Sunday, January 31, 2021

8:15 a.m. - I got the driveway cleared before Amber had to get to Snowstar, and I cleared it before I clogged the old snowblower, so all is well.  The snow is heavy and wet like last weekend, but there wasn't as much...good thing rain fell for much of the afternoon and early evening before turning to slow, or we probably would have gotten more snow than last week.  My legs feel better today, and now I'm wondering if attempting to get a lift in last week in my downstairs work area may have had something to do with it.  I'm still going to try to self-doctor the heck out of myself today, and today instead of Aleve, I'm going to go with the extra strength Tylenol instead, and see how it goes.  This morning while Amber is at work, I'm going to work on some school grading things before heading off to Beyond the Baseline for more games today.  Today it's five games and I start at 3:30 back on Court 4.  I think the schedule is girls today, but I have a partner that I'm not particularly comfortable with.  I just want to make it through.  The roads should be pretty clear by the time I'm heading out, as long as they didn't push the start times back, I should be okay.

Things to do for school

• Enter blog assignment and scores for 1-29 - DONE
• Enter Equiano self-evaluation scores - DONE

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session - for Jan. 29
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Feb. 1
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Feb. 1
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed., Feb. 3

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Today at BTB - 3:30 - 5 games
• Tuesday, 2/2 at Davenport Central - 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, 2/4 at Knoxville
• Friday, 2/5 at Davenport North - 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 2/6 at Pleasant Valley - 2:30 p.m.
• Sunday at BTB - 3:30 p.m. - 5 games
• link for core exercises - https://www.self.com/gallery/core-exercises-top-trainers-swear-by
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/31)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 563
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 532
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 538

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 12,360 positive cases; 269 deaths
• 61284 - 188 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 12,426 positive cases; 271 deaths
• 61284 - 189 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, Jan. 30, 2021

6:54 a.m. - The car is fixed, so I have to pick it up today.  My legs are killing me; I don't know why, other than I'm old and fat, and I have four games today.   The weather forecast is a little more favorable for driving into Davenport today and tomorrow for games, so at least I have that going for me.  Last night, we had a fun time going to Mediapolis to work a varsity/fresh-soph girls date.  The games weren't real good, but it was nice to go somewhere new.

Things to do for school

• Enter blog assignment and scores for 1-29
• Enter Equiano self-evaluation scores

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session - for Jan. 29
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Feb. 1
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Feb. 1
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed., Feb. 3

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Today at BTB - 2:00 - 4 games
• Tuesday, 2/2 at Davenport Central - 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, 2/5 at Davenport North - 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 2/6 at Pleasant Valley - 2:30 p.m.
• Sunday at BTB - 3:30 p.m. - 5 games
• link for core exercises - https://www.self.com/gallery/core-exercises-top-trainers-swear-by
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/30)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 591
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 567
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 532

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 12,327 positive cases; 267 deaths
• 61284 - 188 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 12,360 positive cases; 269 deaths
• 61284 - 188 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. 

1-29 7th period

 After considering the whole legal marijuana thing, I also considered the other ways in my lifetime that Illinois has tried to do to tax what were once "bad" things.  There was alcohol at some point, and eventually later there was Riverboat gambling which now has basically gone statewide with other places being allowed up to five slot machines, and then there are all of the lottery games that are usually right at the front counter of every storefront count.  And now there is online sports betting.  When you start to take a look at Illinois, all the now legal stuff that once was illegal sure is accumulating.  If you think about all the money that an adult could do each week that some may consider "bad"...head down to Casey's and pick up some cigarettes or tobacco along with a 12-pak of beer.  While you are there purchase some scratch tickets and also a few quick picks of the daily weekly lotto games.  Prior to a little supper, stop by the dispensary for some cannibis products, and then head to Rudy's in Milan for some food and after eating play some slot machines.  On the way home, stop by the casino and get to the tables for a little Texas hold 'em and just before sitting down to watch the game in the recliner, make a few sports bets.  Kind of crazy, when you think about it.

Jacob P., Ballah, Taylor, Kaelyn, 

1-29 Gambling...

So I've already written on the three topics mentioned, but gambling is something that I sort of connect with.  I'm old enough to remember when we started with riverboat gambling.  During those first few years, the boats had to travel on the water to be considered for a gambling license.  In your lifetime, those days have passed, but Illinois recently went one step higher and allowed individual establishments to have up to five slot machines.  Now as we see a lot right now with the Super Bowl approaching...sports gambling ads are almost as regular as political ads during a campaign.

So states have been so strapped for cash and continue to look for ways for income, that long gone are the days of taxing alcohol and cigarettes only - add gambling and recreational marijuana to the mix.  The money made helps the state, and the money saved by law enforcement not having to enforce these gambling and marijuana laws has also been a good thing.

Are there bad things?  Here's my example, and I don't want to offend anyone, so I hope I don't.  Right now there are two areas that folks can play slots in Andalusia, right.  There is Ducky's and Sargent Majors.  In Milan though, you can hardly drive two blocks without seeing the neon signs or the flags advertising slots or to "win here".  I hope the same thing doesn't happen with marijuana dispensaries.  I don't know the answer...I don't know how many are too many, but I struggle a bit with so many places advertising slot machines...and I enjoy playing, but too many seems to send a bad signal.

Aiden Leemans, Logan, Drew, Cole, Connor, Jaxon, 

1-29 Birthday of Recreational Marijuana Use

As I sort of mentioned to you in looking at the topics, what seems to be kind of interesting is that the recreational usage of marijuana really hasn't gotten much hype.  When it first became a reality, there were news reports about lines at the dispensary in Milan; I think I remember due to the pandemic and the cold that they were actually staging a tent for the expected popularity.  But since about the first couple of weeks of the new legislation, the whole thing has really taken a back seat.  

Obviously none of us were alive during our country's years of prohibition of alcohol, but I seem to think this new attitude by the State of Illinois towards marijuana has to be somewhat similar to the eventual end of prohibition and legal consumption of alcohol.  My guess is that whenever normal returns to normal we will see more dispensaries in our Illinois Quad Cities area.  On the news reports, a Rock Island city administrator was interviewed and the city can tax the purchase by 3%, so the administrator said that he hoped a dispensary would soon arrive within the city limits because the city could then use the money as income.

Gambling is something that cities and municipalities can also benefit, right?  And Illinois has had legalized gambling for adults for quite some time, likely before you were born.  Geez I'm old, because I remember when riverboat gambling was such a hotly debated topic in our area.

Wyatt, Cade, Tyler, Kaleb, Ayden B., 

1-29 Biden's Executive Actions

So President Biden has been busy...I don't know how all of you feel about that, and to be honest I know there have been a flurry of executive orders to the point where some critics of Biden have use the words "record-setting" executive orders.  I wish I was more knowledgeable on all of them to have a better viewpoint, but I don't so I'm not going to try and attempt whether all of these moves are good or bad.  From what I do hear, placing some importance on climate change issues and immigration and racial injustice sound good, but those issues have been important to past administrations as well, even if the specifics of the orders were different.

And the whole thing with executive orders confuses me a bit.  You current social studies folks probably know more about them than I do.  I get the impression that some of them are more ceremonial than anything and others of them are challenged in the judicial branch for legality purposes.  

The COVID issue obviously hasn't gone away with the new administration and this administration is being criticized for the slow pace at which vaccinations are distributed.  It's difficult to wrap my brain around the reported goals of past administrations and this administration, but it is disheartening to hear local news stories of local different county health departments that were expecting to get thousands of doses of vaccine but received one hundred.  I don't pretend to have a solution, I just sort of think the role out of the first vaccines seemed to get a lot of hype in the network broadcast news shows, but perhaps at that point any type of good news was just good to hear. 

Kayla B., Sydney, Kaylee, 

1-29 IHSA

 The decision by the IHSA to return to play for regions of the state that qualify has received a lot of attention since the decision was reached and reported out on Wednesday.  Is this a return to normalcy?  Is everyone happy about all the specific details that were announced with the decision.  One thing that I wasn't aware of is that this return policy unfortunately doesn't apply to the Chicago area and suburbs nor the East St. Louis area because those two regions have not yet reached whatever phase is necessary to be able to return to activities.  

My understanding is that all participants and officials must wear masks during participation at all times, and I'm also hearing that spectators must not exceed 50 people but doesn't include the participants.  This is a little different than what I've been experiencing as an official in Iowa.  Participants and officials have had the option to wear a mask, but masks weren't required.  Also, in Iowa now there is no restrictions to spectators, even though that's a recent change.

One thing I would like to say is that this return isn't going to be perfect, and those folks who have suggested that Iowa has been just fine through this have been inaccurate.  I've had games canceled at the last minute due to COVID issues.  Tonight, in fact, my game may be changing locations due to a COVID issue.  

That brings to my mind a question I've had regarding students electing to go to remote learning to potentially avoid being contact traced and quarantined out of participation for a period of time due to a positive potential case in a classroom at school.  I wonder if that will be a "thing" or not.  

I did see on Twitter that a game actually is occurring tonight in Central Illinois...Tuscola maybe?

Friday, Jan. 29, 2021

Things to do for school

• Enter extra credit slots in Lumen
• Enter xc homework points for sharing blog.
• Enter blog assignment and scores for 1-29
• Enter Equiano self-evaluation scores
• Make vocab quiz ...google form for Stranger In An Unknown World 

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session - for Jan. 29
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Feb. 1
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Feb. 1
• assign vocab list
• add digital text as a resource - Strangers In An Unknown World
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed., Feb. 3

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• tonight at Mediapolis or Highland JV & V
• Sunday at BTB - 3:30 p.m. - 5 games
• link for core exercises - https://www.self.com/gallery/core-exercises-top-trainers-swear-by
• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/29)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 591
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 567
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 5332

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 12,327 positive cases; 267 deaths
• 61284 - 188 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 12,360 positive cases; 269 deaths
• 61284 - 188 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, Jan. 28, 2021

7:04 a.m. - I didn't sleep well, or maybe I just went to bed early; therefore, my waking up at 4:00 a.m. and not being able to fall back to sleep was just my fault.  I guess I did have plenty of time to watch some news and get in a little exercise.  The counseling department is in my room today, so I'm going to try to enter some assignment scores and return my back room back to normal from being my "office" when Mrs. Mitola was in her role as student teacher.  And it's Friday eve!  I do hope I hear about my car today.  Maybe I'll go visit my folks after school.

Things to do for school

• enter scores from Fighter analysis questions - done
• enter scores from FRW 1-27 - done
• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 29
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 29
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed., Feb. 3

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• link for core exercises - https://www.self.com/gallery/core-exercises-top-trainers-swear-by
• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/28)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 608
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 591
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 567

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 12,295 positive cases; 267 deaths
• 61284 - 188 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 12,327 positive cases; 267 deaths
• 61284 - 188 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, Jan. 27, 2021

5:51 a.m. - 45 U.S. Senators yesterday voted to call the impeachment of a former president unconstitutional.  What the hell?  The message that vote sends are incredibly frustrating to me.  Essentially, President Biden could do something so treasonous - so illegal - so un-American, and then he could just resign before the impeachment trial of the Senate and never be held accountable.  That was the message sent by those Senators.  Or was it a simpler message - party and/or loyalty to someone is more important than the oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution.  Ironically, prior to the vote, each member signed notice with their signature and swore an oath to uphold the Constitution.  Oooohhhh...Mr. President Biden...you have a long, difficult road ahead of you.  

In other news, it's back to school today.  The snowstorm is done, the roads are clear, and the temps are really, really cold today.   Yesterday, I just stayed home, got a few things accomplished, exercised a little, and spent some time playing with Tucker.

4:57 p.m. - So the IHSA came out with it's guidelines for sports, and let's just say that this is going to be interesting.  Of course, trying to get athletes an opportunity to participate in something is honorable and appreciate, but it's going to take a "village" to work through it.  As an official and umpire, I think it's possible that at some point this spring between high school and junior high I just may have volleyball, basketball, and softball all in the same week.  And I think small schools are going to have to make some interesting decisions about athletes participating in two sports at the same time while one is ending and another is beginning.  And then schools will have to decide how many games they want their athletes to play each week.  I'm wondering if this decision triggers a lot of decisions that now need to be made by school districts in order to have type of attempt at keeping athletes as safe from injury and illness as possible.

Things to do for school

• enter scores from Fighter analysis questions
• enter scores from FRW
• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 28
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 28
• score assignments and record into Lumen as needed
• respond to student/parent emails and update grades
• TUES - schedule FRW assignment for Wed., Feb. 3

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• link for core exercises - https://www.self.com/gallery/core-exercises-top-trainers-swear-by
• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/27)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 601
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 608
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 591

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 12,252 positive cases; 267 deaths
• 61284 - 187 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 12,295 positive cases; 267 deaths
• 61284 - 188 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, Jan. 26, 2021

12:09 p.m. - Yes, the snow day arrived, even though I'm still confused why we went to all that work to get up and running and be able to have remote learning, only to really not use it on days like today.  I did get the driveway cleared and the back deck.  I also got my officiating clothes clean and packed back in the truck.  I also heard from Slayden's about my car - perhaps I'll get it back this week.  I was able to finish up a few things for school, and now I think I'm going to go exercise downstairs for a bit.

Things to do for school

• plan out African American lesson plans
• enter scores from Fighter analysis questions
• link for core exercises - https://www.self.com/gallery/core-exercises-top-trainers-swear-by
• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 27
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 27
• 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

• Wash, pack, and return officiating gear to truck - DONE
• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes - DONE
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/26)

I think the days of me reviewing these numbers are about over.  Unless the new variant strain of the virus really spreads and causes problems, I honestly think we are on the downhill slide of the pandemic in our area.  Even national numbers appear to be decreasing.  I think I'll keep up the review through January, and then likely delete this section of my blog.  


• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 617
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 601
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 608

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 12,229 positive cases; 266 deaths
• 61284 - 187 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 12,252 positive cases; 267 deaths
• 61284 - 188 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, Jan. 25, 2021

6:55 a.m. - Apparently, a big snowstorm is rolling in.  A few days ago, it was supposed to be here now before 7:00 a.m.  Now, it's not supposed to be here until this afternoon, but according to my professional weather predicting skills, it seems it's going to get here sooner than later.  The winds are supposed to be pretty high, so maybe there will be a snow day or remote learning day tomorrow.  In a normal year, this is exactly the kind of day that would be depressing...we'd go to school and my basketball game would be canceled that night.  Today...it is what it is.  My guess is that I'll be walking home at 3:12 in a snowstorm.  

Things to do for school

• figure out how to make a digital copy of upcoming lit piece - done
• plan out African American lesson plans
• enter scores from Fighter analysis questions
• assign due date of Equiano questions

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 27
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 27
• 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

• Wash, pack, and return officiating gear to truck.
• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/25)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 644
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 617
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 601

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 12,195 positive cases; 266 deaths
• 61284 - 187 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 1,2229positive cases; 266 deaths
• 61284 - 187 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, Jan. 24, 2021

8:27 a.m. - It's Sunday, and it's just the cats and me and a quiet house.  I have a few little things on my agenda for the day, but it appears that it's going to be a fairly quiet day.  There's apparently a big snowstorm headed our way - maybe even a thundersnow event.  I don't know if that means there will be a snow day tomorrow or a full-remote day tomorrow.  There are two big NFL Conference Championship football games scheduled for today, and I'd like to get all my crap done before 2:00 p.m. today, so I can be a couch potato and watch those games.  I need to head to my parents house and help them with a couple of things and visit for a bit.  I'd like to get a little exercise in somehow.  And I'd like to do a little schoolwork.

Things to do for school

• plan for return to school
• Indigenous American Unit/African Slave Unit
• enter scores for highlight assignment
• decide what to do with Jan. 22 assignment - answering of questions...not due until Jan. 25
• make video presentation of Accuplacer feedback
• make presentation available as material in classroom
• figure out how to make a digital copy of upcoming lit piece
• plan out African American lesson plans

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 25
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 25
• 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

• Wash, pack, and return officiating gear to truck.
• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/24)

I'm a little disgruntled about this whole vaccine thing.  I'm supposedly an "essential worker", and our school district has deemed in necessary for me to be in a work environment that has not allowed for social distancing ALL SCHOOL YEAR, but for some reason it's up to me to take time out of my day and schedule a time to get a vaccine, and then report back to the school that I've completed that task.  The school/county was able to come out to RHS and provide a flu vaccine.  I was asked to complete a survey of whether or not I would be willing to receive the COVID vaccine.  Can I be sure my parents can get the vaccine first?  And is my school district's interest in me getting the vaccine a show of concern for my health or just another show of concern of keeping the building open?  Grrrrrrrr...


• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 661
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 644
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 617

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 12,168 positive cases; 266 deaths
• 61284 - 186 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 12,195 positive cases; 266 deaths
• 61284 - 187 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, Jan. 23

7:20 - Dang it!  I didn't become a billionaire last night, as the one winning ticket was sold in Michigan, and I bought mine in Andalusia.  I did officiate three fresh/soph games at Beyond the Baseline, and I did get all the remaining essays scored yesterday afternoon.  Those accomplishments don't quite add up to a billion dollars, but I'll take them.  And the weather?  Amber just said forecast is 6-12 inches of snow by Tuesday....yikes!  Today, I'm back to Beyond the Baseline, but this time it's six games.

In local sports news, I'm hearing rumblings that basketball teams are returning to practice and some regions of the state are now going to be able to play games.  February 15th was suppose to be the start of football and volleyball, so I don't know how boys and girls basketball is suppose to fit into three weeks.  And if the seasons are moved back, my guess is that other seasons are going to see reductions.  And if baseball and softball get reduced, those folks may go out of their minds.  It's looking like I'll have to keep basketball, volleyball, and softball gear all ready in my vehicle, which right now is the truck because I still haven't heard anything on the status of my car, which is probably not good news.

In other news, our first scheduled camping trip is planned for Memorial Day weekend.  I need truck tires; I need to fill up LP tanks; I need to get the camper out of storage; wait...it's January, and we are getting 6-12 inches of snow this weekend.  Well, a guy can dream.

Things to do for school

• plan for return to school
• Indigenous American Unit/African Slave Unit
• enter scores for highlight assignment
• decide what to do with Jan. 22 assignment - answering of questions...not due until Jan. 25

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 25
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 25
• 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

• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Sat. Jan. 23 at Beyond the Baseline youth games starting at 4:15 p.m.
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/23)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 662
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 661
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 644

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 12,127 positive cases; 264 deaths
• 61284 - 186 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 12,168 positive cases; 266 deaths
• 61284 - 187 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, Jan. 22, 2021

Things to do for school

• plan for return to school
• Indigenous American Unit/African Slave Unit
• score Accuplacer Essays and enter scores in Lumen
• I have 2,7,1 done - still need to complete 3,4
• decide what to do with Jan. 22 assignment - answering of questions...not due until Jan. 25

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 25
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 25
• 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

• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Fri., Jan. 22 at Beyond the Baseline at 6:00 p.m.
• Sat. Jan. 23 at Beyond the Baseline youth games starting at 4:15 p.m.
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/22)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 722
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 662
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 661

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 12,027 positive cases; 262 deaths
• 61284 - 186 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 12,127 positive cases; 264 deaths
• 61284 - 186 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, Jan. 21, 2021

8:16 a.m. - I'm home today remote teaching.  Amber had a COVID test yesterday, so that means that I have to remain home until the test results are back.  This morning I did, then have some extra time to watch the today show and see some of the coverage of yesterday's inauguration.  I don't mean to sound too weird, but I had a much calmer feeling watching that coverage then I did the day after the inauguration of our former president four years ago.  

Teaching from home was a little more complicated this time because Mrs. Mitola is no longer available to make everything work from school.  I simplified things by posting a 10-minute Google Meets recording on the stream.  In this fashion, I just checked in on the livestream Google Meets link and pointed them to the presentation and then to the assignment.

 Things to do for school

• plan for return to school
• Indigenous American Unit/African Slave Unit
• score Accuplacer Essays and enter scores in Lumen
• enter FRW scores 1-20
• decide what to do with Jan. 21 assignment - highlighting of questions
• decide what to do with Jan. 22 assignment - answering of questions...not due until Jan. 25

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 22
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 22
• 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

• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Fri., Jan. 22 at Assumption girls varsity vs. West - 7:30 p.m.
• Sat. Jan. 23 at Beyond the Baseline youth games starting at 4:15 p.m.
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/21)

Reported hospitalizations dipped below 700 today, which was great to see.  Numbers in all categories still seem to be ever slowly continuing to decline.  If this situation can occur and vaccine distribution can be improved, perhaps that light at the end of the tunnel can be brighter.


• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 713
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 722
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 662

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 11,977 positive cases; 262 deaths
• 61284 - 186 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 12,027 positive cases; 262  deaths
• 61284 - 186 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, January 20, 2021

6:11 a.m. - It's presidential send-off and inauguration day today!  Thank goodness.  This morning I was thinking about President Trump's legacy he leaves behind, and there are the factual things, but I think I will remember him most as just arrogant.  He's always explained how historic he and his administration has been, and that's definitely true.  I really don't care that he insists on trying to give himself a grand send-off this morning.  I just want him gone.

I'm really tired this morning, and my legs and back are beat up and need some rest and relaxation.  Last night we had a varsity game in DeWitt, but more importantly I was partnered up with my "regular crew" from Illinois, so we had a chance to have some "guy time".  It was fun to clown around and catch-up and just shoot the crap.  After yesterday's classes which only featured Mrs. Bohnsack providing a video and registration information, today will be a Free Read Wednesday day.  After school I'm going to help my brother move some furniture, so it will be good to see him.  Today and/or tonight I'll begin the process of grading those Accuplacer essays.

Things to do for school

• plan for return to school
• Indigenous American Unit/African Slave Unit
• score Accuplacer Essays and enter scores in Lumen
• enter FRW scores 1-20

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 21
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 21
• 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

• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Fri., Jan. 22 at Assumption girls varsity vs. West - 7:30 p.m.
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/20)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 720
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 713
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 722

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 11,919 positive cases; 261 deaths
• 61284 - 182 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 11,977 positive cases; 262  deaths
• 61284 - 186 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, Jan. 19, 2021

Things to do for school

• plan for return to school
• Indigenous American Unit/African Slave Unit
• score Accuplacer Essays and enter scores in Lumen
• complete first semester grades verifications after Jan. 15. - DONE

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 20
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 20
• 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

• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Tues., Jan. 19 at DeWitt boys varsity vs. North - 7:30 p.m. w Jason and Tad
• meet at Jumer's at 5:45 p.m.
• Fri., Jan. 22 at Assumption girls varsity vs. West - 7:30 p.m.
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/19)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 711
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 720
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 713

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 11,834 positive cases; 260 deaths
• 61284 - 182 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 11,919 positive cases; 261 deaths
• 61284 - 182 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, Jan. 18, 2021 - MLK Day

9:14 a.m. - I have some officiating to do today, but it's five games at the BettPlex, so it's not all day, and I could use a little extra after last night's losing event at the casino.  Afterwards, I may have to help my brother move a mattress and boxspring, but that shouldn't take too long either.  

Things to do for school

• plan for return to school
• Indigenous American Unit/African Slave Unit
• score Accuplacer Essays and enter scores in Lumen
• complete first semester grades verifications after Jan. 15.
• complete grades for Jayce Kopp

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 19
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 19
• 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

• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Mon., Jan. 18 at BettPlex youth event - 12:10 p.m.
• Tues., Jan. 19 at DeWitt boys varsity vs. North - 7:30 p.m. w Jason and Tad
• Fri., Jan. 22 at Assumption girls varsity vs. West - 7:30 p.m.
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/18)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 712
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 711
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 720

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 11,805 positive cases; 260 deaths
• 61284 - 182 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 11,834 positive cases; 260 deaths
• 61284 - 182 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, January 17th, 2021

8:29 a.m. - How about things I can or should do on my quiet day today, other than what is listed below.  
- take out the garbage and recycle
- clear the driveway of snow

- write out a couple of checks and place in the mail

- make beans mix

- take in a woods hike

- downstairs lift upper body and abs and stretch

- watch some NFL playoff football

- win some money if I end up playing slots and/or go to casino

Yesterday, was a quiet day, and I needed it for my legs.  In the morning, I went into Milan and got my hair trimmed, and I picked up a few things at the grocery store.  Then I watched Illinois botch another game.  Later in the day I dropped off Amber at Snowstar, and then ventured into Milan again, this time to get some ice cream and play slots for a bit at a local establishment.  I have had ice cream on my mind for the past several days, and that strawberry and banana shake really hit the spot.  Then on my way home I stopped by mom and dad's to visit for awhile, and then it was back home for some supper and a little more football before turning in.  This morning I slept in until after 7:00 a.m., and that felt great.  I was thinking with my morning cup of coffee that the whole lockdown thing last Spring featured that "wake up when you want to thing".  I know our lives were knocked completely off, but the opportunity to wake up whenever your body wants to wake up - that's nice!  And over the years, I've read and watched podcasts, and seen news stories about the value of sleep, and that makes sense.  The stats, though, on the percentage that most people get on sleep are rather depressing.  I wonder how much better our world would be if all people just got more quality sleep.

2:56 p.m. - The hike in the woods at Blackhawk State Park was just perfect - calm, fresh snow, beautiful white.  Man, that was beautiful.  I made up my beans and have four beef filets cooking in the oven.  Amber should be home around 3:30, and then we will have some supper.  Maybe I'll take a little nap before she gets here.

Things to do for school

• plan for return to school
• Indigenous American Unit/African Slave Unit
• score Accuplacer Essays and enter scores in Lumen
• complete first semester grades verifications after Jan. 15.
• complete grades for Jayce Kopp

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 19
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 19
• 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

• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• Mon., Jan. 18 at BettPlex youth event - 12:10 p.m.
• Tues., Jan. 19 at DeWitt boys varsity vs. North - 7:30 p.m. w Jason and Tad
• Fri., Jan. 22 at Assumption girls varsity vs. West - 7:30 p.m.
• Take care of insurance stuff with school with colonoscopy payments
• Get 2020 officiating report for taxes
• Listen to Google Tribe podcast
• Listen to IF podcasts
• fix the green door.
• Check gmail messages.
• Have shin guards fixed somewhere and Kenzie's slippers?

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (1/17)

Numbers continue to very slowly go down.  There were a lot of Illinois players and spectators on Friday at the BettPlex for basketball.  At RHS, apparently more students are going to be returning to full in-person instruction even though I don't really see that from my courses that I'm teaching.  And Illinois is relaxing some restrictions in our region, so some businesses are opening up or now can provide more services.  Meanwhile, the news reports still show nationally increasing COVID 19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.  


• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 712
• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 711
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 720

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 11,805 positive cases; 260 deaths
• 61284 - 182 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 11,834 positive cases; 260 deaths
• 61284 - 182 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, January 16

Things to do for school

• plan for return to school
• Indigenous American Unit/African Slave Unit
• score Accuplacer Essays and enter scores in Lumen
• complete first semester grades verifications after Jan. 15.

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 19
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 19
• 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

• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• BettPlex event 12:10 p.m. Jan. 18
• 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. (1/16)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 742

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 712
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 711

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 11,752 positive cases; 259 deaths
• 61284 - 180 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 11,805 positive cases; 260 deaths
• 61284 - 182 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, Jan. 15, 2021

6:07 a.m. - Last night I watched some YouTube videos on camping in the winter.  It looked fun, but there appears to be an additional learning curve and additional equipment and tips/tricks to make it all work.  I'm going to keep watching additional videos to find out more.  I have no grand illusion of trying something this winter...just trying to learn more.  Plus seeing people out camping gives me something to view.  Today will be frustrating as many students have not followed my directions and advice and encouragement and will be scrambling to finish the essay we have been working on.  This was officially assigned on January 8th, but they knew about it since before the holiday break.  That's okay...just keep swimming.  At least it's pay day today!

Things to do for school

• plan for return to school
• Indigenous American Unit/African Slave Unit
• score Accuplacer Essays and enter scores in Lumen
• complete first semester grades verifications after Jan. 15.
• review and enter grades for blog evaluations

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 19
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 19
• 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

• Pick up car at Slayden's?
• BettPlex league 6 p,m Jan. 15
• BettPlex event 12:10 p.m. Jan. 18
• 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. (1/15)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 749

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 742
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 712

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 11,688 positive cases; 259 deaths
• 61284 - 180 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 11,752 positive cases; 259 deaths
• 61284 - 182 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, January 14

5:50 a.m. - Car wasn't finished yesterday, and I'm not sure that it was even looked at.  Maybe the parts for it hadn't arrived yet; maybe I took it in a day early.  I'll probably here from them today.  I was hoping last night to get a long walking stick hike in the woods, but that plan didn't work out.  Brinley and Brooklyn were at Jay's house when he got home from work, so we played for awhile, and then I went and visited with my parents because I hadn't seen them for a few days.  My mom had a Christmas present for me that hadn't yet arrived, so I picked that up, and I chatted with them for couple of hours and caught up on the workings of the world - filled with plenty of grumblings of President Trump.  Today should be another good day...students have a self-evaluation of their blog efforts, and then they will continue to work on their essays.  After school I think the Brinley and Brooklyn show is back, so I'll play with them again a bit and then probably watch some television.  On the national news front, the House did vote to impeach President Trump.  I don't see it becoming a thing in the Senate, but President Trump came out with a taped speech that basically said the things he should have said about a month ago.  You can always tell when Trump is saying things everyone else around him is telling him to say; it's taped; it's definitely presidential; it's in his serious tone; and it's perfectly edited and on script.  Maybe he should have stuck to that means of communication for his four years of office.

Things to do for school

• plan for return to school
• Indigenous American Unit/African Slave Unit
• complete first semester grades verifications after Jan. 15.
• review and enter grades for blog evaluations
• review and enter grades for FRW 1-13

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 15
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 15
• 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

• Pick up car at Slayden's
• BettPlex league 6 p,m Jan 15
• 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. (1/14)

Tomorrow, our region is suppose to scale back some COVID restrictions, but I'm not sure what that is going to look like.  I did see that the IHSA had another meeting about sports, but the proverbial can was kicked down the road again.  I think the next "meeting" is January 25.  Football was suppose to start in mid-February, so I can't imagine basketball taking place this winter, and my life will be upside down if the IHSA attempts to have a Spring basketball season.  I'll be trying to officiate volleyball and basketball and umpire softball all around the same time period.


• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 757

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 749
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 742

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 11,636 positive cases; 256 deaths
• 61284 - 178 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 11,688 positive cases; 259 deaths
• 61284 - 180 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, January 13, 2021

5:52 a.m.- I didn't sleep well last night; I hope that isn't an omen for today.  I need to get the car down to Slayden's, and I'm hoping that repair job isn't too much money.  It's a Free Read Wednesday, and I'm trying my best to motivate the students to do a good job with the essay this week.  I just can't seem to get the majority of them to put in any work outside of the class period.  The challenge continues!

Things to do for school

• plan for return to school
• Indigenous American Unit/African Slave Unit
• reach out to training path presenters
• complete first semester grades verifications after Jan. 15.
• review and enter participation grades for 1-11 blog entries
• 1,2,3,4,7 don
• review and enter grades for blog evaluations
• review and enter grades for FRW 1-13

• Daily
• edit today's agenda on the Stream with recorded class session
• create the next day's agenda and schedule post to stream - for Jan. 14
• add assignments/activities/resources to Google Classroom as needed - for Jan. 14
• figure out blog evaluation assignment
• 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

• TODAY - Take HHR back to Slayden's - done
• 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. (1/13)

• ILLINOIS PREVIOUS DAY
• hospitalizations - 739

• ILLINOIS YESTERDAY
• hospitalizations - 757
• ILLINOIS TODAY
• hospitalizations - 749

• ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
• YESTERDAY
• RI County - 11,593 positive cases; 253 deaths
• 61284 - 178 reported positive cases
• TODAY
• RI County - 11,636 positive cases; 256 deaths
• 61284 - 178 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.