Thursday, December 31

6:42 a.m. - Today is the final day of 2020; the weather forecast for the first day of 2021 is another winter storm.  I hope this occurrence is not a reminder of how bad things may get until 2021 helps put 2020 in the rearview mirror for good.  I hope I can make this last day of 2020 a quiet, simple day.  I've managed to gain weight in 2021, which was not the plan.  At my lowest on July 13 I weighed 210 lbs.; and now this morning I weight in at 230 - a 20 lb. weight gain is a lot.  I think I've managed to adapt to intermittent fasting, which isn't a good thing.  I need to do a better job of cutting down on carbs, which for me goes beyond bread.  I have to do a better job of cutting out chips, sweets, and alcohol.  I don't really drink a lot, so that's not a big deal, but a little alcohol seems to really add up for me, especially when I combine it with carbs.  I don't feel out of shape right now as clearing the driveway and getting up and down the basketball court for six games on Tuesday was just fine.  I just feel too heavy, so I'm going to try to build on my health and try to get my weight back down...I think shooting for that 210 would be a good goal for 2021.  I hope that my officiating and umpiring schedule can return, so I can get back into being more active, which I know will help.

Things to do for school

• plan for return on January 6 - Khan SAT prep; blogger; Indigenous American Unit
• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Jan. 4 - HHR to Slayden's
• Complete the reference for Mrs. Mitola & write reference letter for her - DONE
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/31)

In October, President Trump told America that 100 million people would be vaccinated in our country.  As of today, the number is just short of 3 million people.  Apparently we now have a vaccination distribution problem.  I wonder if professional athletes and celebrities and wealthy people are getting the vaccinations.  I wonder if schools will elect to go full remote until their staffs can be vaccinated.

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 904

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 882
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 837

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,938 positive cases; 217 deaths
• 61284 - 175 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 11,014 positive cases;  223 deaths
• 61284 - 175 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

Wednesday, December 30

7:36 a.m. - It's a "hodge-podge" day today.  There will be no games officiated, and the first order of business is working on the driveway to clear snow and ice.  With another winter storm expected to arrive on Friday with ice possible, I think I'll make sure to get the truck out and fill it with gas and fill up the gas can too for the generator in case it's needed.  I also think I'm going to try to fire up the snowblower today and see if it wants to play.  I might actually work on some school things, but my motivation level for that is not strong.  Since Amber's working at SnowStar later today, I think I'll find some hiking work somewhere...perhaps Black Hawk State Park.  Oh...I also need to get to the bank and make a deposit.

1:59 p.m. - I just finished watching The Avengers with Karrigan, and I'm tired and sore and freezing.  I spent over two hours trying to clear the driveway, and I'm just noticing that the sun is coming out and may help in thawing some of the frozen sleet that is on the driveway.  Right now, though, I just want to take a hot shower.  I think the workout on the driveway is going to cancel the potential hike at the park - I've had my exercise.  I did go ahead and make the deposit, got some ice melt from  B&B, and filled up the gas tank on the truck.  With that in mind, I'm ready for Friday's potential ice storm.

Things to do for school

• plan for return on January 6 - Khan SAT prep; blogger; Indigenous American Unit
• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Write checks out for beginning of January
• Jan. 4 - HHR to Slayden's
• Write reference letter for Mrs. Mitola
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts - almost finsihed
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/30)

Apparently the first "new strain" case has been identified in Colorado in a 20-year old assisted living employee.  He has no travel history, so that means the new strain is obviously here, but we are just now detecting it.  I'm sure that's news our president is not interested in hearing.  

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 884

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 904
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 882

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,890 positive cases; 207 deaths
• 61284 - 175 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,938 positive cases;  217 deaths
• 61284 - 175 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

Tuesday, December 29

6:41 a.m. - I didn't lose at the casino last night!  Whoop, Whoop!  Today's weather forecasts continue to predict a winter storm with 4-6 inches of snow.  If my officiating schedule holds, I'll be trying to get home just as it starts ramping up the snow machine.  I'm thinking about taking the truck, but then again, if I'm going to get in a wreck, I'd rather be in the HHR, so I think I'm going to go with that vehicle.  

President Trump signed the spending bill, so it appears that $600 will be heading my way as part of the stimulus plan.  I think I'll plan on keeping that in my savings account and maybe applying it to the work I'm going to be getting done on the HHR.

7:07 p.m. - I feel fortunate to be here right now jotting down these thoughts.  Driving on Interstate 80-280 in blizzard conditions isn't fun, but I'm here.  After arriving home, I shoveled out the driveway enough to get the car in the garage.  Then after that fun, I put away all the boxes of xmas ornaments and the tree.  Did I mention that I officiated six games at two different sites before all of that?  I'm beat...I'd like to believe I will sleep well tonight, but I probably won't feel very comfortable and won't sleep well.

Things to do for school

• plan for return on January 6 - Khan SAT prep; blogger; Indigenous American Unit
• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Jan. 4 - HHR to Slayden's
• Write reference letter for Mrs. Mitola
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts - almost finsihed
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/29)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 905

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 884
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 904

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,828 positive cases; 206 deaths
• 61284 - 175 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,890 positive cases;  207 deaths
• 61284 - 175 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Monday, December 28

6:21 a.m. - We got a little snow yesterday, and forecasts say we will be getting more tomorrow.  I'm up-and-at-em this morning to go do a little officiating.  Should be a pretty quick morning unless I'm called into sub for someone.  I have a full day tomorrow, but I'm not sure how that will go if the snow arrives as forecasted.

12:35 p.m. - I got through my two games, and I'm not sure what tomorrow is going to look like.  I took the HHR down to the mechanic, and I have it scheduled to be looked at on Jan. 4.  I'm not only worried about the tire; I'm worried about the ABS/brakes now too.  I think something is wrong, and I hope it's not going to be a lot of money to fix it.  I think I'm going to do a little online shopping now, and then maybe I'll take a walk with Sophie or take my youth officiating pants over to mom's.

Things to do for school

• plan for return on January 6 - Khan SAT prep; blogger; Indigenous American Unit
• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Jan. 4 - HHR to Slayden's
• Write reference letter for Mrs. Mitola
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts - almost finsihed
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/28)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 874

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 905
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 884

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,776 positive cases; 202 deaths
• 61284 - 175 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,828 positive cases;  206 deaths
• 61284 - 175 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Sunday, December 27

8:41 a.m. - Today, I'm going to run up and down the basketball court at the BettPlex after hopefully arriving safely in a car that has a bad tire after stopping at my parents' house to drop off some cookies and perhaps say hello to my brother if he's there.  Then I'm going to come home and place the money I make into the group of other payments for officiating and Xmas that is then going to go into my checking account tomorrow - tomorrow that looks like a fairly light day when I thought perhaps that I would be officiating again.  Also after arriving back after officiating, I hope to just relax and maybe watch some football because upon checking the listings, there doesn't appear to be much basketball on the schedule tonight.

So police are narrowing down to a suspect in the Nashville RV bombing, and it's looking more and more like someone (male age 63 from a suburb outside of Nashville) worked really hard to make a really big bomb and blow himself up on Christmas Day.  There were reports of shots fired; I wonder if he shot himself before the bomb detonated.  He then maybe didn't lure the police on purpose but instead set a timer and recording to blow the rest of himself up...in front of an ATT building...on Christmas.  The whole thing made sense to this guy, and I'm sure the pieces will get all put together for an eventual potential motive.  The guy definitely had a plan and some type of objective, but he didn't seem to want to hurt other innocent people. UPDATE....He reports are starting to emerge that he was an "IT guy" that apparently worked with electronics, internet, and alarm systems, so if these reports are correct, he would have had at least the tech skills to rig up some type of explosive device.  Other reports have surfaced that his father had worked for Bell South (AT&T).  He apparently didn't want to hurt people...he wanted to hurt AT&T, and apparently investigators are looking into whether or not he feared 5G capability and perhaps the "big brother" control that is often discussed as possibilities, especially with conspiracy theorists.

In other news unemployment benefits apparently ran out on a lot of people last night, and now the government is facing a shutdown if something isn't figured out tomorrow.  This won't be the first shutdown of President Trump's presidency, and he didn't get much out of the last one.  I wonder if he's going to return to Washington D.C. tomorrow or just stay in Florida and play some more golf.  

SnowStar opened up yesterday, and Amber is already gone to work for her first day of the season.  I'm hoping to get into the woods sometime tomorrow and try out my hiking shoes, but the weather forecast for today is a rain/snow mix, so I'm not sure how that's going to work out.

8:12 - I worked four high school games today, and it was tiring.  It felt good to get out on the floor again.  I am in pretty good shape as far as my wind/breath.  I just wish the arthritis pain in the knee wouldn't start hurting so soon.  I'm pretty good for the first game, but after that, it just starts hurting.  I'm going to work a couple of games tomorrow and then six games on Tuesday...that's all good news...need the money.

Things to do for school

• plan for return on January 6 - Khan SAT prep; blogger; Indigenous American Unit
• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Write reference letter for Mrs. Mitola
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts - almost finsihed
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/27)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 928

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 874
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 905

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,744 positive cases; 201 deaths
• 61284 - 175 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,776 positive cases;  202 deaths
• 61284 -  175 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Saturday, December 26

8:12 a.m. - Well, yesterday afternoon we ended up going to the Isle Casino, and I lost ... again.  Then we traveled to Reynolds to have supper and play cards with Jack and Rhonda and Adam.  Then we came home and watched the animated film Klaus - which was really, really good.  Amber's car wouldn't start, which is concerning, but now this morning it started after I had the charger on it overnight.  I'd like to get a nice ski hike/walk in today, but I'm just not sure how and when and where.  I also have to get the recycle out of the garage and stop by my parents to check on them.  We have one more Christmas to celebrate at Jack and Rhonda's, so that will be fun...I think it's lasagna tonight, so I have to get back on my intermittent fasting eating schedule.  I have to remember to take the Wizards game today too.  I also have a little "project" to take care of at home...I have to hang something on a wall, which in my world is almost as bad as going to the dentist, taking a Covid test, or getting a colonoscopy.  Tomorrow, I have four games of basketball to officiate over at the BettPlex, and I'm thinking I'm going to probably have some games on Monday as well.  Earning a little money have my dang casino efforts yesterday will be helpful.

I was watching some news this morning and the traditional "year in review" stories are starting to surface...of course the pandemic is top on the list, as is the Presidential campaign and President Trump, but something that has kind of struck a chord with me is that teachers (and others) have become essential workers - not only to students for education but to life in general so parents/guardians/families can apparently function professionally in their jobs/careers and socially, so children and teenagers have something to do with their time and energy.  What apparently is not essential, at least in Illinois is extra-curricular activities.  Yet, players and parents and coaches and facilities are going to great lengths to have extra-curricular even in the wake and knowledge of the recommended social distancing guidelines.  I really think I've come to realize more this year than past years is that a majority of people don't really value education for it's genuine value.  It seems that teaching really isn't about helping students grow and develop into what they can become; teaching is about daycare and nine months out of the year, and it's about finding more ways to offer extra-curricular activities to students.  Teaching is not about trying to help students learn important academic and life skills; teaching is not about stretching their minds and helping them grow into caring, responsible, mature adults.   I wonder if education was like this all along in my career, and this pandemic just magnified it to the point where now I see it more clearly?  Keep in mind, I do think some people still understand the value of education, but I think it's dimming more and more.  I think we are going to see community colleges and alternative education sources having an increased role in remedial education, and perhaps we are already there now.

Whew!  I got the xmas wrapping burned; got Amber's car started; got to the farm and placed the sticker on the camper and removed the spare tire to get it replaced; got a walk in with mom and put her xmas present in the machine shed; got the cardboard to the Milan recycle center; got a pair of hiking shoes and an officiating shirt and pair of pants to officiate in at Dick's Sporting Goods; and now I'm back home to relax a little and read up on the Wizards game that we can take to Jack and Rhonda's tonight.  It's been a busy day!

Things to do for school

• plan for return on January 6 - Khan SAT prep; blogger; Indigenous American Unit
• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Write reference letter for Mrs. Mitola
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts - almost finsihed
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/26)

Numbers really dropped today, but I wonder if that's just because of reporting fluctuations because of Christmas.

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 944

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 928
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 874

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,721 positive cases; 201 deaths
• 61284 - 175 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,744 positive cases;  201 deaths
• 61284 -  175 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Friday, November 25

8:07 a.m. - Merry Christmas!  For all practical purposes, Christmas for Amber and me is on Christmas Eve Day.  We had Amber's girls and their families in the morning; we had my kids mid-day; and then I went over to my mom's for her birthday and Christmas Eve oyster soup in the evening.  So today we are checking out Facebook to see how other Christmases are going, and it Amber, me, and Karrigan here watching the Hallmark Channel.  I just had breakfast for the second day in a row, and I'm already getting sleepy because I don't really eat breakfast anymore, so my body is all messed up.  I foresee some exercise in my future day eventually, but I can't imagine walking myself down in the basement just yet, and the temps outside are very cold.  As for our Christmas yesterday, it was wonderful, and I feel very blessed that "things" are the way they are for us.  My mom last night admitted that this Christmas season is very weird but at this point, we've been fortunate with our immediate family and friends that all are doing well.  My brother recently learned that he's received a job transfer to Missouri, so he will be moving.  My nephew Peyton is going to be living with my parents until he can find a place of his own.  I think the gift-giving went well for everyone; I may not have hit the spot with Cole, as he's unsure how much softball umpiring he's going to be doing for IHSA.  I still think he'll use the apparel more than he thinks.  

Things to do for school

• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts - almost finsihed
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/25)

This Scrooge in me hears and sees reports of how California is experiencing more cases and more deaths each day since the pandemic began.  Plus, now the U.S. is requiring a negative test from all people traveling to the U.S. from the U.K. because of new mutated strains of the virus.  So my Scroogeness has me feeling good that the virus seems to be subsiding here but fearing that what is going on in the rest of the country and world just isn't here yet.  Plus, now there are reports that the vaccine roll out wont be as quick as first indicated.  Bah humbug!

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - ___

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 944
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 928

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,654 positive cases; 194 deaths
• 61284 - 173 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,721 positive cases;  201 deaths
• 61284 -  175 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Wednesday, December 23

2:10 p.m. - Trying to help Brinley stay asleep overnight was a challenge...I still say that girl is nuclear powered.  I managed to go back to bed and get a few hours of sleep early this morning.  Kristi and Mallory stopped by with some gifts, and Kenzie picked up the girls before noon.  I then took Sophie for a long walk and brought up Christmas presents from Santa's workshop.  I think we are all set for tomorrow, but now I need to head to complete a few errands, including picking up some egg nog.  Tonight is going to be Hallmark movies and egg nog.  Tomorrow will be Christmas celebrations with the Amber's girls and families first in the morning and then my kids later in the morning.  I'll then head to my mom and dad's and visit in the evening.  I'll be eating pretty much all day long.  Ho, Ho, Ho!  Oh and today I also helped assemble a Little Tikes grill for little Tucker.  I cannot express the joy I have in assembling things like that...NOT!  :)  Actually, there weren't as many pieces as I feared, so all is well!

Things to do for school

• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts - almost finsihed
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/23)

Numbers are still gradually declining...good news continues.

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 981

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - missed it
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 953

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - missed it positive cases; missed it deaths
• 61284 - missed it reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,555 positive cases;  194 deaths
• 61284 -  172 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Tuesday, December 22

7:57 a.m. - Today's the day...finally.  I'm really sore from that long walk at Loud Thunder yesterday, but that's okay.  Last night we saw the Christmas Star, which was kind of neat...it just showed up in the southwestern sky all by itself just before dark.  It was a least one neat thing because colonoscopy prep started at 1:00 p.m. and that prepwork just isn't much fun.  I'm definitely tired today and not eating and taking overdoses of laxatives sure can cause a person to lose body weight, even if most the body weight is water.  It will be nice to get today over and be back home and have some solid food.  My procedure is at 1 p.m. today, but I have to be there by noon.  I'll take my book and relax and just let the professionals do their thing.  I just hope that it gets done today.  Three years ago when I arrived I discovered a pipe had burst or clogged or something which caused the procedure to be delayed a day, so I had to go back home and fast again for another 24 hours.  

Things to do for school

• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Dec. 22 - noon colonoscopy (prep on Dec. 21)
• start prepping 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 - follow directions
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
•  the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/22)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 991

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 981
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - ___

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,423 positive cases; 191 deaths
• 61284 - 171 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - _____ positive cases;  ___ deaths
• 61284 -  ___ reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Monday, Dec. 21

Dec. 21 - Winter Solstice! - I'm off from school today because I have to stay quarantined for the colonoscopy procedure tomorrow.  I think I'm going to go for a long hike out at Loud Thunder, even though the winds are suppose to pick up.  I'm going to pack some water, so plastic bags to pick up trash, and take a small saw to clear the trail of manageable limbs.  There is no sense lounging around the house when I can do something before I have to start prepping for the procedure later today.

12:27 p.m. I went to Loud Thunder today, and I don't think there were any hunters when I started out, but there were a couple of trucks parked near me when I returned, so I don't know if those were other hikers or late arriving dear hunters.  Here's the stats on the workout - total time was 1:56:09 (I did stop twice for water/pee/rest break).  Total distance was 4.89 miles.  My heart rate range was 67-127 bpm for an average of 95 bpm.  Man, that place is virtually all hills!  My knee hurts a little, but that's okay...the solitude, the quiet, the exercise...that was awesome!  

Things to do for school

• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Dec. 22 - noon colonoscopy (prep on Dec. 21)
• start prepping 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 - follow directions
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
•  the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/21)

Yesterday's numbers were great!  Hospitalizations continue go down, as well as other numbers.  With the vaccine starting to arrive, maybe just maybe we can get through without another severe surge.  Today's numbers continue to show a slow decline...the good news continues.

ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY

• hospitalizations - 1,000

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 991
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 981

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,391 positive cases; 188 deaths
• 61284 - 170 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,423 positive cases;  191 deaths
• 61284 -  171 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Sunday, December 20

7:32 a.m. - So the next COVID-19 vaccine is set to head out this week...that's good news.  It seems that the Midwest is being spared a hard surge in cases since Thanksgiving, and with another vaccine becoming available, perhaps we can keep the stress on healthcare facilities at a minimum.  Also in the news is the story about the Russians launching some type of massive cyber attack on the United States.  If the pandemic wasn't enough, now those silly Russians are after us.   Plus, news is that President Trump is still looking for ways to retain himself as president...geez, the inauguration of President-Elect Biden can't get here fast enough.  In other political news, Congress apparently is going to approve a 900 billion dollar relief bill that's going to include direct payments to people.  Another $600 isn't going to make up for the officiating I've lost this year, but it was $600 I didn't have before.  Today, the weather is going to warm up a little, so I'm probably going to do some exercising again...I think it may be Loud Thunder today, especially if the sun comes out.  I want to try the bridal path out and see if I can avoid the deer hunters.  I may also try to get some running in.  I'm sure the Bears are playing today, but watching them is so disturbing.  Yes, they beat a bad team last week, and yes they are still mathematically not eliminated from the playoffs, but geez they are not very good.  By the way, Carmen finished up her student teaching and officially graduated from WIU; she's going to be an amazing teacher...much better than her father ever was.

Things to do for school

• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• Dec. 17 - 6:00 p.m. at DeWitt (freshman)
• Dec. 22 - noon colonoscopy (prep on Dec. 21)
• start prepping 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 - follow directions
• COVID test on Dec. 19 - 6 a.m. - take order with me...
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/20)

Numbers going down today...Sunday's normally are lower, but it's still great to see the hospitalizations going down and no new cases in the 61284 zip code.

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 1,023

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 1,000
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 991

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,341 positive cases; 187 deaths
• 61284 - 170 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,391 positive cases;  188 deaths
• 61284 -  170 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Saturday, Dec. 19

Well, I went and got my COVID19 nasal swab test because I had to get one and test negative in order to proceed with the colonoscopy procedure on Tuesday.  The nasal swab test isn't much fun, so it lived up to it's hype.  Basically this long pliable q-tip gets inserted up your nose so far that you can taste it, which was interesting because people that contract the virus say they lose their sense of smell and taste.  I'm not saying that the little swab feels like it's touching your brain, but it sure seems to go a long, long way.  It's fairly quick, and their really isn't any pain associated with the procedure...it's just really uncomfortable and weird.  So...I celebrated and went to Black Hawk State Park and got in a nice walk with the sticks, and then I hustled home to spend some time with the Harrison kids and Kenzie and Rhonda and Gigi because it was Christmas cookie day.  Those dang kids are such a hoot.  Brinley was in rare form, as she would get a cookie to decorate, and proceed to pretty much eat all the frosting and candies and sprinkles just about as fast as they made their way on the cookie.  Brooklyn is older, so her efforts were a little more productive, but dang are those two cute.  After the clan left for home, I took my mom back to Black Hawk State Park, so she could try our her walking sticks.  We went on the sidewalk first, then a grassy area, and then we spend a little time on the trail too.  She seemed to enjoy herself, and of course we had good conversation the entire time.  The sticks take a little time to get used too, but she got the hang of them and enjoyed herself.  Then it was back home to watch my Fighting Irish get their butts kicked by Clemson, which may end up kicking them out of the football playoffs, but why should they get in if they just demonstrated that they really couldn't compete with Clemson.  I'm not saying anyone else will either except maybe Alabama, but perhaps other teams deserve the shot.  I think it would be different if yesterday's game was close, but it wasn't.  Then Amber and I watched a movie and a half of the Hallmark Channel.  We decided we were tired about midway through the second film, so we decided to watch the rest in bed, but we soon were asleep.  I wonder if the story ended the way I thought it would.

Things to do for school

• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• Dec. 17 - 6:00 p.m. at DeWitt (freshman)
• Dec. 22 - noon colonoscopy (prep on Dec. 21)
• start prepping 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 - follow directions
• COVID test on Dec. 19 - 6 a.m. - take order with me...
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/19)

Numbers didn't climb again today...that's a good thing.

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 1,063

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 1,023
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 1,000

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,255 positive cases; 186 deaths
• 61284 - 168 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,341positive cases;  187 deaths
• 61284 -  170 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Friday, Dec. 18

Things to do for school

• determine weakness areas in Khan Grammar Tests
• score and enter E.B. White Grades
• enter grades for Khan Test #3

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• Dec. 17 - 6:00 p.m. at DeWitt (freshman)
• Dec. 22 - noon colonoscopy (prep on Dec. 21)
• start prepping 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 - follow directions
• COVID test on Dec. 19 - 6 a.m. - take order with me...
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/18)

Numbers didn't climb again today...that's a good thing.

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 1,045

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 1,063
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 1,023

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,179 positive cases; 184 deaths
• 61284 - 169 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,255 positive cases;  186 deaths
• 61284 -  170 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Thursday, December 17

7:00 a.m. - Last night after supper and then this morning, I went for a ski-walk around the village.  It was a "Christmas Eve" atmosphere...cold, no wind, quiet, and really no activity - cars, people, grain bins...nothing.  The temps were in the teens, and clouds of my breath filled my head lamp as I made my way around in the stillness.  It was great!  Today and tomorrow I'm going to try to get assignments scored and entered in Lumen to limit the amount of stuff I have to do next week.  Tonight I get to get on a basketball court and do some officiating which is always good.  I can't do anything this weekend because of my Covid test prep stuff for my upcoming colonoscopy procedure.

3:13 p.m. - This afternoon saw a flurry of students being quarantined from school or choosing to go full remote.  I had 11 notices today, and now of 88 students officially enrolled in English III, 44 are remote learners as of tomorrow.  This news, combined with today's numbers reported from Rock Island County now have me a bit worried that the late Midwest post-Thanksgiving surge may be underway.

Things to do for school

• score and enter FRW grades
• score and enter blogger grades
• score and enter E.B. White Grades
• enter grades for Khan Test #3

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• Dec. 17 - 6:00 p.m. at DeWitt (freshman)
• Dec. 22 - noon colonoscopy (prep on Dec. 21)
• start prepping 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 - follow directions
• COVID test on Dec. 19 - 6 a.m. - take order with me...
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/17)

It seems that in the Midwest, there wasn't an extra surge following the Thanksgiving holiday, which is great news.  I wonder if we can continue to keep the cases flat through Christmas and New Year's.  Apparently, Iowa is indeed returning to youth sports play, which I don't really understand.  I would think making it through the holidays would be important...why increase the risk of exposure now when vaccines are going out to healthcare workers?  Isn't the return to play a little too soon?

UPDATE...I just punched in today's numbers, and I don't like what I see...all numbers are increased, which is a change from previous days this week.  I've always said the Midwest seems to lag behind other parts of the country on surges, so I hope I didn't speak too soon earlier this morning when I indicated that numbers were flattening out.

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 1,057

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 1,045
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 1,063

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 10,085 positive cases; 181 deaths
• 61284 - 166 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,179 positive cases;  184 deaths
• 61284 -  169 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Wednesday, Dec. 16

Things to do for school

• get recorded classroom on 12/15 stream
• et notes to E.R. on Walden (1939)
• update message out to parents
• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• Dec. 15 - 8:00 a.m. dentist appointment
• purchase items for colonoscopy
• Dec. 17 - 6:00 p.m. at DeWitt (freshman)
• Dec. 22 - noon colonoscopy (prep on Dec. 21)
• start prepping 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 - follow directions
• COVID test on Dec. 19 - 6 a.m. - take order with me...
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/16)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 1,070

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 1,057
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 1,045

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 9,995 positive cases; 178 deaths
• 61284 - 164 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 10,085positive cases;  181 deaths
• 61284 -  166 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Tuesday, December 15

5:41 a.m. - I'm heading to the dentist this morning, and then I'm heading to pick up supplies for my "prep" for next Tuesday's colonoscopy procedure.  This is just going to be a great, great day!  I tolerate teeth cleanings, but it's not easy.  The colonoscopy thing...I did it three years ago for the first time, and it's not the scary thing that it may seem like.  Given a dental appointment or colonoscopy, I'd call it a toss-up.  Both are survivable, but neither are much fun at all.  So taking a day off from work today and next Tuesday for the reasons already mentioned - not really something to celebrate.

Things to do for school

• get notes to E.R. on Walden (1939)
• update message out to parents
• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• Dec. 15 - 8:00 a.m. dentist appointment
• purchase items for colonoscopy
• Dec. 17 - 6:00 p.m. at DeWitt (freshman)
• Dec. 22 - noon colonoscopy (prep on Dec. 21)
• start prepping 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 - follow directions
• COVID test on Dec. 19 - 6 a.m. - take order with me...
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/15)

The spread of the virus is definitely slowing.  In all categories, increases are very low.  Could it be that our area listened to the advice and the warnings and followed health guidelines over the Thanksgiving holiday?  

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 1,080

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 1,070
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 1,057

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 9,934 positive cases; 177 deaths
• 61284 - 163 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 9,995 positive cases;  178 deaths
• 61284 -  164 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Monday, Dec. 14

Things to do for school

• complete make-up tests for Khan #2 test - A.H. and A.B. and D.C and C.L. - DONE
• create blogger topic/assignment for Tuesday - DONE
• load Khan Grammar Test #3 for Friday - DONE
• load E.B. White assignment for Thursday - DONE
• make lesson for Tuesday, Dec. 15 - sub day - DONE
• send another check to IEA and check online roster - DONE
• assign the reading of Walden (1939) - DONE
• get notes to E.R. on Walden (1939)
• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• Dec. 15 - 8:00 a.m. dentist appointment
• purchase items for colonoscopy
• Dec. 17 - 6:00 p.m. at DeWitt (freshman)
• Dec. 22 - noon colonoscopy (prep on Dec. 21)
• start prepping 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 - follow directions
• COVID test on Dec. 19 - 6 a.m. - take order with me...
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/14)

Vaccines are starting to go into arms in the U.S. today.  So far, this vaccine seems to be like a flu vaccine in that according to the research, the vaccine helps lessen the severity of the symptoms.  My understanding is that this vaccine doesn't kill the virus, and it doesn't prevent spreading of the virus.  That news is good...fewer people will die; fewer people will be hospitalized.  So this vaccine should really help our healthcare system.  In terms of schools and absences, though, I wonder what is going to occur.  Flu and colds and COVID 19 will have an impact on school attendance, and I wonder if/when sports will be returned to play in Illinois.

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 1,072

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 1,080
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 1,070

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 9,883 positive cases; 177 deaths
• 61284 - 163 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 9,934 positive cases;  177 deaths
• 61284 -  163 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit. 

                     

Sunday, Dec. 13

4:12 p.m. - This morning was busy.  The grandkids were here; I watched a video for school while walking on the treadmill; and I took Sophie for a walk.  The afternoon was lazy, so now I'm going to work on some schoolwork things.  This evening is probably going to be the Hallmark Channel.

Things to do for school

• create blogger topic/assignment for Tuesday
• load Khan Grammar Test #3 for Friday
• load E.B. White assignment for Friday
• make lesson for Tuesday, Dec. 15 - sub day
• look over S.R.'s paper - done
• look over E.Z's paper - done
• send another check to IEA and check online roster
• Daily
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• order a IGHSAU basketball officiating shirt
• Dec. 15 - 8:00 a.m. dentist appointment
• purchase items for colonoscopy
• Dec. 17 - 6:00 p.m. at DeWitt (freshman)
• Dec. 22 - noon colonoscopy (prep on Dec. 21)
• start prepping 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 - follow directions
• COVID test on Dec. 19 - 6 a.m. - take order with me...
• Jan. 8 - 8:30 a.m. Dr. Wang biopsy
• Find out if insurance will cover procedure - I think it does
• Find out if insurance will cover shingles vaccine - I think it does
• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (12/13)

Another day of cases not seeing a marked increase.  Did we really escape a Thanksgiving surge?  Dang, that would be great if we did.

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 1,081

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 1,072
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 1,080

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 9,805 positive cases; 170 deaths
• 61284 - 162 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 9,883 positive cases;  177 deaths
• 61284 -  163 reported positive cases

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see;
    a humble heart, that I may hear;
    a heart of love, that I may serve;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in the spirit.