Spook and Splash

Welcome to Greek Peak's Spook and Splash

Our BOOtiful butterfly

Great big gobs of greasy, grimy, gopher guts!!!!!

The "Bathing Beauty"...(easy for T & Ting")

Batman and the Beauty!

Flick and Treat

Movie time in the pool... B's in the blue life jacket:-)

Spook and Splash at Greek Peak was a hit.  ALWAYS a great time there.  Here are a few pictures from the dozens I took (shocker).....Enjoy and  be ready to view some more tomorrow.....no strings attached....or are there????????????????????????????

Flick or Treat!

Today will Day 1 of a doubleheader Halloween.  After school, we're off to one of our favorite places, Hope Lake Lodge at Greek Peak.  This afternoon we'll make trick or treat bags and trick or treat around the Lodge.  If we're not too stuffed with goodies, we'll grab a burger and head for the water.  At 7:30 we'll all swim out to the outdoor pool and float around while we watch "Hocus Pocus" on the giant inflatable screen. There's a slim chance that someone will be taking pictures so we'll share our night of Flick and Treat tomorrow........when we'll be readying for Day 2 of our Halloween 2013 doubleheader.... Wait till you see Papa pulling the strings!!

Some days just suck

Some days I wish that I weren't the grown up, that I wasn't fairly level-headed and I accepted the rules without question.  Yesterday I professed my pride in Jess and Bailee walking in the Cancer Resource Walk.  Bailee understood all about the special reasons and people they were walking for (I know, I ended a sentence with a preposition.)  She was proud of herself as well as her little legs made twice as many steps as the big people.  So, yesterday morning she was going to wear her t-shirt and tell her classmates and teacher all about her week-end accomplishment.  Here come those damn rules..... She was met by her teacher who explained that her t-shirt wasn't appropriate for school and she would have to go to the nurse and change for an extra she kept there. :-(  :-(  :-(  She actually made the decision to wear her "bad" shirt inside out rather than wearing something that belonged to someone else... Just another good decision she made!!!  Anyway, she was sad that it appeared her big accomplishment was something unimportant and shameful.  I understand that certain words are unacceptable in school.  (Heck, Bailee isn't even allowed to say "stupid" at home!)  It's not like her shirt said, "Teachers Suck" or "School Sucks" or even "Common Core Sucks" (mine says that!).  It said "Cancer Sucks" and I'm not sure that a truer statement was ever uttered.

Yes it does!!!

My girls walked and ran with over 900 others on Saturday for the Fingerlakes Cancer Resource Center's annual run in Ithaca's Cass Park.  It was a windy and cool day but they made it to the finish line for the walkers.  This picture was captured by an Ithaca Journal photographer and pretty much tells it like it is... "Cancer Sucks!"   Good job girls....Proud of you all!!!

Scouting out Grisamore's

We're pretty fortunate to have a great spot like Grisamore Farms so nearby.  It's our go-to spot for everything floral, fresh  and farmy.  They have wonderful gifts and displays for holidays and their prices can't be beat.  Yesterday, the Brownies gathered for some farm fun, a hayride and some good ole fresh air.... WOW, was it fresh.... It was about 45 but the wind was howling and the Moms and Grandmas were shivering while the girls were entertained by a couple of huge, round hay bales.   Who knew that was all they needed?  I excused myself from (too cheap to pay the measly $3 to freeze) the hayride but the rest had fun jiggling through the pumpkin patch, picking as big a pumpkin as they could carry, grabbing a freshly picked apple and heading home with rosy cheeks, wind blown hair and maybe a yawn or two..........and the kids had fun too!!!

How Hardy are your "Mums?"

How hardy are your "mums?"   No silly, not the ones that make up the beautiful, fall décor on your front porch but the ones you've been asked not to tell.... You know, "mums the word!"  It's often a pretty tough assignment to keep a secret...especially if it's extra juicy and you're a small town resident. It takes willpower and determination!  If you can't do it, don't put yourself anywhere within range of even hearing it and if it's your secret, KISS (keep it shut stupid.)  Here are a few steps to help you keep that secret.  There were actually 15 steps but I've kept some...................................well........secret!

1. Keep your motivator in mind:   If you promised someone you'd keep their secret or you might ruin a surprise or maybe it might embarrass someone...remember that you were entrusted with the secret and people look up to those who are tight-lipped!
2. Ask how long you must keep the secret:  If it's a party or a present or something short range, most of us can handle it.  If it's something you must take to the grave....hopefully that's a very long time and maybe not something you can handle.
3. Force yourself NOT to tell:  Pretty simple...keep it to yourself!
4. Never drop "I have a secret" hints:  "Na, na, na, na, na.. I know something you don't know." We're how old?
5. Remain defensive:  If someone thinks you know, calmly refuse to tell, stand your ground and you'll earn immense respect!
6. Lie:  Wow.... this one surprised me as it's on the top of my all time list of things I dislike the most...LIARS!  Lies complicate things and cause trouble ...period!  Sometimes you can actually tell the truth and pretend you're kidding...Way better than a lie.
7. Tell an inanimate object: (your pillow, a stuffed animal Ok, maybe even your real pet).  It's off your chest and and it's not exactly telling!
8. Ask the person if there is someone you CAN tell:.... If it's your secret, tell your best friend....who hopefully has very hardy "mums!"

Lunch Bunch

Today's a short day at my desk and a long day out for a wee bit of shopping and lunch with the gals.  We're heading to the Sunset today and I'm thinking of a quick pit stop at Bass Pro Shop.....which unfortunately is located right across from Kohls...  I have completed 99.9% of my shopping so maybe I'll just have to buy something for ME!! Darn:-)

Obamacare 1864

When I typed "Obamacare", it was underlined in red meaning it was misspelled or not a word...ya think!!  Anyway, I'm wondering if 200+ years later it might be easier or harder to be committed...not in the "stick to it get it done" way but the "wrapped up tight, padded room" way! Here is the list of actual reasons for admission into the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum from the late 1800s.

Now if one of these isn't inherent in ALL of us, I'll eat my hat..........that'll get me in there!  WTF:-   The "bin" must still be taking patients as they have a website and a phone number that can be accessed with out someone saying "number please!"

65 and Counting

I know the reason for season.  I understand the religious implications and the joy those aspects bring to the holiday. I understand the very big picture and that all of the rest of everything would be a very huge moot point without what actually happened that night in a manger, in a barn with a very bright star shining down and that immaculate conception (I still have questions about that part.) BUT... I really believe that Christmas happens just for me! My own little ego trip! There is no aspect of Christmas that I dislike. I love the music, the movies, the family, the cards, the decorating, the eating, the shopping, the wrapping and most of all the anticipation.  I try to find just the right gifts for just the right friends and family.  Of course, since the arrival 7 years ago of my favorite recipient, the season is a much more joyful time.  There usually develops a theme to her Christmas wishes and this year it appears to be the vision of Pleasant Rowland's American girls. You know me.....go BIG or go home!  So I might over spend just a tad...sue me!  I have one husband, two children, one grandchild and a bucket load of traditions. If I want 3 trees, so be it.  If there are few too many (and who's to make that decision) gifts under the tree, deal about (as Bailee would say) and if you had to neither buy or wrap them, it's probably not your place to give a hoot in the first place.  There, now that I've justified my behavior (for whatever misguided reason), I'll tell you all about my crafty Christmas cause.  SCHOOL!  No dwelling on the Common Core debacle but it might be the reason that I'm pushing the fun element of teaching, learning and imagination.  Imagination is as vital to learning as breathing is to living.  My plan is to breathe a little life and fun into the process. So....we'll have school chairs, blackboards, notebooks, globes, text books, a microscope, flashcards (for basic facts...Hmm, now there's a novel idea), scenery and sounds and maybe even an apple for the teacher...and a waste basket for her to throw away "the Core!"

                         

                                 65 days and counting till school opens and the fun begins.

My "outside voice" is grateful!

A few blogs ago I think I touched on the arrival of a wee bit of attitude overtaking my sweet little granddaughter. We have made the attempt to squelch the onset by the phrase.. "A little less attitude and a little more gratitude!" I recently read an article in a magazine about giving your kids (and grandkids) the gift of gratitude.  I was pleased that the subject was broached and even more pleased with the simple, yet effective ways to enhance, if not to teach all together, this important virtue:

Gratitude Ping Pong - One person offers something they are grateful for and then the other takes a turn.  The only rule is no one can repeat the other's answer. Soon the attitude turns to gratitude.

Thankful Time at the dinner table-  After everyone is seated, each one names one thing they're thankful for that day! Pretty simple and it can trump grace.

Get in the habit -  To practice the art of gratitude.  Wrap a small item (anything in the house will work) and give it to your child (or adult....heck they often need practice too) and have them open and say something positive.  For example, if they receive a single sock they could say, "This will go perfectly with my other sock. Thank you so much!"  It teaches them to think on the spot and reminds them to be grateful for whatever they are given!!!!!

Put gratitude on display - Hang a poster board in the kitchen and everyone draws or adds something they are grateful for each day. At the end of the month, they rehash all the good things that happened that month.... The not so great things are usually forgotten.

As kids get older, and need a little nudge in the thankful department, maybe birthday gifts could be monetary and the celebrant could give some or all of their "gifts" to the charity of their choice.  It really is a good feeling to give...... often more so than to receive!!!  (Thanks Buzz for passing that virtue on......at least to me)

If you have young children, (or grandchildren) it's never too early to practice gratitude before the attitude has had a chance to invade.  It's not pretty and it's not tolerable.  It's also not a really big thing and one might think it's much ado about nothing.  It's a small effort to take to instill appreciation. In today's hectic environment and  technology top heavy lifestyle, gratitude may be a  far reaching step forward while attitude will undoubtedly set you back.

I am thankful for all of you who "waste" a few minutes of your day reading my "outside voice!"

Happy Birthday Mr. Webster

Noah Webster, America's first lexicographer, was born on October 16, 1758. We remember Webster as the author of the first American dictionary, but he was also the first authority to advocate American English. His American Spelling Book, published in 1783 (later known as Webster's Elementary Spelling Book), was the first to Americanize the spelling of English words such as colour and labour by dropping the u. He also espoused American pronunciation and usage. In a very real sense, Webster gave us the language that Americans think of as English. An estimated 60 million copies of Webster's speller were sold during its first hundred years in print. In 1828, Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language was published, with 12,000 more words and about 40,000 more definitions than any previous English dictionary.

Thank you Mr. Webster for realizing the importance of spelling and speaking correctly.  Even at the age of 25, you knew the relevance of reference and research. Now, 255 years after your birth, our illustrious legislators, with advice from those with little or no hands on experience, have deemed spelling irrelevant and basically a moot point in the grand scheme of 21st century teaching and learning. 

Lots of "old" terms are less than flattering. "old man", "old lady (one of my least favorite ...ever), old hat, old days, old West, old age and even the good "old" boys...... One I'd really like to hear a little more about is OLD SCHOOL..... I understand things change...I've beaten that one within an inch of it's life lately but sometimes "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" makes real sense.  A little tweak here (computers) and a little tweak there (shared knowledge) is acceptable.  The basics should never be eliminated....without them, broader knowledge is basically unattainable.  Let's not ever bench common sense for Common Core.  What we may end up with is common chaos!

Thanks Mr. Webster.....we'll try to keep your foresight in view without sacrificing the basics of education.

Change

I like the kind of change you get at McDonald's. I like the change of seasons. I like the change that happens when you paint a wall, hang new curtains or rearrange a room. I like the smile that changes when your favorite girl's front tooth falls out.  I like change that takes over when you realize you're really good at something and the change that sets in when you realize some things really aren't all that important.

I'm not a huge fan of some of the changes that occur as we age. After 60, you (that would be me) don't adapt all that well to logistical changes.  As a fictitious example, the pizza shop should still be the pizza shop.  It should remain in the same spot and still sell pizza...for the same price. The gas station should still be on the corner and gas should be $.75. The local feed, fuel and fertilizer store should remain as one and operate as it has for the past 100+ years:-(  OK you might have guessed it. Hewitt Bros. is slowly dividing and downsizing.  The fertilizer division is gone and now the fuel portion has been sold. Surely the feed will follow and the doors will close.  It's been tough for the past nearly 7 years to not see a Cadillac in front of the office.  It will be even tougher to see no one there.  As a child, I'd visit and sit behind the counter and play with the adding machine.  Wow, all you had to do was push the numbers and it automatically gave you the correct answer.  I thought every student needed one of those to "help" with homework.  Sometimes I'd cut paper dolls from "used" invoices that overflowed into the waste paper can using the huge scissors that were kept in a green leather case in the second drawer. At Christmas time, my sister and I would gather our stencils from the attic, ask Mom for a fresh can of pink Glass Wax and we'd decorate the big front windows with Santa Claus, Christmas trees and baby Jesus in the Manger.  Macy's had nothing on us, we were good!  The employee Christmas party was always held on Christmas Eve and Dad was always quite happy when he finally arrived home.  Mom never seemed to share his enthusiasm for that night.  Occasionally we'd hear the low roar of disdain as they'd trek to the attic for the annual assembling of the toys. We could have put them out of their misery years earlier if we'd only admitted that we knew they were Santa but we actually enjoyed sitting at the foot of the attic stairs learning new words:-)  Often our toys would arrive on the train and we'd wait patiently at the station with "Brownie" the station master.
For many years, even as an adult, I would be summoned to "the office" for one our father-daughter chats.  We were obviously from different generations but definitely from the same tree.  We both were/are avid readers, writers and researchers, politics was stimulating and sports was a passion.
I was the child who chose to remain so I was blessed with many more obligations (and memories) than those who left or passed on.  I think I was enough like my Dad that we occasionally clashed and my stint of actually working there was a  miserable failure.  I'd like to think it was and not I.  I opted out of the rite of passage to carry on the family tradition of a Hewitt in charge.  I was a bit of a rebel and fertilizer wasn't in my playbook.  Now, it appears, that the end may be near.  The game may be over and all the players who really made it successful are bickering above about who's to blame.  It's really not anyone's fault.  The family is gone.  Business in the 21st century often means going big or going home......and it appears that going home will be the choice. Life goes on.....sadly..........things change!

Dislike

Nobody likes everybody. That's OK!  Some days I dislike some people just a little more.  Thankfully, that list can be counted on one hand.  If I were to designate each of those less than adored people, today's nominee would be placed directly between my ring finger and my pointer and I would hold them high for all to see.  I have really thick skin and I can handle disdain with a modicum of decorum. I can also handily hold my own in a battle of wits. .......but hurt one of my children and you might want to think about vacationing in Afghanistan.

Today might be one of those days where the hurt and deceit runs a little deeper. The final chapter has ended and the book can now be placed on the shelf.  It was one of those reads that really wasn't all that interesting, had an OK beginning, a lackluster middle and ended with the reader wondering why he actually "picked up" the book in the first place.  Most agreed that the book he was reading prior was a much better story and was filled with intelligence, wit and class.  We all make less than stellar choices at times and thankfully (as we all now realize) the shelves are full of exciting fiction and non fiction.  If I were to suggest the next read, I'd pick one about "Old Faithful!"

Eeeeerily Ready :-)

It's definitely Fall and the frost is on the pumpkins....for real.  Bright blue skies this morning, a nip in the air and Halloween is right around the corner.  Here at EIEIO. we're ready.  Costumes await, candy in the box, decorations are up and everything's looking BOOtiful:-)

"Sampson"...............and Delilah?

This week-end we're off to our annual camping journey to Sampson State Park. Family and friends have made this a really fun time in our rolling homes.  It's generally a bit more relaxed than some and we've always lucked out in the weather department.  I think Mother Nature has traditionally felt sorry for the old folks and our gathering of the clan.  Speaking of old folks, we really wanted to take our golf cart so we could head to the next loop (where more family will be camping!) or down to the lake.  Unfortunately, their policy is no unregistered vehicles.  We could, however; take scooters....and those you register?  We could take bicycles.  We actually have a tandem bike....but that would probably begin a rowdy discussion of front or back and we've finally aged out of the top and bottom discussion and now we're firmly entrenched into the bigger dilemma of do we or not! (Was that too much information?) So, in the name of peace....maybe we'll think about regular bicycles or we could just...............WALK!!! I'm voting for just staying at the campsite in my gravity chair reading my Kindle.  If anyone really needs or wants to visit with me, they can come to site 69....if not, that's ok too!  Camping should be a quiet, non decision making event that facilitates little to no thinking. I plan to visit around the campfire by night and socialize with James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks by day. We share meal planning and prep so we really only have to think about one meal.  We're on the chart for Saturday breakfast.... nothing fancy but the big Daddy frying pan will cook up some nice Hatfield bacon, some "Sampson" (in honor of our park) homemade sausage and of course some scrambled EIEIO eggs....freshly laid by our in-house girls. A little OJ and some English muffins and our job's done for the duration.
With all successful events, a little planning goes a long way.  Jerome will be ready inside....Delilah will see to that.  Now if Samson prepares as well for.... Sampson.... and his abilities don't really involve.... hair.... We're good to go!!

And yes, the man Samson is spelled differently than the park, Sampson!  I checked!!

No more Baby "Steps"

Just popped on Face Book this morning and this adorable photo was staring at me.  It sent a tiny shiver down my spine, brought a little mist to my old eyes, provided with me with some "God bumps" (as her Granddad calls them) and sent me for a stroll down memory lane... a place I walk often with much appreciation that I still am able.

This little cutie pie is Miss Taylor Harris in her first day finery all ready to begin her educational journey.  She's had many firsts this past month and I couldn't be happier if it were my kiddos on that step.... Oh wait, it was my kids on that step.  Taylor and her family are beginning to make memories on Main Street, a really special place to be.  I have 33 years of "first day photos" all on that very step.  The smiles weren't so easy to come by in the late 90's when it actually took a little bit longer and I had to work my way around  "Really Mom?" and "People are staring, you know!" but now that they're in their 30's and Bailee has blessed us, they love to reminisce and make fun of the outfits we chose and the hairstyles I suggested and later approved!

It's just the beginning for Miss T and I hope she has her picture taken on those steps and that porch for many years to come.  She, her Mom and her Mikey are home and we couldn't be more pleased to pass on a houseful of memories.....and there are room(s) for many more!!!  (hint hint)♥

Exhausted

This has been another long week for this Grandma.   On Tuesday night..she became THAT Grandma.  The one who has a very small filter on her vociferous thoughts.  I hate to continue to dwell on the education being offered in our small school district but I'm still far away from being a happy camper.  I'm very glad the district provided a forum for learning, explanation, questions and concerns.  If only 2 people had attended, it would have been worth it.....there were more.  We listened to a presentation given by our Superintendent, who btw, I believe is as caring, compassionate and skilled as ANY we have ever had.  Although, strictly as a layperson, I disagree with much that was explained.  No one can tell me that Common Core Standards are not politically generated.  New York applied for a piece of the *RTTT grant....losing out the first time but reapplying and and getting a piece of the pie..........$48,000 was given to Moravia.... a mere pittance actually and as was explained "it amounts to about a penny!"   So, we're Racing To The Top*  for a penny.... on the way up the hill, kids are falling, being bruised, feeling defeated and  often unhappy!....for a PENNY!  The government touted that Common Core Standards needed to be put into place to get our students college and career ready.  I'd say our district has done that pretty well throughout the years.  We have graduated engineers, doctors, nurse practitioners, military leaders and educators, teachers, truck drivers, laborers, hair dressers, chefs and a multitude of bright people who now contribute in countless ways to keep America going. I understand the concept that we can always reach higher and aspire to bigger goals and expectations but SLOW DOWN and by all means let's not jump on another government band wagon.. They're not exactly doing a bang up job........on anything.

It is new and a lot of us have a problem with change...that's not really the issue.  The issue is we're pushing too hard and too fast for possibly the wrong reasons.  I know children and adults need to learn how to handle failure.. as well as defeat BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE it is our school's or our government's role to purposely set them up for such!

The "disease" metaphor was used in the presentation and it's a good one.  It feels like this year the children are being exposed to a new disease (common core ELA/Math) and they're not feeling very well!  They're then sent home to Moms, Dads and Grandparents to recuperate and feel better. Although this disease is unfamiliar to us.  We're not really sure how to treat it.  Do we feed it (by sitting and trying to feel our way through symptoms we don't understand or do we starve it by saying don't worry about it this will pass and you'll feel better.

I think my theory is:  We're a pretty good school.... in fact, "A School to Watch!" We have compassionate, talented teachers and staff, caring, bright administration and we've turned out some pretty amazing graduates.  Let's continue to be innovative. We don't have to drink the koolaid...we can make our own drink....This district has the knowledge to write our own ticket.  Our kids can be educated while continuing to be kids.  They can walk in the leaves, they can draw how they feel, they can write about life, they can use their imaginations and believe it or not, they're learning with every step...or we can teach to the test, evaluate till the cows come home and proliferate a generation of children who know how to take a test and help solidify aid!  We shall see which path is best!