Wordle for Antony's speech in Julius Caesar

Happy New Year.

I've got to grade so, so, so, so, so badly that I decided to come and post a decidedly non-post post. Winter break has come and gone; we had a marvelous time in the north country with my family (even saw a teeny-tiny bit of snow--enough for us, anyhow); we've had a little bit of fun here at home; we played games and ate probably bad for us food until late in the night on New Year's Eve; we struggled to make it to 9 o'clock church the next morning. An additional note for my family: our heater just went out shortly after we came home. It was cold this morning--57 degrees in the house (I know this sounds balmy to you if you live in areas where temperatures below ten degrees and even far below zero are the norm, but it was cooooold). We are getting it fixed. I know you were worried.

Later this week (hopefully), I'll be putting together my annual quarterly book reading report (yes, I procrastinated it until the end of the year again this year, despite my good intentions at appropriate intervals throughout the year).

Okay. Now I've really got to get some grading done. I'm supposed to be picking up a student teacher tomorrow. Ugh.

Happy New Year. (!--exclamation added to indicate semi-excitement).

An ear for this kind of thing.

The wife stepped on something the other day (most likely a Lego--parts of the house are a regular minefield once the kids get going on building a project), and shouted out in a crescendo: "Ow. Ow! OW!"

The girl heard her from the other room, and started in on her own version of a song we sing around here: "Ow. Ow! OW! It's MAGIC! You knOOoow!" So funny.

Happy Nevada Day (from California)!

Here are some pictures for Grandma, so she can see how things looked on Halloween in California. The boy was Jack Sparrow, and sported what has probably been the most expensive costume ever created by our little family. The girl was a penguin. We masqueraded as responsible adults. No one was fooled.

The boy as Jack Sparrow, eyeliner and chest hair included.

Scott and Phoenix's Maisy as a Tiger.

The penguin. The girl won the "Most Creative" prize in her age category.

Scott and Phoenix's Benson. Cute kid.

The boy's boots were made from thrifted lady's boots--we cut out the soles.

Secret to Pirate outfit? Ladies clothes (but don't tell the Boy).

Something tells me it's all happening at the zoo.

The polar bear was digging around underwater for this yellow ball for about 10 minutes right by the window. It was fun to watch.

Swimming.

Flaming-o.

 

I would encourage you to get tickets to the Skyfari.

Kung Fu-less Panda.

Whatchoo lookin' at?

Legoland!

 

New Star Wars stuff at Miniland.

The Boy with the Millenium Falcon. It was HUGE.

Get your own Taun-taun!

The girl said she actually had a good time on the roller coaster. I love this picture.

Leaving Legoland. Bummer.

Night fog in Encinitas.

Baby Zoe at the beach.

Palindrome

Today's date: 11/02/2011.

I've got to find something else to write about.

First day of school.

Have to follow tradition. Here they are:

The last, of course, expresses my ecstasy at being back in school. Woot.

Early morning.

There are few things that will get me out of bed in the middle of the night. Children vomiting. Babies screaming. Urination (sometimes). But this past Wednesday night, we were right in the middle of quite a storm--as in right in the middle, as in simultaneous lightning/thunderclaps. It was incredible to be in. And, as per usual, I missed a lot of strikes when I was checking the camera, pointing the wrong way, or just being stupid. The lightning came upon us before the rain; we had a few good minutes of dry lightning before the storm really started coming through and dumping rain on us. Since we don't get rain very often, this was quite an impressive downpour. It's funny: people in Vegas often complain when we get rained on, as if the novelty of a (maybe) 10-times-a-year storm is really that off-putting.

Here are the ones that really seemed to work. There were dozens that didn't.

My view was pretty limited--I wish I could be out there with a wider viewpoint with fewer obstructions (mom and dad's place comes to mind). I'll have to see where I can get next time in my pajamas.