Lockdowns are for Safety

            Lockdowns, shootings and bomb threats were unheard of during my youth - not in my neighborhood.  It was such a foreign concept by yesterdays standards.  Today it is the beginning of norm.

            We were living in West Valley.  Jenna was in the fifth grade. I had been working on the scrapbook that I mention here.  I find it ironic that I had come to a page to explain about how life was then, and what makes her life experiences different from my own when I received a computerized phone call from the school.  The school was on lockdown and no one would be coming in or going in until whatever cause for lockdown was lifted.

            As it turned out, there had been two teenage girls in the area who had been going from residential door to door to steal what they could from houses that seemed unguarded or unlocked.  As the houses were located near the school, the police had asked the school to keep all youth inside until the felons were caught.  Prior to that, I had mentioned smart boards and computer centers that did not exist when I was a youth.

            On October 23 this year, a 911 call was placed to the police about a possible shooting at one of the schools.  The phonecall turned out to be a hoax but the two youth responsible were arrested and placed in juvenile detention.  Two weeks later, there was another threat made when a note was found in the bathroom of that same school.  I would have gone in to assist that day if I hadn't had that appointment in Roseburg.  When I returned home, I got on the computer to look up something else.  I was surprised to see the position still available for a substitute as the day was nearly over.  The reports that the "lockdown had been lifted" were rather sketchy and reported different hours for Thursday than it had reported yesterday.  Last report was that there is still an ongoing investigation. 

            Unfortunately this act has stirred up many emotions and speculations.  Many students were absent from various schools yesterday.  Several are being pulled out and will be home schooled.  Many thought the huge number of absentees was due because of the lockdown.  I personally think that some of it has to do with extending the holiday as the schools have Monday off for Veteran's Day. A meeting scheduled for this Thursday to weed out any misconceptions and help with understanding.  I, for one, refuse to be scared or live in fear as many have done throughout history, and when the plains had been grounded and became active and many refused to fly.  Life goes on.  I'm going to live it to the fullest without being frightened about it.  Whatever will be will be.  I'm certainly not going to stress about it.

Mountain Dew Just Makes Me Feel Better

          Mountain Dew doesn't work on stomachaches as well as 7-Up or Sprite but I can rely on Mountain Dew to assist with relieving headaches and sore throats.  I do use it more as a medicine than for an enjoyable beverage - though I do enjoy the taste of Mountain Dew.  I wish they made Mountain Dew flavored throat drops.

          There are a few times when Mountain Dew hasn't worked for me.  There are a few times when I thought, "Oh, I shouldn't have had that."  But not usually.  For the most part Mountain Dew has been my friend.  It's not just my tongue that appreciates it's wonderfulness.  I really love water.  Clean water.  Drinkable water.  But if I had to choose a favorite beverage other than water, it would be Mountain Dew.  Weird, huh?

         Mountain Dew does not quench my thirst.  Water doesn't chase away a headache or sore throat.  Occasionally water can help with a stomachache. 

Recycled Candy

                Yesterday was bleak.  The temperature remained pretty consistent throughout the day fluctuating  between 53 and 58.  There was a hint of moisture in the air.  I was able to breathe so much better than I have for over a week.  It has been really dry the last five months.  Dry as though I had never left Salt Lake.

         

          As I hadn't slept well the night prior, I slept several times during the day.  I needed to stay home and rest.  Perhaps I should have rested all day, but had left word that I would help with the library annex.

          It is our fourth year to celebrate Halloween in Myrtle Creek.  Each year the city will close off a few streets downtown and everyone is invited to go from business to business to do their trick or treating.  It isn't mandatory

The building that is barded up used to be a fitness center, now out of

                                              business.  The one next to it chooses not to participate in Halloween

but there  are many who will not only pass out candy, but deck out their businesses with elaborate decorations

                               
                                 This is one of the decorated businesses (barber)  In addition to 
                                                the jellyfish and shark, I saw a mermaid (but not pictured)

while others may go with something simpler.

At the annex, we not only passed out candy, but used the incentive to use the candy to "buy a book". 5 pieces for any book.  And it could be any t pieces of candy.  It could be 5 candies that you might not want anyway.  I can't believe how many teenagers were parting with their chocolate.  Oh, wait a minute.  I would be putting suckers or pixie sticks in - never chocolate.

At first it didn't seem we had a whole lot of takers, but gradually, we were able to refill our plastic tub at least three times.

  

                                                                            Roland helped pass out candy

I didn't see as many trick-or-treaters this year as I had in years prior.  It was the coldest Halloween that we have been a part of in Oregon.

There was a light rain at times.  Perhaps it was the weather that had made it seem less crowded - or perhaps there were other places to go.   I know Jenna had gone to Riddle before returning to Myrtle Creek.

 This was my costume.  As you can see, I went all out.

Listen To/Follow Directions

            Yesterday I subbed for an aide at one of the elementary schools. There are at least two kindergartners in her class who have a hard time following or understanding directions.  She had me sit at a table near the back of the class and sent the two directionally challenged students to sit with me to work on the paper. 

The directions were simple, really: draw a picture of a pumpkin and write the word "pumpkin" as best as you can.  Don't ask how to spell it.  Just do your best at sounding it out - which was the entire point of the exercise.   The little girl who sat by me understood what was expected of her.  She whipped out a list of words and copied the words pumpkin and costume.  She drew three amazing pumpkins and turned her paper over.  The boy was much more interested in drawing than spelling.  I asked him how pumpkin started.  He made the "p" sound and I asked him what that looked like.  He drew a series of backward Ps but no other letters to make pumpkin.  He also put a "W" for wagon - but no other letters.

            When the instructor came to stamp the papers, she asked to look at the work before she could stamp each paper.  I don't know why the little girl wouldn't show her, but she seemed to be keeping it a secret.  Both her teacher and I said that her paper wouldn't get stamped unless she showed her work.  She just smiled and kept it hidden.  I told her that the boy had attempted with making a letter "p" several times.  He received a stamp, but the little girl did not.

            Before I left, the girl took her paper to show her teacher, but she still did not get a stamp.  The instructor had told her that she had missed her opportunity and that it was too late to receive a stamp for her work.  The girl cried because she was not able to manipulate the instructor into allowing her to have a stamp anyway.  She needs to learn to mind.

            Minding or understanding the instructor applies to more than just kindergarten. As I have mentioned countless times before, the online school provides lectures once a week.  In order to know if the students are attending the lectures or watching the recorded sessions, a recent incentive has been created for some classes.  It is called a "Live Lecture Quiz" in which the student will give two explanations of things found within the lecture.  It's worth an additional 20 points.    

            I personally need the lectures for structure so that I may know exactly what is expected with the assignments, assessments and occasionally the discussion.  But there are evidently several class members who choose to ignore the lecture or misfollow the directions - which is a sad thing really.  So many mistakes could be avoided if taking the time to follow the directions.

            Danny and I have both given bogus quizzes to our students to see how well they are paying attention.  Even with my explaining to "Please read and FOLLOW the directions",

I still get students who mess it up.  I remember being one of those students - fooled more than once - which is sad to admit.  

How Great the Art of Being Able to Laugh Despite the Pain of Observation

            On March 22 of this year Corey posted to his blog for the first time in two years.  Apparently it had been due to a request made when I mentioned how much I had missed reading his posts.  But that is his most recent - nothing more.  So last night he called me to relate his "Walmart" experience - although he really was not at Walmart.  It just felt like he was.  I laughed at his misfortunes.  It was nice to go to bed with a smile on my face.  But Corey does have a knack with relating experiences and telling stories and even making announcements with an entertaining flair.  So the following is a second-hand account of the things that he related to me.

            First off he had to renew something - he must have mentioned it at least three times, but I failed to understand exactly what it was that he was renewing, but whatever it is, it needs to be renewed annually.  He has the option of driving a far distance to the location of whatever it is or he can do it thorough the local Albertsons.  Albertsons is a grocery store that had several locations throughout the Salt Lake area, but to the best of my knowledge had all gone out of business;  I was not aware that they were in other locations outside of Utah, but evidently there is one near to his house.

            So he drove to the Albertson's and as he was passing the McDonald's anyway, decided he would get a shake or frappe or something that he likes.  He got in line for the drive through but learned that the line was not moving as he was blocking traffic of any other idiotic drivers who were trying to leave or enter the McDonald's parking lot.  NOTHING McDonald's has to offer is worth my time, but evidently Corey had a hankering for a particular product.

           

            Realizing that the line wasn't moving and blocking traffic had become an issue, he decided he would just go into the McDonald's.  I imagine he drove into the lot and parked his car as Corey just does not seem like the type to abandon his car at the drive through - even if the line wasn't moving.  I don't know how busy it was on the inside, but Corey assured me that the employees had managed to get every single order wrong - including his as he had ordered (and probalby paid for) a large but received a small.  And while the customers ahead and behind him opted for their orders to be corrected, he settled for his puny sized beverage thinking it really wasn't worth the extra time to get it corrected (I don't think it would have been worth any amount of time)

            He finally is able to put the McDonald's fiasco behind him and move onto Albertson's where normally he has to wait for the renewal, but did not as night crowd isn't as exhausting as daylight.  It would have been perfect if he could have just left it at that.  But no.  He is a good guy who has decided he will pick up a mega hand sanitizer to take to his work and waits in yet another line.  The customer ahead of him is standing in line with her kitten who she is holding like one would hold a human baby.  Corey does love cats, but does not take them out in public - certainly not to the grocery store to wait in line.  I think he must have felt like he was in the twilight zone.

            The lady with the cat had a credit card or store card or something that required a phone number.  Only the phone number isn't working.  She's aware that it isn't working and would like to use her membership number, but the clerk says she doesn't know how to do that.  She hasn't been trained for entering membership numbers, only phone numbers.  She calls the manager over to assist.  Fine.  The thing takes her membership number and it was easy and the clerk had learned how to do membership in the event that she will need it again.  But for the purchase of how many ever items the cat-lady has, her card has been declined.  And so she asks the cashier to take off the chips, take off this, remove that, until she is down to 1.80 which is the amount that she uses to put on the card.

           

            For the entire time she is in line, she ever so often turns to Corey (who is standing behind her) and apologizes for the inconvenience. When he finally got up to the register, he was praised by the cashier for his patience.  She didn't hear his inner thoughts asking, "What the hell?" All he wanted to do was purchase the sanitizer and leave.  By the time Corey finally returned home (after what should have been 30-40 minutes max - but was more than twice the length) he felt he had had an experience that he needed to show.  As Joh was still at work and Corey was off from work (another plus in his favor) he called me as it was a blogworthy post that he said he's not going to take the time to blog.

            Before there was interference between our phones and somehow we were cut off from one another, ironically we had been talking about the insecurities or "bugs" with electronic systems and illegal hacking or whatever possesses the electronics to "think" or seemingly change on their own.  Allow me to use his security system as an example.  For no apparent reason, it started reporting which doors/windows had been left open in French.  It had always been set for English.  Corey was both disturbed and amused as he has taken French and understood the reportings but couldn't explain why they were being broadcast in French.

           

            He called the security company and was told that he'd been the second to report that the reports were given in French.  It may or may have not been an epidemic - weird. We discussed how each of us refer to the echo dot as "she" and how often "she" spouts information for no apparent reason or seems to take on a human personality at times.  Joh tells Corey he needs to be nicer to Alexa.  It's funny, but it also feels like it could be a danger.  I thought about how Steven Hawkings had advised against AI (one of many references found here)

            Earlier that day Roland received email on an unpaid Chase bankcard.  We don't have a chase bankcard.  I got a scam phone call from "Microsoft" supposedly.  As if my phone is even connected to Microsoft.  I've also had calls about other unknown credit cards.  All machines.  All scare tactics.  Reminds me of Orson Wells War of the Worlds.  There's going to be panic eventually.  Some of us will be able to shake it off - unfortunately we may not be able to control those who are panicking around us - those who may go to desperate measures without complete understanding.  That's how most people vote, I think.  Not everything has to be black and white.  Look for what's beneath the surface.

That Was Weird

            Roland and I were both on

our computers when the power

went off and then back on. 

            I was trying to do my assignments. 

He was at work. 

            The sky outside had darkened as

if the power had not been fully restored. 

The porch light shone on

the yellow house across

the street,

            but that was it. 

No sign of life anywhere for

a minute or two.  Then there was a

            brilliance in the sky.    

my camera did not capture the brilliance that I saw

Jenna took this from the church parking lot

she said the power had gone off and on there also

It was several hours before

            I received a call from the

school district informing

parents of all students that

            a 911 had been called in

about a shooting that would

take place in the principal's

            office

We don't know which school

Just about where the call was made

Parents are advised to explain to

their children that calling 911 is a

serious offence if it's being used to

            prank others. 
             Two students from the 
middle school were arrested.

It did make me wonder if the brief

power surge may have been related.

I Should Have Recognized the Signs

            For a couple of weeks my right eye has been tearing up.  It's quite annoying as it will create a fogged up view through my glasses.  I have also felt somewhat dizzy and lightheaded at times.

            The air has been so dry which I'm sure has been a contributing factor to my health today.  I had thought it was all allergy related when both eyes went balistic last Tuesday but I may have a cold underneath - or worse - the dreaded sinus infection may have weaseled its way into my life again because the air in Oregon isn't providing the moisture which brought me out here.  We may need to move closer to the ocean.

            The fire levels are back to low and moderate - at least here, but there is still a hazy sky to the west of I5 between Grants Pass and Glendale.  Where is my rain?

            Before we had moved to Oregon, we had visited in April.  We had gone to Newport on Easter Sunday.  It had rained that day.  Hard.  It was cold and wet.  I was under the impression that is what Oregon would be.  I left behind my white coat with the bears and trees thinking it would not hold up in the moisture.  I also left behind some cute red boots for the same reason. 

            Turns out I could have brought them both and used them and they would have been fine.  Too late now.  Perhaps somebody else was able to use them.  I don't believe Rochelle did though.   

            I felt fine last week.  I felt fine on Saturday.  Yesterday my throat started hurting.  I went to church but did not sing.  My throat got worse.  I tried to doctor the hurt away.  I may have made things worse for myself.

            I won't be working this week.  I feel fine as long as I'm sitting down or reclining.  But I cannot stand.  And I don't wish to share my germs with others in the event that I am contagious.  I will have to look for a new doctor however as I am quite disappointed with the medical center in Myrtle Creek.  Perhaps I could go to the one in Tri City if they're still accepting patients.  It would be even nicer if it just went away on its own.  However, I am getting to the age where it would be wise to have a routine doctor.  I don't think I've ever had a regular doctor except for my pediatrician and then my OB/GYN when I was pregnant with Jenna.

          Drinking lots of liquid.  Mostly grape juice thus far.  I need to get better. I think a Z-pack would make me feel better. 

The Power in Position

My initial post is costing more time than I am able to give for the moment anyway.  Guess this one will have to tie my readers over:

            The meeting ended early today and so the bishop decided to call a few members from the congregation to come and bear their testimonies.  I smiled as I thought about how often meetings were based on impromptu due to short meetings or just lack of speakers.  In this post I mentioned the majority of youth had their favorite impromptu meeting which was sharing one's favorite hymn and a little bit about why it was/is our favorite (or one of our favorites) and then we would sing that hymn as a congregation.  I think that is something we could do in this ward with our regular pianist, but I know there several in the ward who would not be comfortable playing some hymns out of the blue that they hadn't practiced for a while.

            Singing hymns brought reverence to our meetings and some of the reasons behind the individuals' liking the hymn was inspiring.  I related this to Jenna and she said she would like that opportunity.  I suspect the youth in this ward may know the hymns better than in my last ward when I lived in West Valley.

            Danny was not at church today, but did send her laptop and a cheesy video about Ester - a musical that we would not be able to finish - and didn't.  I interrupted some of it to say "Hey, I just want to let you know what's going on"  - and relate the Biblical version of Ester instead of just the video.  I do believe in the power of music, but I think this particular version took some liberties with their interpretation.

            We're not going to be able to watch starting January as lessons are now going to be only 20 minutes long as well as singing time.  There will no longer be a sharing time.  Church will only be two hours instead of three.  I am personally looking forward to the change.

My Custom Heirloom Walking Stick

      Jenna and I first met Chris just over a year and a half ago.  We met him at Millsite Park.  Jenna and I had been walking around and Chris was looking for the perfect stick as he had a request for making a cane similar to his (see this post)

      I thought that would be nice to have a custom-made cane for myself, and thought I would start collecting words that might describe me and ask him how much he charged.  Chris said he walked in Millsite all of the time.  That was the only time that I saw him.  I don't even know his last name. 

      When Roland was playing Friar Tuck in Hi, Ho, Robin Hood, he had stripped one of our wild junipers to make a walking stick for the character.  I decided that when he was through with it, I would adjust it to my own needs.  I would strip the wood, sand the stick and start a decoupage.  I decided to use more photos than words. Instead of multi colors, I hoped to keep them in the same color as the wood.  It didn't turn out as I expected, but there you have it: 

My custom heirloom walking stick:

stripping down the bark

printing pages full of words and pictures

Remembering Dottie

            I had purchased a package of "Strap Perfect" as it was on clearance.  Jenna and I both seem to lack in the shoulder area.  I thought we could each have three, only three had already been removed from the package.  Perhaps that is why it was on clearance.  I recall Jenna breaking one trying to get her bra off.  I kept one for my swimsuit in the event that I ever misplaced my swim shirt which I did the entire month of August. 

            After Jenna started going to the pool with me last year, she had a suit that didn't fit quite right.  I don't remember what it even looked like or what was wrong with it.  Dottie had brought us a suit that she used to wear and had given it to Jenna.  Dottie was always thoughtful of others.

            It was in August when I noticed Dottie using a binder clip to keep her swimsuit up.  I had misplaced one of the "Strap Perfect" clips but decided I would look for it harder so that I could give one to Dottie, but I couldn't find it.  One day she asked me where I had gotten my clip.  I told her that I had purchased it at Dollar General but have not seen it there again until today.  As I made my purchase I thought about Dottie and would give two clips to her if I were to see her again.  I don't imagine she'll have a use for it in the hereafter.  Dottie isn't with us on earth anymore.

            My hair is starting to come in white.  Whenever I look in the mirror I see my mom.  Except for when she kept the white she was thinner than I am currently.  But that wasn't always the case.  She had dark hair and I started out with white hair (when it finally came in) and looks like I'll be ending with white hair.  Dottie was the first to comment on my white hair and said that I should keep it.  

           After I chopped off my pigtails, Dottie told me how pretty my hair was and thought it would look great when I grew it out white with brown chunks at the end.  She was always so sincere with her compliments.  I don't know what color my hair will be in the hereafter.  I don't suppose it matters.  I won't be seeing Dottie again until it's my time to go.

            She evidently had a lot of health issues, but never complained about her condition.  None of us were aware of how many health problems she had or the severity of what was going on.  I think it was fortunate that she passed away peacefully in her sleep.  I hope her husband knows that.

            I don't recall ever having visited with Dottie outside of the pool except for a few times when she would join our group for coffee.  When I had my job interview in Canyonville, I received a text from Carol to come and join them at a cafe that had just opened up.  Dottie was there with the group.  I think that was the last time I saw her.  I will miss seeing her at the pool next year.

Welcome the Fog

                After fire season, the misty fog and rain are always welcome signs for our thirsty part of the world.  It does impair the vision to see far ahead.  I drove in it yesterday as I had an assignment through the school.  At least the light can be seen through the fog, unlike the darkness I had to drive the day prior.  I told Roland that when we set the clocks back, I will need him to drive as I won't be able to see at the time that I've been going.  But I would do okay to leave just an hour later - I think.

                Currently, the fog covers the sky and hides everything past the neighbors' house.  Usually, it lifts by 10:00 or so.  I don't think the sun peeked through until 11:30 yesterday.  I was on recess duty and had to find my sunglasses.

                I have been at the middle school most of this week, but not today.  It is teacher intervention and all of the students and subs are off today. I would like to spend time with Jenna but have been neglecting my room with each assignment that I've accepted. This week I've had four math classes each day.  Most of the classes have been learning about integers.  I would rather help in history or English than in math.

                Even though there is no school today, there is a homecoming dance tonight.  Jenna plans on attending.  She would like to be dropped off at the school at 5:00.  I think she is currently getting ready for it.  She still has seven and a half hours before she leaves.  Silly girl.

I DO NOT Accept the Challenge . . . at least Right Now

                The RS president sent an e-mail to the sisters to remind us of some challenges given to us in Conference yesterday. I am not prepared to accept the challenge of the 10 day fast from social media.  I am taking courses online.  Sometimes YouTube videos are required - though not always.  Sometimes I will search for tutorials on my own.  Giving up facebook will not be tough as it's been somewhat pathetic or disappointing overall lately anyhow.  I need to use my email for updates regarding my classes and to view confirmation on assignments that I accept for work.  Yes.  I got a job.  I have subbed as a teacher's aide for three different schools now and have at least two more for this week.

                I remember when Jenna took the challenge.  For the most part, it was not a big deal.  Steering away from YouTube was her biggest challenge as she enjoys cartooning videos and singing with videos.  She did this at a time when the internet was not a requirement for one of her classes.  I suppose I could do a partial fast.  There are some talks from conference and news article updates that I will want to review.  If I talk to Alexa, does that count as social media?  I am constantly asking about the temperature. 

                When I am on vacation, I am on vacation - or at least would like to be.  If I were to go on one right now, I'd still have to take the laptop in order to fulfill my school requirements. I don't have a touchscreen that I am glued to.  I update my blog post occasionally but not regularly.  I may be able to do a fast once my classes end, but not right now.  People still come before technology.  I know that I am rationalizing, but aside from school, I really don't get into it that much.  And I have NEVER nor will be surgically implanted to my cell phone.  It's not a big deal.