Monday, April 6

6:54 a.m. -  Today is the last day of Spring Break, and the weather definitely presented challenges.  Yesterday, Randy and Shawn left the campground after breakfast.  Yesterday was Easter, about 1 p.m., Amber and I went to my mom and dad's to visit with folks and have some Easter lunch.  Greg and Georgia and Chelsey and her daughter and boyfriend were there.  Around 3:30, Carmen, Tyler, and Caleb arrived.  We spent about an hour there with Grandma Cathy, and then we all headed to the campground where we spent a lot of time at the park playing on the equipment before coming in the camper to visit a bit.  

I didn't sleep the greatest, but now the camper is quiet.  Amber got a phone call early this morning that she needs to help watch Kollyns, so she's already out of the camper.  I'm planning on completing a couple of needed items here in the camper and then head back home for a bit.  I'm not sure if I'll be back to the camper today or not.

Yesterday I did decide to leave the camper here rather than take it home.  Purchasing another six nights was $162, which was decent enough to just leave it here.  I had looked at the weather forecast and this coming weekend looked good, but now I'm watching KWQC tell me that the end of this week is going to be wet - that's not good.  

I really, really don't want to start back to IC Elementary tomorrow.  I just don't want to have to deal with all the freaking problems that always seem to exist.  If the adults would just maintain a more positive attitude, that would help a lot.  I need to lose some weight and just stay focused on doing my best and get to the beginning of next month when I have surgery on my left knee.

Things to do for School 

• create interview questions for April 7 interview with Makenzie Luebbe
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• Anniversary tomorrow
• replace the gator battery at mom and dad's
• register for IHSA stuff
• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• install sand filter parts and open the pool
• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Trinity Moline
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• May 6 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 8 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 11 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein; 9:40 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI

Sunday, April 5 - Happy Easter

12:40 p.m. - The weather hasn't been very nice to opening weekend of camping season, but we have pushed through it.  Right now, sitting in the camper at Deer Haven in Loud Thunder, we are one of two campers, and I just decided to keep the camper in the campground for the week and next weekend.  Because it's Easter, we are going to head to my mom and dad's and celebrate there and wait for Carmen and Tyler and Caleb.  I'm not sure what is going to happen after that, but it will include me and Amber back in the camper tonight.  And then we will proceed with back to school week, which will suck. 

Things to do for School 

• create interview questions for April 7 interview with Makenzie Luebbe
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• Anniversary tomorrow
• replace the gator battery at mom and dad's
• register for IHSA stuff
• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• install sand filter parts and open the pool
• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Trinity Moline
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• May 6 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 8 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 11 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein; 9:40 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI

Friday, April 3

6:54 a.m. - Yesterday was a day to spend time with the Hoenigs in Fort Madison.  I did get in a little workout at the YMCA on the way to them, and then silly Caleb was taking a nap when I got there.  After he woke up, the three of us ventured to a little cafe for lunch, and then went to Hal's Ice Cream for a treat.  After that I spent a little time playing with Caleb before heading back home before the storms hit.  We didn't get any storms in Edgington, but there were storms with damage to the east and west of us.

Today, I need to get going and get ready to pull the camper out.  I'm not sure what the day will bring, but we are supposed to get even more rain and storms tonight.

Things to do for School 

• create interview questions for April 7 interview with Makenzie Luebbe
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• Anniversary tomorrow
• replace the gator battery at mom and dad's
• register for IHSA stuff
• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• install sand filter parts and open the pool
• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Trinity Moline
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• May 6 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 8 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 11 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein; 9:40 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI

Thursday, April 2

6:03 a.m. - Yesterday was a crappy weather day, so it was another day of trying to accomplish various items.  Part of the day was another trip to Aledo, where I did some shopping for camping weekends at Huffman's, and I went to the YMCA to get in a little work on the elliptical machine.  Then I took a shower and changed clothes and headed the other direction into Moline for a scheduled MRI on my left knee in prep for the upcoming knee replacement surgery of that knee.  Prior to that, though, I did get the truck hooked up to the camper - I figured I would do that to try to limit damage to the ground next to the house when I attempt to pull out tomorrow morning.  On my way to ORA to get the MRI done, I noticed that the Escape needed an oil change, so on the way home, I stopped at Milan Quick Lube to take care of that.  Finally, I stopped by mom and dad's to accomplish a couple of items in the barn and have a little visit.  Then it was back home with the Harrison grandchildren.  I finished the night by watching Self-Imagined King Trump perform a presidential address to see what he had to say - which was pretty much nothing.  He did spend about thirty seconds mentioning the successful launch of Artemis II (which we watched with the Harrisons), and then the rest of the 20 minutes was him massaging his ego through self praise and insults at others and opaque language about what the hell the U.S. is doing in this "thing" with Iran.  I'm still amazed at how the United States voted such an idiot to lead the country - voted in not once but twice.  And if his first term of presidency wasn't horrible, this term is even worse.  Now keep in mind he and his rich friends are making a killing - lower taxes and lots of investments in big oil and defense contracts.  He doesn't care that diesel fuel is over $5 a gallon.  He doesn't care that inflation continues to rise and mortgage rates are now on the rise again.  He doesn't care about anyone but himself.  The dumb ass even set yet another precedent and attended arguments at the Supreme Court where his administration (AGAIN) is being sued over an executive order he signed on Day One of his presidency claiming that birthright citizenship in the U.S. is no longer allowed - despite being specifically covered in the U.S. Constitution.  So what was supposed to be an address that highlighted and honored the U.S. military efforts (and those troops that have been killed or injured) and explained rationally why bombing the shit out of Iran was so important and how it's going to end, we just got to here how great he is and how now that he made a fucking mess all other countries are now needing to step in and save his ass.  Oh and when all this is over, the straight of Hormuz is just going to magically open up and all the world is going to be great again.  AND IN HIS OWN WORDS...he said the United States didn't need to do this, didn't need oil in the Middle East.  He said, we are just there to help.  And who are we helping?  We are "helping" Israel and all of those Middle East countries that he spent kissing ass in the early part of his presidency, including getting gifted a luxury jet by one of the countries.  Did I mention how much of a dumb ass he is!

Okay...enough of that frustration.

Today...I'm headed to Fort Madison to spend the morning and lunch with Caleb and Carmen and maybe Tyler.  And then I'm going to get home before the storms hit.  It appears that some severe storms may get into our area, but the forecast I'm looking at this morning appears for them to hit between 4 and 8 p.m.  For as much as I really wanted to be at the campground all week, I'm glad I didn't take the camper out because the weather for "Spring Break" has really been pretty much awful.  I guess I have gotten a lot of "stuff" done, but unfortunately I've spent a lot of money too.  

So when people ask me, "How was your Spring Break?"  I guess I will respond that the weather was awful, I didn't have much fun, but I wasn't bored.

Things to do for School 

• create interview questions for April 7 interview with Makenzie Luebbe
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• replace the gator battery at mom and dad's
• register for IHSA stuff
• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• install sand filter parts and open the pool
• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Trinity Moline
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• May 6 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 8 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 11 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein; 9:40 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI

Wednesday, April 1 - April Fool's Day

6:02 a.m. - Well, the weather rain faucet started yesterday, and that was unexpected.  I didn't think it was supposed to start until last night, but it started in the morning and basically kept going on and off throughout the day.  While I had envisioned possibly getting the mower out and getting to the yard, that didn't happen.  It wasn't a totally bad day, though.  I did spend some more money than expected, but I also got some things done.  My travels took me to Aledo where I spent some time at WalMart - twice.  I got some gas in the Escape.  And I went to the YMCA and purchased a month of membership.  While there I got in a little workout - lifted a few weights and spent 20 minutes on the elliptical.  I bumped into Mick Louck and talked with too, which was nice.  It was a workout I needed, but wow have I slipped backward since the end of the basketball season.  I've gained weight and lost strength and cardiovascular strength.  I need to work on getting that back...and losing the weight.  On the way home, I stopped at Reason's and picked up some meat products - bacon, pork chops, and some snack sticks.  

I got back home, and picked up my school keys and headed west.  First, I stopped at school and picked up a couple of books and my coffee can of change - I need that for poker night on Friday.  The rain stopped enough for me to drop by Loud Thunder and get in a walk.  I did get in a bit of a walk for about a half hour with a walk to Deer Haven Campground.  No, I'm not in the camper yet, but it did feel good getting out to the park and just walking around.  Then I went down to Andalusia and filled up the gas tank in the Escape.  Whew, that was a lot of stuff.  And I'm going to be awhile working on balancing my checking account spreadsheet this morning.  Hopefully, I've got enough money in the checking account for yesterday's errands.    

And on to today.  The weather is going to be gross - damp, cold, gray.  There will be no mowing today, but that grass is sure going to grow.  The main highlight of the day is to get to ORA and complete an MRI for the knee that is going to get surgery.  After that, I'm going to stop by mom and dad's and visit them a bit and check on the barn needs.  Before or after that, I'd like to get in some exercise.  Around all of that stuff...I'm really not sure.  Like any other day, usually something or some things find me.

Things to do for School 

• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• install sand filter parts and open the pool
• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis or maybe not
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• May 6 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 8 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 11 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein; 9:40 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Tuesday, March 31

5:10 a.m. -  Yesterday was a battle.  The pool project didn't get done because I the sand filter sand didn't go as hoped.  Now I'm waiting on some parts to arrive.  Then I went to put the hot tub up, and the power box gave me some problems.  It really needs a new electrical outlet box, but I found that a ground wire had come apart from its connection, so I reattached that, and closed up the box and gave it a try, and it worked!  I don't know if it's still working out there, but it was working when I went in the house.  So from early in the morning until late in the afternoon, I was working on crap.  I needed to get it all finished, though, because the weather isn't looking so good the rest of the week.

And on to today.  Well...I'm not really sure what I'm going to be doing.  Now I'm wondering if I should pull the camper over to West Lake campground.  I'll go visit my parents maybe?  

Things to do for School 

• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis or maybe not
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• May 6 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 8 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 11 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein; 9:40 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Monday, March 30

5:57 a.m. - Yesterday was not a day to get a lot done around the house, but it was a fun day.  All the Kiddoo family was at the house in the morning for food, Easter Egg hunt, and Brinley's birthday.  (I ate too much food, and today is a day I need to start getting my eating back under control.)  Then I took a little snooze and watch Michigan pound Tennessee.  We then went to the casino, and of course I lost.  While there, Duke somehow lost their game.  The final four is now set - Illinois, UConn, Michigan, and Arizona.  That's a pretty good group of teams.  I've got Illinois winning it all, and I hope it happens.

Today is supposed to be the best weather day of the week, so it's a day to get things done around the house.  I need to get the pool up and running and I think I'm also going to work on getting the inflatable hot tub set up.  That's easier said than done.  The worst part is checking the sand level in the filter of the pool.  That task sucks.  

I'm a bit troubled today because Cole is heading west again to Los Angeles.  I wish he could have found life here in the area, but for whatever reason, that's just not the case.  As a parent, we can only try to do our best - there comes a time, where/when the kids must make their own decisions - forge their own direction.  We parents know that, but it's still hard and worrisome.  I just hope he reaches his goals and stays safe.

I really wish this week would have featured nicer weather to get the camper out but cold and rain doesn't make for a very good camping experience, so I'm going to keep the camper here and hope for better at the end of the week.

 Things to do for School 

• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• May 6 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 8 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 11 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein; 9:40 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Sunday, March 29

5:50 a.m. -  Yesterday was a productive day.  I didn't really want the start we had, as Amber had me join her to go grocery shopping and pick up Kollyns.  When we got back home, I finished a book, and then I decided to go get some chlorine and a haircut and get some diesel for the truck.  For some reason, driving the truck always help me feel better, and that effort in town jumped me into getting some things done around the house.  But sheesh, the trip in town was expensive, especially with the diesel.  Freaking diesel is $5.00 per gallon...thank you President Trump and your wonderful oil friends who are making a killing right now on the war with Iran.  Demand is higher which means all the existing oil producers are making more on all the oil they are producing without production really costing them much more.  I didn't fill the main truck on the tank, but I did not fill the auxiliary tank.  After getting home, I set out to "de-winterize" the garage.  That meant moving the Blackstone grill and the gas grill to the deck, which meant pulling in the slides on the camper, which meant installing the new paper towels holder first and checking to make sure the furnace was working.  (In the meantime, Amber loaded up the fridge.)  After relocating the griddle and grill to the deck, I worked on reorganizing the garage and cleaning it.  Nope, still wasn't done.  After that, I installed the 5th wheel hitch.  Well I guess before that I raked some leaves from the east side of the garage and burnt them along with the stick pile I had made last week.  Nope, still wasn't done.  After that, I worked on the pool motor - installing new seals in the motor so it's ready to be installed.  Now I just need to do some work on the sand filter and the pool will be ready to open up.

After all that stuff getting done around the house, I was ready to go inside, and eat some pizza that Karrigan had brought, play with Kollyns a little more, and then watch the Illini.  AND THE ILLINI WON!  They beat Iowa to advance to the Final Four in Indianapolis next weekend.  HELL YA!  They played will after getting off to a slow start.  I then watched Purdue vs. Arizona (Purdue lost), and then I went to bed.  

And on to today!  Today is a day for family - particularly Amber's family - as we will celebrated Easter and Brinley's birthday.  That means I have to hide a lot of eggs, have to cook some food on the Blackstone, and apparently I'll also be cleaning my bathroom.  Beyond that it's eat some good food, and then depending on the afternoon, I may just be taking the Eagle to the campground over at West Lake.  That all depends on how the day goes and what the forecast is like for the next few days. 

Things to do for School 

• MEET MRS. HALL at bus barn at 6:45 on Friday, Circa morning in the morning
• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• May 6 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 8 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 11 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein; 9:40 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Saturday, March 28

5:47 a.m. - Yesterday was about right...a real pain in the ass all day long as the last day before Spring Break.  I started by following a request by Mrs. Housby to ride Mrs. Hall's bus route.  Then I went to a performance a circus and I was placed with a group of boys that I had to supervise the entire time because they were more interested in just about everything but the performance.  In their defense, the performance was cute, but I'm not sure it really resonated with the students.  After returning back to the school then I had to supervise second grade lunch and second grade recess...again...because of a paraprofessional absence.  Then I had to be a one-on-one monitor of a student because of the absence, and then after school a staff member wanted to chew on my for awhile and complain about me and another staff member.  Then I came home and Amber had had a rough afternoon, so I went and watched basketball in another room and the teams I needed to win - they lost.  I think about the only good thing about the whole day was watching Hogan's Heroes last night - Hogan never loses!

The best part of today...I don't have to go to Illinois City Elementary.  I'm not exactly sure of everything I'm going to do today or everything I'm going to have to do today, but one thing I'm not going to do is think about Illinois City Elementary.

Things to do for School 

• MEET MRS. HALL at bus barn at 6:45 on Friday, Circa morning in the morning
• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• May 6 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 8 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 11 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein; 9:40 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Friday, March 27

5:02 a.m. - Illlinois won last night against Houston.  I was pleasantly surprised!  They played really well, but Iowa also won.  They played well too.  Now Iowa and Illinois play in the Elite 8 on Friday - yikes!  The rest of yesterday was okay.  I did get to see Cole yesterday too.  In typical Cole fashion he had news for me that he will be traveling back to Los Angeles.  I guess he figured he need to come see me before he left, and that was nice of him.  Of course the Dad in me worries about him going all that way in that city, but he's an adult and he needs to pursue his dreams and goals.  

Today could be interesting - if anything it will be eventful.  I need to ride a route with Mrs. Hall, and then I'm accompanying the first grade teachers and students to go to Circa 21.  Hopefully there won't be too many fires to put out at IC Elementary when I get to the afternoon.  And then tonight Iowa State plays, and I'd like to watch that game.  The important thing is that it's Friday and Spring Break begins after the school day ends today!  And I think it's pay day!

Things to do for School 

• MEET MRS. HALL at bus barn at 6:45 on Friday, Circa morning in the morning
• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• May 6 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 8 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 11 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 13 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy; 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein
• May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Thursday, March 26

4:24 a.m. - Yesterday was a long day.  And end of the day meeting about a student and then a PTO meeting at 6 p.m. put a perfect topping on a very long day.  Maybe today and tomorrow won't be as long.

Today is Thursday...one day closer to the end of the week...one day closer to Spring Break...one day closer to retirement.  

Things to do for School 

• MEET MRS. HALL at bus barn at 6:45 on Friday, Circa morning in the morning
• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• May 6 - 9:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 8 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 11 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• May 13 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy; 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein
• May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA physical therapy
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Wednesday, March 25

4:59 a.m. - Yesterday was a day like Monday - not horrible, which is good.  And again like Monday, after school the Harrisons were at the house.  And like Monday, after supper and their departure, I read my book and went to bed.

Today is hump day.  Just keep swimming.  I've got a student council meeting in the morning and an IEP type meeting at the end of the day.  Just keep swimming.

Things to do for School 

• MEET MRS. HALL at bus barn at 6:45 on Friday, Circa morning in the morning
• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Tuesday, March 24

4:56 a.m. - Yesterday wasn't horrible.  And when a day isn't horrible at IC Elementary, that basically makes it good.  It was definitely a busy day, and it seemed like for everything I got done, I added two more things to do.  After getting home, the Harrisons were at the house.  In the evening I had a chance to read my book, which I'm enjoying.  I didn't even watch much television.  

Today I'm going to try to address more of the things to do on the to-do list.  Maybe I'll try to work on the pool motor or the sand filter or maybe both or maybe neither!  Getting some exercise might be nice, especially if the weather is better.  The forecast is calling for warmer temperatures today, but the weekend is looking cooler, so we may not be taking the camper out this weekend.

Things to do for School 

• renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• post pic of Commencement thing in Rockridge History page
• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Monday, March 23

4:46 a.m. - Yesterday, wasn't what I had expected, but that's okay.  We were with family, and that's always a nice thing.  After helping Amber wash buses in the morning and doing a few things in the camper, I went over to spend some time with Mom and Dad and Darren.  Mom had made corn beef and cabbage, and Darren was heading home after lunch.  In the afternoon the Harrisons arrived and then later Jack and Rhonda were here, and then the Southwells arrived.  Amber had made lasagna and chicken Alfredo, so we all had some supper and watched some basketball and the kids played.  Speaking of basketball, damn Iowa knocked off Florida in a stunner.  I had been enjoying leading the NCAA pool at school that Mr. Henry leads, but not now.  My sleeper picks didn't pan out very well, so my success is now going to go downhill.  Oh well, that was fun while it lasted.  I missed the Iowa game last night because I fell asleep.   One other thing I did was watch a version of A Christmas Carol that I had never watched.  I wanted to watch it because I have a book I'm reading that is based on that version of the story.  Now I can continue to read the book.

At school today...well...I would just like to get through the week and get to Spring Break.  And that means that each day is going to be a pain in the ass.  I'd like to get some work on the pool completed this week, and I'd like to consider taking the camper out somewhere.

Things to do for School 

• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Sunday, March 22

6:29 a.m. - Yesterday was a day of doing stuff.  The big items were opening up the camper and opening up the pool - sort of.  The camper included taking off the cover and putting it away and then installing a new battery (after picking one up at Farm N Fleet).  Upon opening it up, the linoleum had bubbled a little, so I spent a little time trying to flatten that out.  I think it will be okay, but that might be something that needs more repair in the future.  After the camper work, I then started on the storage shed and getting the pool cover off the pool.  I didn't remove the winterization antifreeze in neither the camper nor the pool, and that was planned, since it's still a little early in the Spring to do those things.  I attempted to accomplish those things mostly because of the weather.  There was record warmth and lots of sunshine, so it was just a good day to put in that work.  

And today?  The weather isn't suppose to be so nice and warm.  In fact, it may rain.  So perhaps I won't get as much done outside.  I think I'll just start with a cup of coffee and go from there.

Things to do for School 

• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Saturday, March 21

6:36 a.m. - Yesterday was awful at school again.  I was stuck in my office supervising a student, so I did try to get some things done.  And after school I had to have a conversation with a staff member.  And then I came home and had to watch Iowa win.  On the other hand, I started the day with a good breakfast, and then I had grilled cheese and tomato soup at school, and then while I watched Iowa win, I got to spend time with mom and dad and Darren and have Benny's pizza.  Finally, when I got home I had three chicken legs that Amber had cooked up.  So yesterday was a "bad day", but I probably gained 10 pounds!  Oh, I did also find out that I was leading in the NCAA pool, which has never happened, which of course means that now I'm doomed to get my ass kicked the rest of the tournament.  I guess I also did start reading a new book yesterday, which I think I'm going to enjoy.  

Today the goal is to open up the camper.  The weather is going to cooperate, I think.  I'm trying to watch Theresa Bryant giving the forecast right now, and it looks favorable.  I guess Cole isn't going to be available to help me today, so I'm on my own, which means getting on top of the camper, which is something that scares the crap out of me.  Plus, I have to figure out how to fold up and store the camper cover.  I'm not sure what else I will get done.  I do want to watch Illinois play today and perhaps Gonzaga.  Those games start at 6 p.m.

Oh...one other thing I received yesterday was my "estimate" of my bill for my knee surgery - damn bastards.  Last year I had to "prepay" about $1,400 to Genesis.   The thing is that insurance covered damn near all of it, and then I had to battle Genesis to get my money back.  Well, yesterday's bill was $2,000 more, as my surgery is at ORA's surgery center in Bettendorf.  And again, the pressure tactic is from the statement is that failure to pay the amount may delay the procedure.  So I sent a nasty note to the surgery center, and I sent Waqa Hussein, the surgeon, the same message.  My next step is to contact the insurance person from our school and get a statement from them telling everyone that "prepay" an estimate is not a requirement to receive treatment, and threatening a delay of treatment is bullshit.  Now, if they want a prepayment and then are going to reimburse me with interest on the money I'm giving them that they fully expect to refund after I request it, then I'm okay with that.  I wonder if KWQC investigates would like to investigate this bullshit.

Things to do for School 

• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Friday, March 20

5:07 a.m. - It's finally Friday!  This was supposed to be a simpler week, but it wasn't.  Yesterday was a day full of meetings and trying to solve problems.  After the day, I came home and was able to watch some of the men's college basketball tournament.  And Illinois won!

The weather was nice, and it's supposed to be nicer today.

Speaking of today - meetings and supervising a student in my office.  That's what I get to look forward to.  Yuck.  

It will be one more day towards retirement.

Things to do for School 

• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 6-10 - Walk in labs at Genesis Silvis
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Thursday, March 19

4:53 a.m. - Yesterday was a doozey.  Remember yesterday when I said there didn't appear to be much on my schedule, so something would find me.  Well, I was right.  An incident with a student surfaced and that required my attention and time for pretty much the entire afternoon.  I was hoping to exercise yesterday afternoon by going for a walk as temperatures got warmer - I didn't.  I went home and crashed and watched basketball.  Rhonda and Jack stopped by and then Darren stopped by, so we had conversations, which was nice.

Today I have an admin meeting in the morning, and then I need to deal with that student incident.  It will not be a fun day, nor will tomorrow be a fun day - two days closer to Spring break, and two days closer to retirement. 

Things to do for School 

• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Wednesday, March 18

4:53 a.m. - Yesterday was weird.  We had a 2-hour late start, but my day was actually longer.  I checked on our driveway, went and worked a little on mom and dad's snow removal needs, and then went to vote.  Finally, I got to IC Elementary, and our custodian had done a good job with the snow removal there.  And we started out the morning with an issue between two second grade boys as well as an issue on a bus.  Welcome back!  The rest of the day didn't go badly, and then the evening was quiet.  I watched a little basketball and fell to sleep on the couch before trying to get back to sleep.

Today is already Wednesday for the week, even though if feels sort of like a Monday.  I don't have a lot on my official schedule, which means a variety of things will keep me busy.  Tonight I hope is a repeat of last night.  The weather is supposed to get warmer now; maybe winter snows are now over for the season.

Things to do for School 

• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance)
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Tuesday, March 17 - Happy St. Patrick's Day

4:58 a.m. - Yesterday was a battle with the drive!  I tackled it in steps, and that dang wind kept on howling the whole time.  In between sessions with the shovel, I played with Kollyns or help her take a nap.  And there was a little lunch and a little supper, and in the evening I watched a movie.  

Today, we are on a 2-hour late start, which really doesn't do much for me.  I decided not to get to mom and dad's last night because I wasn't sure I could make it.  I really could have used another snow day today to have more time to dig them out, but it's not to be.  So I'm going to go over there this morning and shovel some snow, and then I'll head to IC Elementary and probably move some snow there.  So school starts at 10:05 a.m., which will be a little weird at school - and weird at school generally isn't a good thing.  Basically, the students will be a little "pumped up" after all the snow and now the late start day.  But we'll get through it one way or another.

And I need to go vote too.  I'm really not sure what I'm voting for, but I'm going to go vote anyway.  Maybe because of this weird day, I'll make myself some breakfast!

Things to do for School 

• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Monday, March 16

6:14 a.m. - What a storm!  Sheesh.  The winds are howling, and the snow is falling, and there is no school today.  I think about everyone is shut down today.  There is no sense in even trying to do any shoveling until Mother Nature is all through, which may not be until later this afternoon.  So I don't know what I'll be doing today.  Maybe I'll be reading a book.  I suppose I can get on the exercise bike too.  At least for now the power is still on!

Yesterday was okay.  We got a few things done around the house.  We went to the casino and played some slots, and on the way home we stopped by mom and dad's farm.  And then later on baby Kollyns arrived to spend the night.  I watched a little basketball during the day, and the bracket is set for the NCAA basketball tournaments.  

Things to do for School 

• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• 
  
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Sunday, March 15

6:15 a.m. - I did make a couple of purchases yesterday.  I went ahead and purchased a heater for the spa that we have, and I went ahead and reserved opening camping weekend at Loud Thunder.   What else did I do yesterday?  I mailed out a bill from Northwestern Mutual, and I ate too much food throughout the day, and I watched a lot of basketball - high school boys tournament and some college basketball.  I've now given myself about two weeks to get through a brutal school schedule and the end of basketball officiating season, and the high school season is now over.  It's time, then, to put more effort and focus into slimming down and getting ready for knee surgery in May.  Also yesterday, I watch Sinners, as that was a movie I have been hearing about for awhile and is up for many Academy Awards.  It wasn't what I thought it was going to be, and I found it really good.

And today....rain, thunderstorms, snow, thundersnow, blizzard warning...yes, all of that is supposed to happen.  I'm going to get to mom and dad's at some point, and I will probably watch some college basketball.  I'm not sure what will come at me after that.  Beware the Ides of March!

Things to do for School 

• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• 
  
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Saturday, March 14

5:25 a.m. - That week was a doozy.  That may be the busiest work week of the school year.  Yesterday, we had a quick little recognition assembly in the morning for the student council, Rockin Rockets, and the perfect attendance for February.  In the afternoon, there was a presentation by Mrs. Saey and Mrs. Emery.  I wasn't sure how it was going to go, but I think it was an important presentation for all the K-5 staff to be a part of.  When I got home, I watched the Illini lose, which was a bummer, and then Iowa State lost, which was another bummer.  

Today....hmmm...what am I going to do today?  I'd like to watch the IHSA championship games.  And that's about it.  I may visit mom and dad.  Amber may have plans.  I know there is no officiating and there are no youth games to watch.  I do want to watch the news and see the latest on the big snowstorm that is supposed to arrive.  I could reserve my camping spot at Loud Thunder, and I could send out some payments.  I've got some clothes to put away and my basketball officiating clothes to put away.  I'd also like to get in some exercise.  I could purchase that Saluspa heater too.

Things to do for School 

• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• purchase another saluspa heating unit
• make reservations at Loud Thunder
• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• 
  
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page


Knee Surgery Dates Completed
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult

Friday, March 13

4:50 a.m. - Yesterday was another busy one, as the entire week has been.  I spent the morning at Andalusia Elementary conducting Biztown interviews with 5th grade students.  This is something that at least I enjoy!  Then it was back to IC Elementary to take care of things and put out fires there, which included having to supervise a student in my office for the afternoon.  Then there were lots of grandchildren at our house for the evening.  I did watch some of the IHSA boys basketball tournament and a little of the Big Ten Tournament.

Today is Friday the 13th.  It's a half day and that means professional development.  It's pay day.  And apparently we are already on a winter storm watch for Sunday - WHAT?  Kevin Phelps just hinted at 6 inches of snow and a blizzard warning - WHAT?  Sheesh.  Survive the day...get to the weekend, and then maybe a snow day on Monday.  Weather life is never dull in West Central Illinois!

Things to do for School 

• make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
• update attendance each week in SDS
• send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
• Mar 25 - PTO meeting at ICE at 6 p.m.
• Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

• purchase another saluspa heating unit
• make reservations at Loud Thunder
• use Dick's gift certificate
• a hood light switch for the Ford
• March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline
• April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
• April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis
• April 28 - Dentist 8 a.m. - CANCELLED
• April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
• May 4 - surgery on left knee
• July 3-5 - Possible Trip to Bear Creek Cabins near Decorah - https://www.bearcreekcabinsia.com/store-campground
• July 19-27 - Trip to Branson, MO (and Strawberry, AK) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3BB0_IuwRs0WDKqm1Euor9WUH84SeF1DIwKi7OWeS4/edit?tab=t.0
• July 28 - Bus Refresher Course

Things To Do for History Page
• What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
• Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page