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Thursday, June 18, 2026

Thursday, June 18 - Happy Birthday Amber!

5:11 a.m. - I'm sitting in the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, Illinois.  I have a nice room with two beds all to myself.  It's just after 5, and I'm up even though I don't have to be down to the conference until 8 a.m. at the earliest.  I didn't sleep well, but that's not unusual.  And I didn't stay up late, and I didn't drink but one Sam Adams at supper - and the supper was really good.  

Yesterday was an accomplishing day I guess, but weather seemed to always be around.   The plan was to get to Farm-N-Fleet and get tires on the truck.  And instead of waiting in the service center, I would walk down and try that new coffee place on the other side of Menards.  And then the rain came and ruined those plans.  It was just starting to rain in Edgington at around 7:15 a.m. when I left, and it rained the entire time, even after the truck was done, and I drove to the coffee place to try it out.  (The coffee and breakfast burrito were really good.)  And it was still raining when I got back home, and it was after 11 a.m.  And yes it kept raining - even until I drove up to the school to get with my ride to head to Springfield at 1 p.m.  And yes the backyard is once again a lake, so I'm glad I mowed the grass on Tuesday.  And it would have been nice to have been done with the weather, but no.  After arriving in Springfield around 4 p.m., then the supercell storms arrived, and a tornado warning erupted with sirens going off in the city.  Needless to say, I got to experience my first basement adventure in a hotel while talking to guests and hanging out in the basement while the storm passed.  That one was a confirmed tornado just north of us, but little did I know then that the East Central portion of the state was in for a tornado outbreak.  When I got back to my room in the evening around 8 p.m. there were tornado warnings south and east of Springfield, and I imagine there are a lot of folks in clean-up mode this morning.  The conference I'm attending is called "Lessons from Abraham Lincoln" by a company called Battlefield Leadership. Our facilitator is a graduate of West Point, and she served three tours in Iraq.  She later returned to teach at West Point before taking this job and is listed as the Chief Operating Officer and senior historian of Battlefield Leadership.  So she's a pretty big deal, but yet she seems really down to earth - at least she was last night.  She presented our group with a lot of Lincoln history background, which was really fun for me, but I'm wondering what the other admin were thinking - whether it was boring to them or not.  Also down here are Marcus, Taylor, Ty, Jon, Sara, Brittany, Daphne, Brock, and Jenna.  There are six "case studies" in the booklet that we received last night, and there are areas of "field notes" that apparently we are going to be writing down.  The case studies are reading passages, but there really aren't directions/instructions pointing to a direction of what the assignment for each reading passage will be.  And again, the reading passages are some of the biggest events of Lincoln's presidency, so I'm wondering what the other admin will think.  So from 9-noon, we'll be working with these case studies, and then we are scheduled to break for lunch from noon-1.  We have another hour of work after lunch, and then we are scheduled to visit the Lincoln Museum, which isn't far from this hotel.  I don't know how long we'll be at the museum, and then we will head home.  It's going to be a long day, and I'm not sure I'm going to get home in time to join Amber at Texas Roadhouse for supper for her birthday.  I hope she has a good day and is able to some fun stuff.  I think she was planning to go on a bike ride with Kristi to start the day.


Things to do for School

  • June 17-25 - ICE closed for waxing
  • periodically check on mail at post office
  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey

OTHER THINGS

  • Get items from Laura Hozak
  • Kamp Komfort - campground for  weekend if July 10-11
  • schedule dentist appointment when able
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • June 17-18 - trip with admin to Springfield
  • June 19-20 - camping at Haven Hills
  • June 20-27 - Shawn GONE - check on the house
  • June 24 - 9:00 a.m. - ORA PT
  • June 25 - 9:25 a.m. - ORA appt with Hussein
  • July 10 - 7 p.m. - Shawn's ceremony in Bloomington.
  • July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
  • July 28 - Bus Refresher Course
  • Nov. 5 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
    Things To Do for History Page
    • What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
    • Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
    • April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
    • April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
    • May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
    • May 5- returned home from hospital
    • May 6 - home recovery
    • May 7 - home recovery
    • May 8 - home recovery - visited ICE for about an hour - 9-10 a.m.
    • May 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein
    • May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • May 18 - noon - ORA PT
    • May 20 - 8 a.m. - with Brandon; 9:20 - ORA PT
    • May 22 - 9 a.m. - ORA PT
    • May 26 - 3:20 p.m. - ORA PT
    • May 27 - 9 a.m. - ORA PT
    • May 29 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 1 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 3 - 8:40 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 5 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 8 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 10 - 8:40 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 12 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 16 - 10:20 a.m. - ORA PT

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Wednesday, June 17

5:12 a.m. - Today is supposed to be yet another day of storms - the first wave this morning and the second w

ave later today.  The worst of the worst is supposed to be Central Illinois, which is sort of good.  The storms won't be here, but unfortunately, the trip I'm going on is going right into the area that is forecast to have a tornado outbreak.  That's just great.  I am looking forward to that trip, though, that features on leadership and uses Lincoln as the topic.  Before that, though, I'm headed into Farm-n-Fleet this morning with the truck to get new tires.  I don't really want to spend the money right now, but it needs to be done.  I'm not getting the exact same tires as are on there now, so I'm also hoping that I've selected quality tires that will meet our needs.  If the weather is cooperating, I hope to walk down to a coffee shop from Farm-n-Fleet to try it out.  It's a good thing there aren't any slots nearby.  

Yesterday was a busy day.  I did have a physical therapy appointment, and that went well.  Then I headed off to IC Elementary, and got some work done, including some important work.  On Monday night the recommendation for a kindergarten teacher was approved, so now all of our staff is set for the school year.  That's BIG!  I just hope I don't have any more staff to hire, despite what I know is coming at the end of first semester.  And I won't have to complete one of the hires, as that is a kitchen worker.  I think the only position I will have to handle is the paraprofessional position.   

After the work at the office, the day got busier.  I went to mom and dad's and worked on their hedge in the front of the house.  Then at home, I got the yard mowed.  Amber and I wrapped up the evening with a good supper (breakfast for supper), and then we got in the hot tub for a bit.  I finished the night watching some Cubs baseball and some World Cup soccer.  

Yesterday, the decision was made to camp this weekend at Haven Hills - that's the new campground near Aledo that I swore I would never go to because of the cost.  Amber, though, would like to try it, and it's her birthday, so let's do it.  I really would like it to go well, so we have another local campground to attend, but this is more of a "resort", so if it goes well this weekend, maybe this would be a once a summer campground for us.  Don't get me wrong - a resort is nice; I'm just cheap and don't want to pay $80 per night when I can go to other places locally for $30 a night.  

Things to do for School

  • June 17-25 - ICE closed for waxing
  • periodically check on mail at post office
  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey

OTHER THINGS

  • Get items from Laura Hozak
  • Kamp Komfort - campground for  weekend if July 10-11
  • schedule dentist appointment when able
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • June 17-18 - trip with admin to Springfield
  • June 19-20 - camping at Haven Hills
  • June 20-27 - Shawn GONE - check on the house
  • June 24 - 9:00 a.m. - ORA PT
  • June 25 - 9:25 a.m. - ORA appt with Hussein
  • July 10 - 7 p.m. - Shawn's ceremony in Bloomington.
  • July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
  • July 28 - Bus Refresher Course
  • Nov. 5 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
    Things To Do for History Page
    • What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
    • Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
    • April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
    • April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
    • May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
    • May 5- returned home from hospital
    • May 6 - home recovery
    • May 7 - home recovery
    • May 8 - home recovery - visited ICE for about an hour - 9-10 a.m.
    • May 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein
    • May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • May 18 - noon - ORA PT
    • May 20 - 8 a.m. - with Brandon; 9:20 - ORA PT
    • May 22 - 9 a.m. - ORA PT
    • May 26 - 3:20 p.m. - ORA PT
    • May 27 - 9 a.m. - ORA PT
    • May 29 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 1 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 3 - 8:40 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 5 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 8 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 10 - 8:40 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 12 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 16 - 10:20 a.m. - ORA PT

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Tuesday, June 16

6:01 a.m. - Yesterday was a mixed day of productiveness.  Kollyns was here, so I spent a little time with her.  I did get to the office for a bit and spoke with the custodians who are working on the building.  Then I headed into the Quad Cities for some items - first it was stopping a Kwik Star to fill up the Escape with gas, which was more money than I wanted.  Gas prices do show some signs of going down now that DJT has announced that "a deal" has been reached with the Iran - the country we bombed the crap out of, who closed the Strait of Hormuz, whose government did survive.  After gas, I stopped by 180 to drop off mail for Chase.  I didn't attempt to speak with him, but at least I dropped off the mail and visited where he is at.  Then I headed to Moline to do some shopping for Amber's birthday.  That included heading to Menard's to check on closet doors, which were more money than I anticipated, so I passed on those.  Then it was back home for the rest of the day and evening.  I watched the Cubs game, who did win in come-from-behind fashion, so that was nice.  One other thing I did yesterday was purchase and schedule installation new tires for the truck, which was stressful.  I feared the truck needed tires, and I really don't want to go on vacation constantly worrying about tires, so I finally checked the manufacture date on the tires and discovered they are 2019 tires.  The tread really isn't that bad, but ever since blowing a tire on the camper the very first summer trip we took, I've grown to be paranoid about tires that look okay but are just old.  I didn't end up replacing the Michelin tires; I went with some Goodyear tires instead since Farm-n-Fleet is buying a buy 3 and get one free special.  I cringe at spending $1,200 for tires, but I honestly feared it was going to be more than that.   I'll be taking the truck into Farm-n-Fleet, then, on Wednesday to get that task accomplished, which will hurt the wallet but help my peace of mind.  

Today I have a physical therapy appointment, and I'd like to get some yard work done prior to leaving tomorrow for Springfield and the next batch of rain coming in.  I'll make an appearance at the office too and make sure that the kindergarten teacher got approved at last night's BOE meeting.  The weather is supposed to be cool today, so I need to gather my energy and get the yard mowed.  If I have time and energy remaining, I'll head to mom and dad's and work on their bushes.  And who knows what else will fall in my lap for the day?

Things to do for School

  • June 17-25 - ICE closed for waxing
  • periodically check on mail at post office
  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey

OTHER THINGS

  • Get items from Laura Hozak
  • Kamp Komfort - campground for  weekend if July 10-11
  • schedule dentist appointment when able
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • June 16 - 10:20 a.m. - ORA PT
  • June 17-18 - trip with admin to Springfield
  • June 19-20 - camping at Haven Hills
  • June 20-27 - Shawn GONE - check on the house
  • June 24 - 9:00 a.m. - ORA PT
  • June 25 - 9:25 a.m. - ORA appt with Hussein
  • July 10 - 7 p.m. - Shawn's ceremony in Bloomington.
  • July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
  • July 28 - Bus Refresher Course
  • Nov. 5 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
    Things To Do for History Page
    • What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
    • Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
    • April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
    • April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
    • May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
    • May 5- returned home from hospital
    • May 6 - home recovery
    • May 7 - home recovery
    • May 8 - home recovery - visited ICE for about an hour - 9-10 a.m.
    • May 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein
    • May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • May 18 - noon - ORA PT
    • May 20 - 8 a.m. - with Brandon; 9:20 - ORA PT
    • May 22 - 9 a.m. - ORA PT
    • May 26 - 3:20 p.m. - ORA PT
    • May 27 - 9 a.m. - ORA PT
    • May 29 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 1 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 3 - 8:40 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 5 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 8 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 10 - 8:40 a.m. - ORA PT
    • June 12 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT