Fall is Here

I've come to realize I like Fall.  Weather here is cooling down.  The mad pace of summer produce has turned to preparing beds and planting the winter garden. I enjoy the simpleness of extracting compost from the pile; the earthy smell of soil goodness mixed with the surprise of an occasional grub to feed the chickens.

I've already worked at two football games, surpassing my total of last year.  Both times being paid with wonderful food; smoked brisket, tri-tip and deep fried pickles; and blessed conversations.

The food compels me to look for new foodstuffs to prepare and eat.  Anyone ever done turkey sausage? We may have access to a two year old turkey and I've wanted to try making sausage.  Should we age the turkey first, or just let the spices flavor the meat?

School seems harder or better these days. Maybe I have more amoral students than in the past.  Because of this the good students stand out more.  Interesting times in education, though it may just be a reflection of our society.

I've been reading more farm blogs these days and it sure has helped with my attitude.  Much easier to think about growing, raising and eating than chemical warfare and the government shutting down because adults won't do their job.

P.S. The picture above is of some wonderful pumpkin donuts Maureen made.  I'm not a pumpkin fan, but these are great.

What's Up?

Beard is gone, so I guess I'll no longer be perceived homeless.  Just weird.

Fall baseball has started. This year we have be tasked in creating a new JV field.  It is a blessing as we've been wanting to move it for years. It will be work, but pleasant work.

I survived presenting to my colleagues.  I was asked to present my example of a student notebook.  I actually stole the idea from two of my fellow teachers, and gave them the credit as they deserved. Have I ever mentioned that teachers are some of the worse students that exist?

Spent last evening with some good men that recently retired and I feel refreshed from the talking.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Yesterday was a school dress up day, Love vs. War.  Not  very PC at this particular time, but high school students are oblivious sometimes.  I wore a ghillie suit.

A friend commented online that she saw me and thought I was a homeless man.

At student saw me at school and  said, "What's the homeless guy doing on campus."

Interesting how perceptions color our world.

Some of the Best News a Parent Could Get

With all of our children of adult age, I often wonder how they will fare in this world.  All have attended post high school education and three are currently enrolled somewhere.  All have experienced some issues with the present state of colleges.  This has included having to work, secure loans, use the GI Bill, and attend longer because classes towards graduation haven't been offered.  All have wondered what course of study to choose and most have changed majors at least once.

One of our children is currently not in school after securing an associates degree.  High out-of-state tuition and the desire not to incur student loan debt brought him back to our home where he was welcomed. We like our children.  He has worked  for one uncle as farm labor, so when another uncle called with a job offer at an engineering firm, he jumped at the chance.  This was partly to avoid farm labor for the fourth year in a row, and partly to work near home and try something new.  That job ended after the summer with the  firm saying they wish they had more work for him, but maybe next year.

Next year came and no consistent work could be guaranteed, but the offer of a recommendation for job in a local national park.  Son took the job and now has decided he likes working and living in the park and will pursue a job as a ranger. That park job is seasonal also, so soon he will be looking for work again.

But last week the engineering firm called asking when son will be done in the park, they have some work.  After talking to the firm, son said they are saving a job for him when he is done. Good news for son and he will move back in with us and we'll get to see him a bit more.

Then I read this post by Enola Gay and the parental fireworks went off.  What better gift to a parent than to have your children praised?  But beyond praise.  The child has learned that work is a good thing.  People that work are diligently are sought after.  To have a company recommend your child for another job is wonderful, but to save a spot for them and find more work is proof that something you did worked.

Thank you, Lord.