I was raised by the best, and there's just something about them.

Last night, before walking Karal, I found myself in a quandary about what I should have for dinner when I remembered I had the hotdogs in the fridge. Ding Ding Ding. I cooked up a few for the week and, channeling Mimi-Sue (I didn't have hot dog buns), I used Tuscan bread also purchased at Wegman's. The bread and the Star-bellied Frankfurter party were worth the 15 minutes it took to start up the grill and cook the dogs.

Did a pharmacy run, saw my dermatologist, got gas, and dog-sat Rico Suave Dorado Arrezo Kelly...his first outing and he did great. He got a bath (he loved it) and he didn't pee inside once (which he does all the time at Pam's). He also loved having zoom runs around the back yard and fell in love with the only squeaky toy in the house that Karal hasn't destroyed. It was a fun day.

This morning is dog-sitting part II, a haircut, and awaiting the arrival of Kanyea, Courtney, and Malia Celine. We'll enjoy the crazy on Mt. Pleasant again. Here's to their safe travels. 

First Beach Day of Summer. There Have Been Many...I Just Haven't Had Any Free Time to Enjoy Them. I Changed This Yesterday

Our morning started with a road trip to Norwalk for Wegman's. I gave Bev money for her first purchases, and we all filled carts. I didn't consider how overwhelming the store can be to someone who hasn't been before. The Connecticut branch has a much more expansive market...almost like restaurants of different foods from around the world. I stocked up on the goods I wanted, I bought a bottle of tequila, we took our subs (which didn't open until after we left - so we bought pre-made ones), and then headed to Walnut Beach for the day. 

No humidity. Nice breeze. I didn't sit in the sun, but I did burn the top of my feet that were sticking out from under the umbrella. 

It was five hours of straight relaxation with friends...although all the Wegman's goods being passed around had me quite stuffed.

At one point I even fell asleep on my beach chair, but look at those whiskers. I'm getting old and I have five weeks of non-stop go-go-go I need to get off of me.

Heading out to schools today to set up community partnerships for the Fall, and I have dental work in the afternoon. Otherwise, I'm simply awaiting my out-of-town guests for the week.

Nice to have a Monday where I'm not out of the house by 7 a.m.

I Need to Figure Out How to Get Karal Rest...Dog Sleep...Comfortable to Lose Hours on a Couch with Nothing on My Mind But Chasing Squirrels

I know it will take a while to under manic, monkey brain, as I've been going two months thinking, "Have you done this, but what about that? Don't forget this, and you need to contact them. What email now, and what order has arrived? What are we teaching and do we have six hours of instruction planned? Who is being picked up early and who will be arriving late?" It's non-stop, and then it ends and I simply put my hands in prayer form thanking the Great Whatever that it all gets by without incident.

I tried to rest Friday night into Saturday, but I can't find the ease that the dog does. I look at her and think, "How can you just curl up and chill out?" I definitely need more of that. 

I was good, however, at lying low most of yesterday. I did much needed weeding (and came face to face with a wasp's nest I didn't see...lucky they didn't attack. I never saw one hung so low and it was behind the tall grasses I was pulling). Although my perennials did great this year, I was not their friends and allowed invading grasses and ivy wrestle with them. I didn't even put fresh soil or mulch down this year. But I was on my hands and knees yesterday pulling for several hours. No humidity. It was beautiful.

Karal and I also got a longer than usual walk in....easier now that the humidity broke. It was brutal throughout most of July so we had to wait until night and we could only go a couple of miles...plus I had more planning do upon the return. 

I treated Pam and Oona to GG's Brick Over last night as they were craving arugula salad and gorgonzola meatballs. I picked it up and it was definitely worth it. 

I also tried to nap. It was more resting my eyes in the way my grandparents used to do in Sherburne. I get the need now, and when you have an opportunity to do so, we should (although I'm not great at it). 

Finally, five weeks of laundry has been folded and put away. So, a productive Saturday I suppose. Now, I'm kidnapping Bev and taking her to Wegman's for her birthday. We're getting subs and then heading to the beach for the day. Looking forward to it.

It's a Rap/Wrap. The Moon is Half-Staff (and Bright), the Sun Will Be Out for Two Days without Humidity. I'm Simpy Going to Embrace Excellence For a Short While

It will be short-lived, but the National Writing Project tradition is always rejuvenating: pro-teacher, pro-kid, pro-research, pro-creativity, pro-democracy, and anti-authority...just teachers teaching teachers. It works. We finished the final week of program and ended with Ubuntu Academy, where I came across the students waiting for the bus (who are from varying nations and speaking multiple languages) teaching one another a game of unity. The idea was to align fingers in a circle with a peace symbol in the center, forming a ring of togetherness, similar to Ubuntu circles of Africa. 

This wasn't assigned. This wasn't a task. This was simply youth sharing with youth the camaraderie felt after two weeks of writing, reading, sharing language, and being empowered as individuals deserving more for the world. The teachers weren't around. This was them, building off of what we instructed, all on their own.

No lie. I'm totally exhausted. I could easily come home and sleep for 7 days and not wake up. I know that we didn't complete all we set out to do, either. I will likely spend the next week working on materials still being sent to me from the kids, all because they found writing to be a joy and they have other things they want me to read. 

I find such joy in this. Young people from many nations collaborating without adults getting in the way. They were simply building on what they gained form two weeks of writing instruction, and continuing it before they got on the bus for the last time to bring them back to their schools.

Today is Saturday. The goal is to wake up up at some point, and I have a garage of items needing to be put away (once upon a time I had office space at Fairfield University, but that is no longer the sign of the times....so I store K-12 school items in Abu and Chitunga's rooms. I sometimes wonder if I should charge the university for using my personal space for storing work items....something tells me that would not go over well). 

I do know that CWP-Fairfield work, the teachers hired and the kids who attend, experienced its 13th-year of award-winning work. I'm always happy when it comes to a finale with no complaints and little to no incidences. If an alien came to Earth, however, and studied all that it takes to make this possible, especially with the obstacles thrown its way, I often wonder if it would say, "You need to leave this planet. It is not healthy for any one."

Ah, but I've always been in this for good. for the kids. for the teachers. for the actions speaking louder than words, not matter how much it is ignored by others and the narratives they like to tell. 

It Will Take Me a While to Unwind from the Frenzy of @CWPFairfield Summer Programs, But Today at 3 p.m., I Can Say That's a Wrap for Another Year

Yesterday, our literacy crew of English language learners arrived to the chapter on women in basketball, Gene Luen Yang's shoutout to a history not often shared across collegiate storytelling. Dragon Hoops does a phenomenal job of showcasing and celebrating the contribution of women athletes and with so many ballers in Ubuntu Program who are also EALs, I thought this might be the perfect fit for this particular summer. That is why I invited Rhiannon Berry, a student I had in Syracuse, but also a lifetime professional friend, to speak to the kids. I knew she played college basketball and, because she now teaches English, she'd likely hit all the human parts of being a student-athlete that writers think about.

SHE NAILED IT. I told my mom she should be invited into every classroom across the United States to motivate kids to not only be readers and writers, but to push healthy, smart choices. She's competitive and that's why I love here. The drive and fierceness in how she operates has been what I've admired since Day 1. She's always been my favorite Woman Warrior and she found a phenomenal partner in Eric who matches her in all the right ways. What a joy to work with her again.

I had a goal to finish the book, but we're likely to almost finish the book, as we numerous other tasks to take care of on the last day...including bracelet making, which I have no idea how to do and need to learn quickly from my graduate students. 

Half of the summer program went home with me in my vehicle yesterday and the rest will return this afternoon. Miraculously, the humidity is suppose to drop, the sun is to come out, and the highs are in the low 70s...which is perfect. I'll likely enter my house, crash on a couch, and not wake up until sometime on Saturday. I'm also afraid of getting sick, as that likes to happen when I finally don't have to be 24/7 any more. I want to be sure to take it easy, so I can simply look back on the past five weeks with fondness. 

Here we go...I-95...I won't miss your early a.m. commute. Taking a break for a while.

Howdy, August. If I was still teaching in Kentucky, I'd already be back to school.