Feb. 7, 2013

An assortment of food at school

 My morning class of freshmen is filled with bright, inquisitive, talkative, and lively individuals. They have made excellent progress this year and enjoy being challenged to think beyond the basic information.It will come as no surprise that by 11:00 am they are ready for a snack. Serving food is not normally part of my curriculum, but today I delivered an assortment of Poptarts - one of their favorite treats. The smiles, the thanks, the excitement of a break in the daily routine were immediate. It doesn't take much to brighten the day of a fourteen year old!

Feb. 6, 2013

Breakfast at campground

I will readily admit that I am a morning person! I take pleasure in rising early, having the quiet house to myself, and savoring that first cup of fresh coffee with my breakfast. It's a time to collect one's thoughts while making plans for the day. A key element  to this routine is the morning meal which fuels the body and sets it in to motion. Many teenagers skip breakfast at home, preferring instead to dine at school before classes begin.Undoubtedly, plenty of students would not eat if these nutritious meals were cancelled. Today I prepaid for several of these breakfasts prior to the arrival of the pupils.Our friendly lunch lady was delighted to help me with my plans. I thank her for the assistance, and hope the students appreciated their tasty meals.

Feb. 5, 2013

Cranberry Lake, NY

There are two guidance counselors in our school of five hundred students. This means that these two women advise 250 students. Imagine developing a trusting relationship with that many teenagers! This is the task that enables them to counsel, schedule, and assist all these individuals. From nervous ninth graders to strong-willed seniors, the guidance counselor is often the buffer between faculty, students, and administrators. Although this is frequently a thankless, frustrating job, our counselors always greet me with a smile and a caring demeanor.Today  I gave them a little gift and a card with a quote on it to let them know how much I appreciate their dedication to our school.

Feb. 4, 2013

Children in Tanzania

I must give the credit for this idea to my older son who reminded me recently about the wonderful organization called Kiva. This is a non-profit group which connects micro finance institutions with people around the world who need a loan to start or continue a small business. It is fascinating to search the website www.kiva.org to see the projects that are taking place in far-off lands knowing that these people can earn money to help their families by being successful in their operations. I chose to lend a woman $25 to expand her sewing business - a trade which is dear to my heart. I will enjoy following her progress. Take a few minutes to read the Kiva stories, and you may find a person in whom you wish to invest.

Feb. 3, 2013

frozen river

" A penny saved is a penny earned." Benjamin Franklin



frozen food



My friend Kim is a "couponistra extraordinaire"; she has turned the art of collecting and redeeming coupons into a science. She is organized and methodical in searching, clipping, storing, and using  coupons which is why her payment due at the checkout counter is next to nothing! I admire her talent and readily admit that I do not possess her abilities to save money in the grocery store primarily because I forget to bring the coupons with me. Although I am rarely forgetful in other matters, when it comes to remembering coupons, I am a failure. I believe there are others like me who have intentions to use coupons, but neglect to throw them in their purses. So, for those coupon-user-wannabes, today I walked the aisles placing a variety of coupons next to the items they featured. The total savings would have been substantial. I hope that some of you found them!

Feb. 2,2013

US flag, Breezy Point, NY

The United States Postal Service is much maligned as incompetent both financially and in delivery of service. It is frequently the butt of jokes and in fact, the term "going postal" is described in the dictionary as becoming angry especially in the place you work. This stereotype certainly doesn't fit my local post office. Many of us still retrieve our mail there daily from the little boxes neatly lining the walls of the building. This is where I go to chat with Doc or the Mayor or John or Celine or any of the neighbors who plan on spending a few extra minutes catching up on news as they collect the bills, ads, and magazines.Our USPS employees are courteous and entertaining. They perform their jobs efficiently with a smile and often a joke. Today I bought a book of stamps, took half of them for my outgoing mail, and then ask the postal worker to give the remaining ones to the next customer who needed stamps. He smiled and said "consider it done". I like going to our friendly post office. I hope the stamp recipient was happy he went there today, too.

Feb. 1, 2013

the beauty of red

Today is National Wear Red Day , a movement designed to bring awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of American women. The American Heart Association organizes this event each February to encourage people to take control of their heart health and collect money for educational programs and research. My colleagues offered donations today which I will mail to the AHA. I work with such a caring group of people, and I am always proud of their generosity.

My husband and I couldn't resist paying for the drinks of  two older ladies who were enjoying a dinner out this evening at a popular restaurant. I hope they were surprised by this little action!