Favorite Vacations: Perugia, Italy and Southwest Alaska Favorite Book: Vagabond's Journey (my daughter's book about my father) Favorite Movie: Enchanted Favorite Quote: In each action we must look beyond the action at our past, present, and future state, and at others who it affects, and see the relations of all those things.-Blaise Pascal
Pictures
Dauphin Island
I held a small shark! I cannot believe how much I enjoyed this field trip. The sixth graders were wonderful and they demonstrated such knowledge. I was extremely proud of their participation. Every day was filled with experiences beyond my imagination and our Dauphin Island instructors, were fabulous. I learned so much from them. I look forward to next year when I will be able to go with my sixth grade class. They have a great trip to look forward to.
Italy
A few years ago, I traveled to Italy with my niece. The pictures of this trip are linked to this picture. I especially enjoyed the pottery spots like Deruta and Gubbio. Someday, I hope to return to Deruta to take pottery classes. The pottery schools in Deruta are famous for their majolica artwork. This small pottery town lies close to Perugia where they make some of the best chocolate in the world. It cannot get much better than that... Pottery and Chocolate.
Childhood
My grandchildren enjoy hearing stories. Stories of our childhood are particularly appealing to them. My husband and I often tell or write real and humorous stories we remember from when we were growing up. My husband likes to fabricate invented stories. Sometimes I am not sure whether his tales are imaginative or truthful. My story: My parents gave me the gift of a happy childhood, for that I am very grateful. Even though we moved often, when I remember little glimpses of those carefree days living in Libya, Texas, Washington D.C., Virginia, and Iran, I smile at the memories. This picture links to some of our stories.
The SanAntonio River Beckons (a story from my brothers' childhood escapades)
Rich whispered to his little brother, “Wake up, Butch, its time to go.” As Rich shuffled out, Butch stirred and gazed around the dimly lit room. The glow from the streetlight spilled into their little bedroom. Then Butch remembered their plans for the day. He bounded out of bed, changed his clothes, and scrambled down the hall to the kitchen to find some food. Butch found Rich sitting at the kitchen table, “Everything’s packed, and Vara Lee left some money to get food at the cafe. But we might oughta git somethin’ for breakfast though, just in case she checks up on us.”
Richard was more than a brother to Butch; he was his buddy, protector, and companion. Even though Rich was seven years older than Butch, their escapades filled the long San Antonio summer days. Their adventures were made of the same fabric of Tom Sawyer stories, but this day was not typical.
They rode their bikes up to Tuleta Drive where the river crossed the road. They quickly hid their bikes and Rich whispered, “There's the raft. I hid it in the underbrush.” They yanked it out, shoved the little craft into the water, clambered onto the wet wood, and pushed off.
In a shaky voice, Butch asked, “How far do you reckon we’ll go?”
“I guess we could make it to Roosevelt Park. It’s only five miles. If I’ve a mind to go on after that, we could go on the Mission.” Rich announced. "The water is low from the drought so that it won't be too hard. We'll sit back and enjoy the ride."
The water rippled under their tiny vessel; they held on. Butch beamed up at his Brother; he trusted him totally. This was their most daring exploit yet, and it was just the beginning. A nagging thought lingered, "I hope mom doesn't find out.