Senior year. Hybrid instruction., social  distancing, PPE, quarantine. Zoom, Google meeting, Microsoft groups. so many platforms, so little time.  Gone are the days when hand sanitizer was common only on cruise ships or primary school classrooms and masks were for Halloween and Mardi Gras. And yes, Shit finally got real for far too many families. 180 or days since she's been in a traditional classroom. Life in distorted reality for sure. 39 days working at the camp and not one reported case of the evil virus.

College, yes college. We've visited a few of the schools she's been accepted to. I had originally planned for this blog to end a long time ago, but when I mention it my daughter seems surprised. So here we are 12 years later and are still have great adventures pandemic or not.     

How long do sparrow chicks stay in the nest? An unexpected gift.

After 15 weeks home due to a pandemic who's name shall not be spoken.; Ms. P is free, well at least free of being home. Off to work as a full fledged counselor at the camp she attended since first grade. She departed to join the other counselors for what will most likely be a surreal camp experience for all. So confident going off, not looking back. I thought back to the first time I let her go without me nearby, kindergarten. I can't wait to hear to all about the day when I go and pick her later. No solo driving, yet. The next 39 days of camp, what will surely be a summer to remember. Good for you Ms. P. You've got this! 

Spread you wings like those sparrow chicks in the yard. This is preparation for me to leave her next year for college, yes college. The last 15 weeks were an unexpected gift in disguise. Time well spent, learning and teaching each other, again. To quote Gretchen Rubin "The days are long but the years are short."

I Need To Make My Own Beverages

I need to make my own beverages.

Today started like most days during this crazy quarantine day number... I don’t know anymore, I’d have to check. Sixty-five. Captain Chaos prepared the morning coffee at a quarter to four, far before I awoke. He can be heavy handed and makes some serious rocket fuel, that I have to water down. Well, this was an experience I won’t soon forget. I take my coffee black with no sugar in it, so, I pretty much know what to expect, but not today. I took the first sip, I looked at him and I said, “This doesn’t taste right, what did you do to it?” And he said, “Maybe I was too heavy-handed. I’ll get you another cup and water it down.” Cup number two didn’t taste much different than cup number one, and I asked, “What did you put in it?” He then mentioned that he went to fill the coffee maker with water from the kettle(like usual), but then ran out, so he grabbed a cup off the counter that he believed to have water in it. I then realized it was unfinished cherry seltzer from the night before. So, we laughed and I made a pot of French press, because now I have to clean out the regular machine. Could’ve been worse, once he made the same mistake with vodka.

I went about my day, and after dinner, while cleaning the kitchen, I picked up my favorite coffee cup from the counter. I’ve been known to leave out cups of water, so I didn’t give it much thought. Picked the cup up, took a sip, and realized it was pasta water from tonight’s dinner.

So, unless I make it myself, or it comes in a sealed container, I’m not drinking much of anything for a long time.

Cheers!

Banana Bread and Taco Tuesday

Day two, high school homeschooling, quarantine edition. Tuesday's curriculum included consumer science and applied mathematics aka Ms. P made banana bread after she complete the school assignments.I've never eaten banana bread.

I made tacos for dinner, grabbed the chili seasoning mistakenly, scorched the tortillas. Hottest tacos I've ever eaten. Good thing I only used 2tbsp instead of 3tbsp in the taco meat. Sour cream and shredded cheese to tame the flame for me.

 Grade for the day Ms. P's Banana Bread 100%. Mom's Taco's epic fail. #standbyyourpan #shouldhavewornmyglasses. Stay well, got to go wash my hands.

FDOS Homeschooling 2020

Back to the new grind, homeschooling 2020. There is a photograph of  Ms. P.; now a HS Jr. I greeted her when she finished this afternoon in the same manner I do every day. How was your day? What did you do today? etc.  Ms. P. learned long ago that I expect a detailed response, not the often used "nothing".  Missing is the daily installment of HS drama. Breakups, makeups & coverups. When asked if she would return tomorrow, she replied we'll see. LOL

There were times Ms. P asked to be homeschooled, last Thursday before it officially started she told me she'd been home long enough and was ready to return to school. Be careful what you ask for, right? Stay healthy at home and wash your hands.
   

High School Home School. 2020

I haven’t posted in quite some time. Life with a high schooler is busy. As with many of you, the schools are closed until April 1st at the earliest. Ms P is in the 3Q Jr year. Instead of visiting colleges we’re  practicing social distancing the best we can.
Ms P spent the better part of last week creating a video project fir American History class. All well knowing the teacher wasn’t expecting it anytime soon. Tomorrow the distance learning officially commenced. It’s like the first day of school all over again. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.Stat we’ll.

But we just got here

Today, the princess moves up from middle school to high school. How the time flies for sure. Memories and feelings are strong today. Her clothing and flowers are ready but not me. I've been so busy with all that comes along with middle school that I can hardly find the time to rummage through my closet and put together suitable attire for the day. Funny thing, I'll be the only one to remember what I wear today once it's all said and done. Hmmm

I still remember the wide eyed child, eager to let us go the first day of kindergarten. Her strength and confidence carrying her through the days. She's still quite shy in social situations but that's okay. The lucky people she's gotten to know realize how smart, witty and kind she truly is. The captain and I are proud for all that she has accomplished in and out of school. Illegitimi non carborundum; Carpe diem.