Another month?

How did that happen?

Time seems to have a way of flying more quickly, but then I cannot really seem to determine where it all went.

Let's see.... since the end of September..

1. we went to visit Molly in Menomonie. All of us (doggies, too) went up to see the fall colors before they were peak here and spent a beautiful day outside along the Cedar River Trail, around the town of Menomonie, and hanging out at Molly's place with her and Ella, the spunky kitty.

2. Kate and I went to see my parents, which usually means a trip to Elegant Farmer for one thing or another... this time of year it is Fall Festival time, which means pulled pork sandwiches (we didn't have one of those this year) and caramel apples. The place is always packed on weekends with people apple picking, hayrides, pumpkin choosing. Recently, Bobby Flay, from the Food Network, came there and challenged the makers of the infamous Apple Pie in a Paperbag to a "throw down" ... so now people are even more likely to be buying one of them to see exactly what he will be talking about, when the show airs around Thanksgiving.

3. Molly, in turn, came down to this neck of the woods on October 25-26th, so we could all go to The Overture Center in Madison on the 25th to see "Avenue Q, " a Broadway musical that uses muppet-like puppets and performers to describe early adulthood in New York for some.. in politically incorrect and other on-the-edge stuff. We knew what we were getting into when we bought the tickets, but they still reminded all patrons that "this is NOT a show for kids.. it is NOT Sesame Street." So, that should give you some idea... but it is hilarious, with lots of songs that are difficult to get out of your head.
4. Trick or Treat... as Halloween drew near... on the 26th... when Kate did most of the candy distribution to the brave families that came out on the windy cold day.... those that trick-or-treated on October 31st had a much better evening of fun, I suspect!

5. most of my school responsibilities have included some form of testing ... MAP testing, WKCE testing, IEP testing.... etc.. along with keeping all the kids moving toward their academic and social goals. The testing will keep me busy right up to Thanksgiving break.

6. two days "off" from school for teacher's convention.... the exhibitors there seem to me like a sort of 'trick or treat" for teachers... with the free samples and product hawking going on in between sessions... exhibition hall is my favorite part.... a free flash drive, pencils, pens, post-it notes, note pad, sample game board, free book in the mail, free health guide... :)

7. picking out pumpkins, honey crisp apples, Poyer's pie....making Chex mix...... taking care of the animal friends.... reading books for book groups and looking for interesting sites on the internet with materials for my classroom, especially the digital board, etc. etc. seem to fill in the places around all of the other things...

8. agreeing with my niece, Aleca, on the coolness of the toilet freshener, which I had also purchased about the same time she did.

9. I have to start writing down the funny things kids say at school even when they don't even know that what they are saying IS funny... the adults around then surely do!

With that.... I hope all of you are happy, healthy and having fun with the things that are happening in your lives. :)