School's Out!

Wednesday was a very big day for me. Why? Wednesday was the unofficial start of summer. One of the nice (and necessary) parts of being a teacher is a summer off. Now, my summer isn't really "off." I need to go in to clean out and organize my classroom. I have a box of books in my car that I need to find Lexile Levels (a little like reading levels) on this summer. I have curriculm to revamp and some new curriculm to plan. I have science center file folder games to put together. No, the summer isn't really a vacation - it's just time to get some of the things that I don't have time for during the school year because of students and parents that expect me to actually teach their children somethings during school. ;)
However, the summer does have benefits. My schedule is much more flexible. Today I went to a baby shower for a friend in St. Louis, about a 1 1/2 hour drive away. Now, while I would have gone on a Sunday regardless, the fact that I don't have to worry about school tomorrow meant that I got some shopping done while I was actually in civilization. I have read four books so far and am starting another. I still have four weeks left of graduate work, but I have time to get that done. If it would ever stop raining for an extended peiod of time, I could actually get some work in the yard done. Oh, and if I feel like sleeping in, I can actually do it. (I am finally starting to get something near enough sleep. Sleep depravity during the school year is one reason that teachers really need their summer.) Now, if we were still in St. Louis or near NYC, I would visit museums or do other local sightseeing activities. However, being far away from a city means that is not possible. Right now I am enjoying being at home, but that feeling will disappear pretty soon. Following my husband for his calling has put me in new, unfamiliar, and, frankly, sometimes scary territory. This summer will not only be relaxing, but also one that will likely include some personal growth. (If any of you have a teleporter hidden away in your attic, may I borrow it? It would make getting to civilzation a whole lot easier.)

The Mighty Mississippi

There has been a great deal of terrible weather around the country lately. I follow the blog of another pastor's wife, and her family and community have been devestated by the Alabama tornados. We have been very fortunate, and I thank God that we have not had any real flooding in our own home. Some of my students, however, have had terrible flooding and had difficulty even getting out of their homes. I have had to drive the long way around to get to school, but doubles my commute time. Today we drove down to where the state highway was closed and took some pictures. Here are a few of them.


This is the state highway I usually drive to work.


Another picture of the state highway, with less zoom. You can see where the road is under the water a little bit from this picture.


I just thought this one was fun. I don't think any parking at all, even for emergencies, will be happening soon.