Day 202 - How Do They Always Know?

I've tried to keep the suitcase hidden in the spare bedroom as I get ready to leave town but the critters have been hanging pretty close lately.  I can tell when Grady's uncanny "vacation radar" kicks in but even Brigid has started hunkering down next to me on the couch.  Sheesh. . .she's only been an inside cat for about 3 months!

Day 201 - First Day of Spring

I spent part of yesterday and today trying to tackle the weeds that have taken over my front yard.  Several years ago, I dug up my entire front lawn and have been gradually working at landscaping that same space. My goal for the summer is to get the whole thing planted and mulched.

Growing up in New England, the appearance of robins always signaled the coming of spring.  Here in the Pacific Northwest, robins hang around all winter. When I see a varied thrush in my backyard and hear it's fuzzy metallic whistle, it's a good omen that winter is nearly over.

Day 200 - Refund and Rising Moon

I finally finished my taxes today and submitted them electronically.  I've had everything roughed out for awhile now but could never seem to get around to finalizing things.  Been using the same website for the past 3-4 years and I love it.  You get a notice within minutes if it was received by the IRS, you get a notice within 24-48 hours if it is accepted (mine came in less than 5 hours) and you get an estimated date for when it will be deposited in your bank account.  It's been my experience that it always takes less time than they say.  The best part - it only costs $9.95.  I can really use the money for some things now that my national board funds are likely to go away.

Also spent a good 1-2 hours outside tonight trying to get some good shots of the "Super Moon".  Should have reminded my students to watch as this is the closest perigee since 1992.  However, if they missed it, they will get another chance in November of 2016. Thankfully, it was fairly clear.  Hauled out the old tripod from my 35mm camera and set it up on a table.  Not totally satisfied with the results but they're not bad.

Day 199 - "Rush Hour" Symphony

Holly and I attended our second of three "Rush Hour" symphony concerts this evening.  Tonight's program included Borodin's Polostsian Dances from Prince Igor and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 in D Minor.  There was a guest conductor from Russia this evening named Teodor Currentzis.  Apparently the 36 year old is quite arrogant and has a reputation for polarizing critics.  All I can tell you is that he was mesmerizing to watch.  For the past two concerts, there has been a woman seated at the very end of our row with an absolutely adorable little girl. Next concert I am going to remind myself to get a picture of her - it will be so worth it.

my delicious "small plate" from Wolfgang Puck catering

Day 198 - St. Patrick's Day

Today was pretty exhausting so I decided to avoid I-405 and drive home on the backroads through Woodinville, Maltby, Clearview, Cathcart and Snohomish.  I always find it more relaxing.  The snow capped Cascades were looking spectacular in spots so I pulled into a barnyard on Lowell Larimer Road to take these shots.

View towards Snohomish and the Cascades

Trumpeter swans

Once I arrived home, it was time to kick back. . .

Relaxing with an adult beverage as I fill out my bracket

If I was still living in Boston, I might have been here at Doyle's (http://www.doylescafeboston.com/), a great place located about a mile from where I lived in Jamaica Plain.

Day 197 - Seasons

For the past two days, we have been working through an activity about seasons on Earth.  Our curriculum uses equipment that simulates the tilt of our axis as we revolve around the Sun (Maglite).  Our home location is always marked on the globe with a mini shadow stick fashioned out of clay and a toothpick.

pretty sure Earth doesn't rotate this fast

 

shadow stick handed out with a toothpick

but it came back with a piece of pencil lead. . .hmmm

Day 196 - Artistic Rendering

Found this little masterpiece on the floor of my classroom today.  Just wondering. . .is it meant to be me?  If so, I know that I have chin issues but the hair is all wrong and come on people, I've lost 10 pounds!