Thursday, October 29

5:44 p.m. -  Parent-teachers have gone  well for Mrs. Mitola.  This weather has felt more like December than late October.  I think I'm still planning on taking the camper out.  Unless the weather forecast really changes tomorrow, I think it will be worth the chance.  We are only going to Loud Thunder, so if it becomes unbearable, will just pack up and return home.

Things to do for school

• 
  

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Camping - hiking sticks, clothes, both sets of keys, firewood, extra quilt, Lily's stairs, ball cap, stocking cap, gloves, jeans, sweats, ...
• FRIDAY
• get cub cadet out, 
• get trailer pulled out
• get snowblower placed
• put grill in garage
• return hose and other items to shed
• make deposit in the bank
• groceries? bottled water, campfire beans, meat to grill - hot dogs, brats, soup, "beverages", eggs, bacon/sausage,  bread/buns, exercise shoes, boots, 
• 
  
• Put mileage in for recent umpiring/officiating dates - DONE
• Complete Kendall reference for Coast Guard - DONE
• Complete PSC Google Form - DONE
• online Xmas shopping - SOME DONE
• 10 a.m. Friday...Cub Cadet gets picked up by Jacob Longcor 
• Nov. 12 - 9:45 a.m. check up with Dr. Wang
• Dec. 15 - 8:00 a.m. dentist appointment
• Dec. 21 - 6:30 a.m. colonoscopy
• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/29)

Zip code 61284 had 11 additional positive cases reported in the numbers today, and Rock Island County had 90 additional cases.  That doesn't sound good for our area, I worry that our county/zone is going to face more restrictions from the state when the Friday numbers come out tomorrow.

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?
• As of October 29 (8 months), there were 395, 458 positive cases and 9,675 deaths.

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 595
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 600
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 643

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 4,173 positive cases; 93 deaths
• 61284 - 57 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 4,263 positive cases; 95 deaths
• 61284 - 68 reported positive cases

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Wednesday, October 28

5:55 a.m. - Yesterday afternoon the Governor, along with the Illinois Department of Health, ticked off a lot of people by reclassifying basketball as a high risk sport.  Honestly, I'm not sure how it was ranked as a medium risk sport previously, but the designation basically kills the start of basketball in November unless something miraculous happens today and the IHSA is somehow able to convince enough folks that mitigation and safety efforts planned by the IHSA can safely allow basketball (and wrestling) to occur.  I'd like to say that this new decision was a surprise, but I'm not.  COVID-19 cases are surging now, and if Illinois wasn't going to play sports like volleyball and football in the Fall, how in the heck would it justify basketball now?  Of course at the same time all of this is happening in Illinois, Iowa is forging ahead with its state series in volleyball, and I'm assuming football will occur too.  I did hear last night on the tail end of a volleyball story an athlete seem to express that they were playing each game as if it might be their last.  To me that seemed to indicate that perhaps Iowa schools are getting ready to hear restrictions occur from their state government as well.

For me, not officiating basketball in Illinois is a big hit.  I did umpire IESA softball in Illinois this past summer/fall, and I did umpire USSSA youth softball in Iowa, but I was able to wear a mask and maintain social distancing guidelines enough to feel comfortable.  I also officiated a few IGHSAU volleyball matches and felt comfortable wearing a mask and social distancing in that activity.  I basically am around teenagers every day indoors in a setting that doesn't generally permit the recommended six-feet, and I wear a mask and wash my hands.  While I'm not really crazy about doubling the amount of teenagers in my classroom under the same circumstances, I don't have much of a choice.  I honestly felt like officiating a basketball game with no spectators in a gymnasium would have been something to try.  While officiating volleyball does include players breathing hard, yelling, etc.. there still is a distance factor for the officials.  I'm not sure that same distance would always be possible with basketball, but in most cases keeping at least six feet from players and coaches would be possible.  I already contacted my assignor that assigns a lot of Iowa basketball to see what may be available over there.  If I could even work fresh/soph games or junior high games a two-to-three times a week, I could perhaps avoid trying to find different part-time work.  

I feel sad for the senior basketball players.  I know that if in 1984 this would have happened and basketball would have been postponed, I would have been devastated.  Of course, players now have a lot more opportunities to play in the off-season that I did back then, but the high school season is a special time for players.

3:28 p.m. - Let the feathers fly!  The IHSA is going forward with allowing basketball to be played...no spectators and everyone has to wear masks.  Let's see how the Governor's office reacts to this one.

Things to do for school

• Complete another evaluation of Mrs. Mitola today. DONE

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• 10 a.m. Friday...Cub Cadet gets picked up by Jacob Longcor 
• Nov. 12 - 9:45 a.m. check up with Dr. Wang
• Dec. 15 - 8:00 a.m. dentist appointment
• Dec. 21 - 6:30 a.m. colonoscopy
• write out and mail November bills - DONE
• reorder checks - DONE
• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/28)

More of everything - more cases, more deaths, more hospitalizations...nothing is flattening or going down.

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?
• As of October 29 (8 months), there were 

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 589
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 595
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 600

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 4,128 positive cases; 90 deaths
• 61284 - 57 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 4,173 positive cases; 93 deaths
• 61284 - 62 reported positive cases

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Tuesday, October 27

12:25 a.m. - It's my lunch period, and I have the Grinch Christmas song in my ears as I type away at the keyboard.  I'm really tired today...maybe I shouldn't have stayed up so late watching the Bears look awful last night.  Tonight I think I'm heading to the farm to see if I can get the log splitter up and running.  I need a little time tinkering with this project at the farm ... time on the farm is always relaxing, even if I have projects I'm working on.  Maybe the farm reminds me of being a kid again, and times like these with all the adult things going on makes remembering days gone by a nice break.  Last night there was a police shooting in Philadelphia...a black man had a knife, and the police on the scene apparently were unable to deescalate the situation and resorted to shooting and killing him.  Unrest was the result last in Philly; I fear that the unrest will spread to other parts of the country all over again...maybe cooler weather will help.  I don't mean to suggest that people shouldn't be allowed to voice their opinions in protest - I just don't want to see the unrest break out into people getting hurt or property being damaged.

Things to do for school

• Complete another evaluation of Mrs. Mitola tomorrow.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/27)

President Trump has said in the last 24 hours that this Winter is going to be beautiful, and the Spring will be beautiful, and the media coverage of COVID will end on November 4th will end.  I really hope he's right about all of this.  I don't believe him, but for all of our sake, I hope he's right.

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?
• As of October 29 (8 months), there were 

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 565
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 589
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 595

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 4,079 positive cases; 90 deaths
• 61284 - 55 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 4,128 positive cases; 92 deaths
• 61284 -  57 reported positive cases

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Monday, October 26

5:37 a.m. - This week is going to be very, very long.  We have parent teacher conferences on Wednesday and Thursday.  So, maybe I should say that the next four days are going to be very, very long.  Friday, there is no school and the weather is looking encouraging to perhaps sneak in one more camping weekend.  If the forecast for the weekend sticks or improves, the chances are good for finding a campground somewhere.  I would prefer just going out to Loud Thunder and keeping things simple, but I'm going to have to make a decision fairly quickly just in case too many folks are thinking the same thing I am.  

Things to do for school

• 6:15 p.m. - BOE meeting in cafeteria
• Complete another evaluation of Mrs. Mitola this week.
• Listen to Google Teacher Tribe podcast - DONE

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/26)

12:13 p.m.  COVID cases are going up...shocking, isn't it?

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?
• As of October 29 (8 months), there were 

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 560
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 565
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 589

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 4,005 positive cases; 90 deaths
• 61284 - 53 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 4,079 positive cases; 90 deaths
• 61284 -  55 reported positive cases

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Sunday, October 25

5:49 a.m. - The weather is cold; the sky is dark; the time is 5:49 a.m., and I'm getting myself ready to go umpire softball.  If I didn't need the cash, I wouldn't do it.  If I was sure that basketball season was going to happen, I wouldn't do it.  In case you are wondering, there is no social distancing going on at the Bett Plex where I am umpiring.  The pandemic is worsening, and President Trump is mocking the science that says our country is in for an awful winter.  The same guy that said this would all go away last Easter.  The same guy who sets the tone by rarely being seen wearing a mask.  The same guy who contracted the virus, hosted an outside  superspreader event at the White House, and not continues to have outside rallies of people...that guy is making fun of folks expressing worry about the pandemic. Good grief...I just would like to get through the day, snuggle up in a warm blanket on the couch, and then have a nice hot cup of apple cider.

8:36 p.m. - 6 games today with a cold northeast wind and temps in the 40's...virtually no social distancing.  More people are going to get sick; more people are going to die.  And if we get a really hard flu season along with this COVID 19...we are really going to overwhelm the healthcare system.  Maybe I'm just too blessed...I am an empty nester with at job I can perform at home, and I'm healthy.  Maybe if I wasn't in this category I would boast that I'm not going to live my life in fear and just not worry about COVID.  I'm very tired, and I hope to get a good night's sleep tonight.  This coming week is going to be a very, very long one.

Things to do for school

• Complete another evaluation of Mrs. Mitola next week.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/25)

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 511
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 560
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 565

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 3,960 positive cases; 90 deaths
• 61284 - 51 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 4,005 positive cases; 90 deaths
• 61284 -  53 reported positive cases

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Saturday, Oct. 24

Things to do for school

• Complete another evaluation of Mrs. Mitola next week.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/24)

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 525
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 511
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 560

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 3,889 positive cases; 90 deaths
• 61284 - 51 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 3,960 positive cases; 90 deaths
• 61284 -  51 reported positive cases

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Friday, October 23

5:34 a.m. - Another day of the week...another blustery, cold, rainy picture out the window.  I had a dream last night that I was officiating basketball, which had me waking up happy.  I was curious and looked up the amount of money I had made at this time last year compared to this year, and I'm down about $3,500...ouch.  I watched the debate last night between Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden, and it was a lot better than the first one.  Mr. Trump is definitely the smoother talker, and Mr. Biden was more prepared with information.  It will be nice when election day gets here.   I'm going to have  a busy weekend.  Tonight I'm going to watch Cole in The Rocky Horror Picture Show in Rock Island, and then Saturday and Sunday I'm scheduled to umpire in Bettendorf.  Youth softball teams playing softball in mid-October with temps in the 40's...what has this world come too? 

Things to do for school

• Complete another evaluation of Mrs. Mitola next week.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Fix the green door.
• tonight - Cole's performance.
• Saturday-Sunday - Umpiring in Bettendorf
• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/23)

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 502
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 525
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 511

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 3,822 positive cases; 89 deaths
• 61284 - 50 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 3,889 positive cases; 90 deaths
• 61284 -  51 reported positive cases

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Thursday, October 22

2:10 p.m. - I just finished a great book...a little disappointing because it was a little too "happily ever after", but the ending wasn't predictable, which I appreciated.  Hospitalizations in Illinois climbed again.  I sent out a couple more group emails to folks in the school district trying to once again gather more information...more viewpoints.  I admit that the more I try to wrap my brain around the situation, the more dismal I feel.  How does a person try to get more people to think about other more people?  That's inspiration right?  Getting things done means trying to inspire others to try to think about more others.  Yet, just worrying about one's self is often challenging enough, right?  How does someone have enough time and energy to take care of self and then not only care about others but care enough and devote enough time and energy to get other to care more about others?  Is that what most problems come down too?  Republican vs. Democrat...wealthy versus middle class versus poverty?  Mask or anti-mask?  Hybrid model versus 5-day instruction?  Trump versus Biden?

I know right now I'm energy depleted, and it's not because I'm physically worn out, and it's not that I'm mentally worn out.  In fact, I think it's because I'm too stagnant.  I'm sitting around too much which is bad for me.  I need a balance...I need activity followed by rest to recharge...without activity, though, I just feel sluggish. 

Things to do for school

• Complete another evaluation of Mrs. Mitola next week.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Fix the green door.
• Friday - Cole's performance.
• Saturday-Sunday - Umpiring in Bettendorf
• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/22)

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 489
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 502
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 525

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 3,766 positive cases; 89 deaths
• 61284 - 47 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 3,822 positive cases; 89 deaths
• 61284 - 50 reported positive cases

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Wednesday, October 21

8:38 a.m.  Today is going to be another slow day, but I'm performing my role as cooperating teacher.  Mrs. Mitola needs me to supervise students for a bit each period, so she can conference with the students in the back room.  For me, it's fine.  I read a book, and I enjoy reading.  I'm listening to Christmas music, and the sounds make my heart lighter.

I don't have any umpiring or officiating scheduled until at least Nov. 30.  We'll find out on Oct. 28 if there is going to be a winter sports season.  If there is not, I'll be working at Fed Ex Ground.  Until Oct. 28, then, I need to find a way to stay active.  I do generally get some kind of exercise in the morning or evening, but unfortunately because of being a cooperating teacher and having no officiating nor umpiring activities, I'm just not physically very active.  What makes worse is that when I'm not active I actually feel more hungry, and I eat more.  I don't like to write things down...I've never found a system that I can adhere too, but I may have to try something again so I can keep the calories restricted since my physical activity is so diminished. 

Things to do for school

- figure out parent-teacher conference stuff - Mrs. Mitola has it figured out...just using Google Calendar to set up the meet session for the conference.

- attend HS staff meeting at 2:30 p.m.

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Take the cat to the human society for rabies shot, and pay for tags.
• Fix the green door.
• Friday - Cole's performance.
• Saturday-Sunday - Umpiring in Bettendorf - MAYBE NOT
• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/21)

And now today, the hospitalization number jumped above 500.  Also, 5 more cases in zip code 61284 was reported.

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 485
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 489
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 502

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 3,721 positive cases; 89 deaths
• 61284 - 42 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 3,766 positive cases; 89 deaths
• 61284 - 47 reported positive cases

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Tuesday, October 20

6:34 a.m. - Just keep swimming.  It's a dreary day outside.  Today I had the opportunity to help Mrs. Mitola with her classes.  She wanted to have a brief conference with each student, which meant I would be front and center to offer assistance to students working on their assignments, especially their essays.   Do you know how many students asked me a question?  NONE.  I know everything is suppose to be better after November 3, and I know everything will be even better than that beginning with November 9.  The apathy and energy from students is a battle, and I don't know that it's going to get better anytime soon.  I know many folks will want to pin it on the pandemic, but this apathy existed prior to the pandemic.

Things to do for school

- figure out parent-teacher conference stuff

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Fix the green door.
• Friday - Cole's performance.
• Saturday-Sunday - Umpiring in Bettendorf
• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/20)

Governor Pritzker has announced enhanced restrictions in another area of the state due to COVID 19 cases rising again...and we are supposed to be able to start playing basketball in another month?  51 new reported cases in Rock Island County today...ugh.  Hospitalizations have slightly increased...I hope they don't go above 500 this week.  (Remember, a month ago, hospitalizations were at 329)

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 408
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 485
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 489

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY - 3,670 positive cases; 88 deaths
• TODAY
• RI County - 3,721 positive cases; 89 deaths
• 61284 - 42 reported positive cases

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Monday, October 19

6:20 a.m. - Yesterday I was able to check out student blog posts and also stalk the essays of second and seventh periods.  Mrs. Mitola has done an outstanding job of helping students learn how to recognize rhetorical devices and other stylistic elements writers use to influence readers, but unfortunately many students have not yet even started the essay.  I hope they hit the gas today and tomorrow, as I think the assignment is due tomorrow night.  Yesterday, I also got in a good physical workout - the first in quite awhile.  During the pre-game of the Bears game, I got in a stretch.  Then I watched the Bears game as I got in a jog on the treadmill for 30 minutes.  Then I proceeded to try to do some light strength training with the dumbbells I have.  Then at halftime, I slipped in the disc for an ab workout.  Then for the second half of the game I went upstairs and sat in the recliner for a Bears win.  After the game, Amber and I were invited over to her parents for supper.  Then after that I went to the casino and donated more money to Jumer's.  I don't seem to every win there, yet I still go every once in awhile because I do enjoy the atmosphere.  Today, the weather is going to be crappy again, and it looks like the "nice weather" days may be behind us for while.  I'm still holding out hope for one more camping weekend, so I'm keeping an eye on the weather; otherwise, I'm going to have to winterize it and put it in storage for the winter.

Things to do for school

- figure out parent-teacher conference stuff

- figure out mentor completion stuff

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Fix the green door.
• Friday - Cole's performance.
• Saturday-Sunday - Umpiring in Bettendorf
• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/19)

485 on hospitalizations today...that's a big jump.  Illinois is nowhere near capacity, but the number of ICU beds being utilized is climbing.  A month ago, hospitalization number for ICU beds was 329.

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 422
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 408
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 485

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY - 3,641 positive cases; 88 deaths
• TODAY - 3,670 positive cases; 88 deaths

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Sunday, October 18

7:19 a.m. - Today the weather is really, really crummy.  I mentioned in yesterday's blog that it was a good call to cancel my camping plans for the weekend.  I echo that statement today.  While I really would have enjoyed the get-a-way, staying home was the better option.

Things to do for school

- figure out parent-teacher conference stuff

- figure out mentor completion stuff

- check over blog posts

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Fix the green door.
• Friday - Cole's performance.
• Saturday-Sunday - Umpiring in Bettendorf
• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/18)

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 410
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 422
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 408

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY - 3,584 positive cases; 88 deaths
• TODAY - 3,641 positive cases; 88 deaths

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Saturday, Oct. 17

12:38 p.m. - It's cold and gross and windy outside.  I'm not umpiring; I'm not camping.  And while it's disappointing not earning a little cash or enjoying the great outdoors, this weather has caused me to feel glad that I'm doing neither of those things.  I think I am going to get a coat on and try to mow the swamp today, but not before I get another cup of warm coffee in me.

5:20 p.m. - This morning I helped Amber load up supplies for a baby shower she was helping host.  After returning home, I got a little yardwork done...okay, more than a little.  I got the new mower out and tried to mow as much of the swamp as possible, and then I got the week wacker out and finished the job.  Plus, I decided to go ahead and tackle the ditch.  That's a good day's work.  Once finished I gobbled up some leftovers from the shower and watched Notre Dame beat Louisville.  Notre Dame is ranked #4, but I don't think they are the 4th best team in the country.  I think I'm going to let my food settle a little more and then try to get on the treadmill later this evening for a little exercise.  There will probably be a football game on TV that I can watch while I'm walking.

Things to do for school

- figure out parent-teacher conference stuff

- figure out mentor completion stuff

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Check gmail messages.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/17)

422 now is the highest number of recorded hospitalizations in a long, long time.  The situation is getting worse.  This feels like a storm approaching...

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 388
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 410
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 422

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY - 3,544 positive cases; 87 deaths
• TODAY - 3,584 positive cases; 88 deaths

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Friday, October 16

9:10 p.m.  I decided against camping, which is a bummer...weather is just too cold, too windy, and Sunday morning might feature snowflakes.  It's been a very trying week this week, so I'm just going to hunker down here in South Edgington.  

Things to do for school

- figure out parent-teacher conference stuff

- figure out mentor completion stuff

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/16)

410 is the highest number of recorded hospitalizations in a long, long time.  The situation is getting worse.

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 390
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 388
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 410

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY - 3,483 positive cases; 86 deaths
• TODAY - 3,544 positive cases; 87 deaths

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Thursday, October 15

5:27 a.m. - Lily was up and walking around last night, so I decided to finally get up around 4:30 a.m. and just start my day.  My brain is troubled, and sleep doesn't come easy this week.  On better news, I was able to give away those huge stage/studio lights that had been sitting around in my back room storage area at school.  A teacher from Burlington High School came and picked them up last night.  He said he was going to use them with his students to help teach lighting and stage production, so I felt good about seeing them put to some kind of use.  In reality, it also felt good to get them gone.  I'm still not sure about camping this weekend...it's suppose to be cold and windy, even though Saturday looks decent with temps forecast to get to 66 degrees.  On the other hand, I will be umpiring next weekend, and the following weekend is Halloween.   The temps for the first weekend of November are suggesting mid-50's for highs, which is doable.  I think I'm talking myself into camping this weekend, even if I have to bundle up a little more.

4:19 p.m. - Today was productive; now I'm soon off to officiate my last volleyball match of the Iowa season.  It will be nice to get that out of the way and take those items out of the HHR.   I still didn't make the decision to reserve a campsite, but I can still do that tomorrow.

Things to do for school

- meet with CUSD#300 - Thurs. Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. - DONE

- meet with Mr. Lehtola and Mrs. Hasson - completed by Mrs Neece

- figure out parent-teacher conference stuff

- figure out mentor completion stuff

- complete Mrs. Mitola's evaluation - DONE

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Reserve campsite at Loud Thunder for this weekend.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/15)

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 406
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 390
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 388

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY - 3,446 positive cases; 85 deaths
• TODAY - 3,483 positive cases; 86 deaths

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Wednesday, October 14

Things to do for school

- meet with CUSD#300 - Thurs. Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.

- meet with Mr. Lehtola and Mrs. Hasson

- figure out parent-teacher conference stuff

- figure out mentor completion stuff

- complete Mrs. Mitola's evaluation

- give away the stage lights....

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Reserve campsite at Loud Thunder for this weekend.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/14)

Last night the CUSD#300 BOE voted 5-2 to remove the hybrid learning model in place and return to full in-person learning with full remote option that is mandated by the state.  This vote was contrary to the recommendation presented it by the administration in conjunction with feedback from district staff.  The view of the pandemic by some people, many of whom I consider intelligent, educated people, just simply baffles me.  The general take-a-ways I felt summarize the discussion were 1) kids don't get sick from the virus;  2) too many students and their families are unwilling to commit to the resources and opportunities available to make remote learning doable, so an abnormal number of students are failing; 3) too many other students and their families feel that the hybrid model isn't offering enough of an education, so a return to full instruction is needed; 4) surrounding school Illinois districts and neighboring Iowa districts are hosting full instruction with students, so CUSD should be able to do it as well.  So beginning November 9th CUSD#300, students and their families will choose between the option of returning to everyday instruction or full remote, just as teachers and administrators had pretty much become comfortable with delivering the hybrid model and having a pretty good success record of keeping students and staff healthy.  And the vibe I got was that if this decision is wrong or an outbreak occurs in the district, the BOE can just call a meeting and roll back to the hybrid model or full remote.  One thing I am comforted by is that the BOE believes we should be able to do what all the other school districts are doing, so I am looking forward to determining if neighboring school districts are cutting high school English teachers, cutting high school vocational teachers, piecing together junior high language arts teachers.  I'm also interested to see if these other districts don't have a high school family and consumer science program, if they have only a 1/2 time high school art teacher.  I'm also eager to see if other school districts have stretched their administrators and support staff employees as much as has been done in the Rockridge School District.  On the other hand, our parking lots look great, we have a new all-weather track, and the meeting last night was held in a gymnasium that has gorgeous new scoreboards.  Maybe all the surrounding school districts have those two.  And I'll close with this.  I pray the five members of the BOE are right, and there won't be an outbreak in our schools that causes a serious illness or perhaps even death to a student, a staff member, or a community member that becomes infected as a result of an outbreak in our school district.  I hope those five members can all call me and tell me that I was too much of a "doomsday" person.  On the other hand, if an outbreak occurs, and serious illness occurs, and contact tracing efforts determine that there a superspreader event occurred in the district that may have been avoided, the tracing can be ultimately traced to the five members of the BOE that voted in favor of advancing instruction to full in-person learning because kids don't get sick, remote learning is hard, hybrid instruction isn't good enough, and everybody else is doing full in-person instruction.

We don't have enough chromebooks to go one-on-one, so we are going to have to share chromebooks and/or go back to the use of chromebook carts in the classroom, which means not only are teachers going to have to wipe down desks and seats, but we will also have to wipe down chromebooks too.  So we aren't supposed to use textbooks, we aren't suppose to use paper/pencil, and now it's likely that we don't have enough chromebooks in the district to use those either.  

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 377
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 406
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 390

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY - 3,411 positive cases; 83 deaths
• TODAY - 3,446 positive cases; 85 deaths

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020

6:09 a.m. - Yesterday featured a morning with just me and the Harrison girls!  I survived, but those two little lovely beasts take a lot of energy.  After Jay daycare, it was "truck day".  I took the trailer back to my parents, took chlorine jugs back to pool place, got an oil change, got an estimate at J&J Auto in Buffalo on what it will take to fix the rust on my truck, then lastly stopped by Slayden's to get a quote on new tires and shocks.  Then it was back home to spend some more time with Brinley and Brooklyn Harrison before eventually heading to Davenport North to officiate three 9th grade volleyball matches.  That was a long an busy day off from school stuff.  I'm contemplating attending the BOE meeting tonight, but I don't know if I want to get myself all riled up.  Maybe I'll make that decision after seeing how today goes.

Things to do for school

- meet with CUSD#300 - Thurs. Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.

- speak with Ms. Kapraun about my thoughts

- meet with Mr. Lehtola and Mrs. Hasson

- figure out parent-teacher conference stuff

- figure out mentor completion stuff

- complete Mrs. Mitola's evaluation

- give away the stage lights....

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Reserve campsite at Loud Thunder for this weekend.
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/13)

The numbers just keep getting worse...the medical experts keep predicting a very difficult winter.  One medical expert today basically suggested we should start planning our mental health strategies with our family.  He stated that this time next year we will be much better off, but from now until then, things are going to be a struggle.  I find it incredibly naive to think there is going to be any sports this winter.

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 388
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 377
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 406

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY - 3,388 positive cases; 83 deaths
• TODAY - 3,411 positive cases; 83 deaths

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Monday, October 12

Things to do for school

- meet with CUSD#300 - Thurs. Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.

- meet with Mr. Lehtola and Mrs. Hasson

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Oil change in the truck. DONE
• Chlorine jugs back to pool place. DONE
• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/13)

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 406
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 388
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 377

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY - 3,362 positive cases; 82 deaths
• TODAY - 3,388 positive cases; 83 deaths

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen

Sunday, October 11

7:23 a.m. - Another great day of weather; another day that I'm not camping!  Ugh.  Well, at least yesterday I explored a couple other spots.  The Interstate Campground out on 80 and Hickory Grove Road isn't great, but it would be doable to just camp or maybe use in hot weather with children because there is a pool.  The Buffalo Shores Campground is a Scott County run area, which is nice and a little cheaper.  Unfortunately, right now there is some sort of septic problem that is causing the shower house and restrooms to be closed.   I'm also not a big fan of being next to the river, especially with kids, but if it was just me or just Amber and me it would work.  The weather for next weekend looks dry and cooler, which is workable.  I think I'm going to wait to make reservations at Loud Thunder, but maybe I'll make those reservations tomorrow or Tuesday.  I did get through yesterday's volleyball tournament, and it didn't go badly.  I just need more experience to feel more comfortable.  I only have two dates left tomorrow evening and Thursday evening, and then I can put that stuff away until next Spring when Illinois hopefully has a volleyball season.  Today I'm going to go look at a new mower, but that will require me to take the truck and borrow my dad's trailer after church service.  I think before all that happens I'm going to get a stretch in and perhaps get a little jog on the treadmill.

2:26 p.m. - Today has been a battle...not a tough battle, but everything has been difficult.  I did end up getting some exercise this morning with a 20-minute jog on the treadmill.  I was able to get to church service, and then I got to the recycle in Milan for all the anti-freeze jugs and cardboard that needed to be removed from my garage.  After that I tried to get my dad's trailer, but I ran out of time before I had to get home to my basketball clinic.  I did get home, but I had trouble viewing the clinic.  Eventually, I was able to view the clinic, but I missed the first part.  I hope I still get credit for it.

Things to do for school

- meet with Mr. Lehtola and Mrs. Hasson

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Wash the trailer.
• Winterize the trailer.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (10/11)

Hospitalizations went above 400 yesterday for the first time in a long time.  That statistic is concerning.  Our BOE is considering what our learning model is going to be moving forward for second quarter, and I just can't see how any decision to have more students in the building at one time is a good thing given the direction of positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.  Along that note, I'm struggling to see how basketball games can be hosted.  If we couldn't have volleyball and football when the numbers were lower, how can we have basketball and wrestling when the numbers are increasing?

UPDATE - 2:32 p.m. - In the clinic today, Kurt Gibson reported that currently, basketball cannot play.  So the state, IDPH, and IHSA are going to have to come together somehow, or basketball can't be played at the end of November.

• Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
• As of May 29 (3 months), there were 120,260 positive cases and 5,390 deaths.
• As of June 29 (4 months), there were 142, 461 positive cases and 6,902 deaths.
• As of July 31 (5 months), there were 178,837 positive cases and 7,495 deaths.
• As of August 29 (6 months), there were 231,363 positive cases and 8,008 deaths.
• How did I miss September 29?

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 395
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 406
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 388

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY - 3,338 positive cases; 82 deaths
• TODAY - 3,362 positive cases; 82 deaths

Prayer for My Heart

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. 

                                                                     Amen