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Thursday, April 30, 2026

Thursday, April 30

4:57 a.m. - Yesterday's highlight was Kona Ice day.  I'm not sure the experience was worth it, but the students seemed to enjoy it.  The rest of the day was survivable, and I came home and crashed while Amber went to Tucker's game in Alexis.  Yesterday I was able to get some additional work done on the professional development course I'm taking, and I think I selected something for a course that at least I can apply a little to my principal's position.  

Today I have an eye appointment at Milan Optical in Milan.  I might be there awhile to complete all the tests I need to complete.  Tonight I'm meeting Shawn, Marcus, and Tony for supper at the barbecue place in Reynolds.  It will be nice to catch up with those guys.

Things to do for School

  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey

OTHER THINGS

  • pay beginning of month bills
  • schedule dentist appointment when able
  • register for IHSA stuff - after May 1
  • renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1 (AA should be in as of 4/24)
    • complete SEL online course
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
  • May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
    • arrive at hospital by 6:45 a.m.
    • nothing to eat after midnight
    • water until 6 a.m.
  • May 13 - 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
  • Nov. 5 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
    Things To Do for History Page
    • What/Where is South Buffalo Prairie School and for that matter West Buffalo School and East Taylor Ridge School?  ugh.
    • Friday Tidbit on the RR History Network Page

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
    • April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Wednesday, April 29

4:50 a.m. - Yesterday featured an appointment with Dr. Hussain at ORA - more x-rays, and he gave me my pre-op instructions as well as post-op instructions.  So far, all systems are go.  Then it was back to school to finish up some items there, and it wasn't a bad afternoon except that I learned that our health aide is leaving, which isn't great.  It will be tough to find a replacement.  After school, we drove Kollyns to her house in Orion, and we didn't get back until about 7 p.m., so it was a quick supper and off to bed after watching some hockey playoff action.

Today is another day...I think Kona Ice is going to be at school, so that will be something to endure.  Just keep swimming.


 Things to do for School

  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey

OTHER THINGS

  • pay beginning of month bills
  • schedule dentist appointment when able
  • register for IHSA stuff - after May 1
  • renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1 (AA should be in as of 4/24)
    • complete SEL online course
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 30 - 10 a.m. - Milan Optical
  • May 4 - surgery on left knee at Trinity Moline
  • May 13 - 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
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
    • April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Tuesday, April 28

4:55 a.m. - Yesterday was a bit of a battle.  The 504 plan meeting I needed to host was not very good, but I expected that.  I've never had training doing it, and I don't have much experience running a meeting.  So I muddled my way through it and got OT and school psychologist to conduct some assessments to provide more information and assistance, which is what I really wanted anyway.  When I got home, I was tired...had supper and fell to sleep on the couch.  I was worried I wouldn't be able to go to sleep when I eventually got to bed, but I slept then too.

On to today.  I have an appointment at ORA in Silvis with Dr. Hussain.  I hope to get through the rest of the day rather quietly. 

Things to do for School

  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey

OTHER THINGS

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

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
    • April 28 - 9:40 a.m. at ORA Silvis

Monday, April 27, 2026

Monday, April 27

 4:51 a.m. - Yesterday was busy....today is going to be wet and possibly stormy.   I guess it's good that the yard mowing job got finished.  Part of that experience was trying to mow some of the swamp.  I wasn't able to get to all of it, but I was able to get to a bunch of it.  It was hard on the mower, and it took a long time.  I also got the camper next to the house without killing another one of Bob's fence poles.  After all of that, I waited for a WalMart delivery and then went to my mom and dad's to do some work there.  They needed some help getting gravel out of the edge of their yard as well as tilling up the garden.  Once again, the old tiller lasted another year!  When I got home, we watched some television and headed to bed.  

Today I have 504 meeting that I really don't know how to execute.  I'll figure it out, though.  I'll also be paying attention to the weather.  I'm not sure what I'll be doing tonight.  No Sophie here this morning, so only Bella to take care of.  I would like a quiet week if possible.  


Things to do for School

  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey

OTHER THINGS

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

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Sunday, April 26

7:50 a.m. -  It's Sunday and a pull out day, and it's likely the last pull-out day of the camper for a few months since knee surgery is a week from tomorrow.  That sucks.  But it is a nice day today, so that's nice.  Amber already left, so it will be lonesome me to clean up and head back home.  That's okay...I'm thinking about possibly making some breakfast and then possibly going on a walk and then getting the camper ready to pull out.

Yesterday was a quiet day.  We had Kollyns for awhile and went to some parks and played.  Then Amber and I went to the casino and lost some money.  And then we went to Cracker Barrel which was a nice adventure, since we don't do that very often.  And then I had a nice fire and burned up all the firewood while I watched our new neighbors pull in and set up their campsites - tents and campfire and an outside movie screen.  And then I came inside and watched some Batman and some Star Trek and headed to bed.  That's a nice campground day.  Oh, and I did a lot of reading...getting pretty close to the end of the New Testament of the King James Bible.

So onto today!  After getting the camper back, I need to work on the yard.  That's the goal, and it seems that the weather is going to cooperate.

Oh, and last night there was an alleged act of violence at the White House Correspondents Dinner.  I'm not buying it.  Amber yelled at me because I expressed my skepticism that a "gunman" ran down a hotel hall through at least five security officers, shot one person, and then was tackled before entering the ball room.  And the security detail in the room removed the Vice-President first and then the President, and President Trump appeared as calm as could be.  And this was just hours after the President ceased talks with Iran, and the Dinner didn't even get started.  And this is after Trump Jesus's poll numbers are plummeting and gas remains over $4.00 a gallon.  Lo behold the victim Trump Jesus...thank goodness he wasn't killed.  

Despite all the politics and conspiracy theory jibber-jabbish, what was really nice about this weekend is that I enjoyed lots of time with Amber.  We did a lot of stuff - none of it earth-shattering, but when we are up at 4:30 a.m. and not together at home most days until 4:30 p.m., there just isn't a lot of time to be together.  We get about a half hour in the morning from about 5:00-5:30 a.m., and then we have to chance to have about two and half hours at home if neither of us are doing anything and there are no visitors in the house during that time.  And many weeks feature visitors on multiple nights during the week, and that's okay - it really is.  It's just a struggle right now finding "us time".  That's one thing that I never fully appreciated nor figured out nor worked hard enough at in my first marriage.  I was so busy with teaching and coaching and getting my Master's Degrees and participating in runs....I didn't carve enough time for just Sue and me.  I don't know if that would have changed the outcome of the end of our marriage, but maybe if she and I would have had a camper and just gotten away once every couple of months, just to do stuff - go to the casino, go to Cracker Barrel, take the kid(s) to the park, sit around a campfire, make some breakfast on the Blackstone, and watch Sunday today on the TV....maybe things would have been different.  I'm pretty confident I won't be earning a trip to Heaven after this life, so maybe if there is a next life, and I get to try life again, then I will get a camper and find a way to get away with family once in a while.

And now I get my dang knee worked on, and I'll be out of commission, so no Amber campground time for a while.  I really am hoping to be able to do enough by the middle of June to be able get the camper out again.  I guess we will see, but I'd really like this recovery go go well.

Things to do for School

  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey

OTHER THINGS

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

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Saturday, April 25

7:26 a.m. -  Yesterday was another battle. I had an ROE Principals' Meeting in the morning, and I got back to school around 12:30.  The meeting was informational, and it satisfied my need to have an Administrator's Academy for this year, so now I think I can renew my teaching/administrator certificate.  There wasn't a whole lot to do when I got back to school, so that was good.  We did post for the reading interventionist position we now have at our building, as the TRE position has now been filled by one of the ICE staff members.  Hopefully, our position now at ICE can be filled easily and quickly. 

After school, I stopped at the house and then headed to the campground.  It was a beautiful night to have a fire, so that was nice.  And then I watched a little LAFF on MeTV before falling to sleep and eventually going to bed.  So now we are at the campground, and the next step is to make some breakfast.  I'm not sure what else we will be doing today.

Things to do for School

  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey

OTHER THINGS

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

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.

Friday, April 24, 2026

Friday, April 24

4:57 a.m. - This week shouldn't have been a battle.  It was.  If you remember, I anticipated that.  Just because a week looks fairly clear at the beginning of the week does not mean it will stay that way.  And I've found that usually carma kicks in when there appears to be a simple, easy week.  Yesterday after a lengthy admin meeting, the afternoon came and went.  I did manage to get the camper to West Lake Summit Campground last night, so that's good.  That effort saved me a little time today, and if I had waited until today, there may not have been a spot let.  There were more campers there last night than I expected.  I guess the camping season has hit full swing for everyone else too.  

Today is Friday...finally.  I have a Principals' Meeting at the ROE this morning, which is actually at WIU.  Then I hope to get through the afternoon at IC Elementary before heading back out to the campground this evening for a nice evening.  I'm hoping for a campfire, maybe a beverage, a little MeTV, and a quiet night of sleep.  Let's see how it goes. 


Things to do for School

  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

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

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Thursday, April 23

4:57 a.m. - Yesterday was a day I guess.  There was frustration; there were a few student issues; there were five grandchildren at home when I arrived after school, and I didn't get the grass mowed nor the camper moved.  I guess in a nutshell I didn't achieve much yesterday, but the day was survived.  

Today there is an admin meeting in the morning.  I'm never quite sure what will come out of those.  Just keep swimming.  I'm still not sure about after school...there may be some weather moving in, so that might factor in.

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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

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

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Wednesday, April 22

5:26 a.m. - Yesterday was very challenging.  For years, I've committed to never working as a basketball official (or volleyball or softball) with adults.  Adults should be grown up and responsible, but they are not.  I can live with those weaknesses with kids, but adults should know better.  The same thing can be applied to administration...I can live with the kids making mistakes and poor decisions, but it's the adults that make administration challenging.  After a bad day, I then scrambled to get things done after school, and now the pool robot is not working correctly, so I need to figure that out.  If it's not one thing, it's another.

Today I hope to have a better day. 


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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

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

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Tuesday, April 21

4:46 a.m. - We have a guest!  Sophie the dog arrived yesterday afternoon to visit Gigi's house.  So this morning included additional chores of taking care of Sophie, as well as Bella.

Yesterday was an okay day.  Monday's are always a little hard, but we got through it.  I worked on some 504 stuff, and met with a truancy rep from the ROE, and I dealt with a student misbehavior.  Oh, and I was a first grade teacher for about 45 minutes at the end of the day.  The afternoon at home worked out well,  I  was able to find the pool net, put more chlorine in the pool, and most importantly get the pool filter running.  I now need to get more chlorine and some algaecide, so that's what I'll be doing today.  I also went into Milan to pick up some items at Walgreens.  

Today, I don't yet have anything on my schedule, but don't worry - something or some things will find me.  And then after school I think I will try to run in an pick up those chemicals. 

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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

  • order pool chlorine tablets
  • get chlorine and algaecide
  • register for IHSA stuff - after May 1
  • renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • 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 13 - 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
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.

Monday, April 20, 2026

Monday, April 20

4:44 a.m. - Yesterday was okay.  In the morning I got some yard work done, and I worked o the pool and hot tub a little.  In the afternoon, I basically was inside reading my book and watching television.  I should have taken a walk, but the wind picked up and it was cold again.  And I ate too much food, but I did eat healthy for the most part.   In the evening, Cole called, and I helped him with a lease for an apartment in California where he's living now.

Today should be a nice day for the weather...in fact, rain isn't in the forecast until Thursday night as of now.  I'd really like to see the pool filter working, or at least find out how it is damaged now, and what I need to do to get it running again.  I'd really like the school week to be quiet, but that's probably wishful thinking.  I'm thinking about getting the camper out to West Lake Park this weekend, and so far the weather is looking promising.  

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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

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

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.

Sunday, April 19, 2026

Sunday, April 19

 6:28 a.m. - Yesterday I did a stretch routine in the morning, something I hadn't done in awhile, and then I went outside I the cold and and wind to mow the yard.  After that, Amber and I got ready to go to the wedding of a family member of Rhonda's.  The wedding was at Sacred Heart Church - a traditional Catholic church that was built in 1909.  I hadn't been in there for a long time, and I found the building interesting.  I'm amazed how ceremonial and ornamental the Catholic religion is to practice its faith.  While I'm currently reading the new testament, I find myself where in the new testament, people were encouraged to follow the practices that the Catholics have.  And then I attend a service at Carmen's church or a service at RUMC, and they are all so different.  And yet they all seem to declare that they follow the same message, and they all follow the teachings and life of Jesus Christ.  The wedding reception wasn't scheduled in a different venue in East Moline at the Bend Event Center until 4 p.m., so we all headed over to the Isle of Capri to play some slots - and lose.  We had a nice time, though, and we killed time to get over to the event.  At the reception, the bride and groom had requested no children, which was really weird to me.  It felt a bit like a formal office party combined with a wedding without kids running around and having fun.  It was a very nice reception, though, and I am a big believer that the bride and groom should have the wedding day that they would like to have.  We rode with Jack and Rhonda, so we said our goodbyes and headed home around 7 p.m.  So the day was productive in the morning and a nice time with family for the rest of the day. 

And today...the weather is so weird.  I'm looking out the window, and there's frost.  And Theresa Bryant is saying the temperature is 35 degrees!  Sheesh.  I think the only official thing on my schedule today is to visit with mom and dad.  I would also like to do some work on weeds in the yard and maybe take a hoe to the flower bed and break that up.  I'd also like to do some reading. 


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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

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

    Knee Surgery Dates Completed
    • March 11 - 10:25 a.m. - ORA Moline - Consult
    • April 1 - 1:45 p.m. - ORA Moline - MRI
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr
    • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Saturday, April 18

5:41 a.m. - Yesterday was another one survived in a week that was a long one.  It was a half day with students, and I spent much of the morning working on a 504 plan that I need to complete soon.  After the students were gone, we had a professional development afternoon.  Well, they did, and I watched.  Mrs. Saey, Mrs. Emery, and Mr. Goben did the whole thing.  I'm still the odd man out when it comes to things for the new building, but that's okay.  After all, I'm not actually going to be part of that team, so why should I be part of it.  After getting home, Amber and I went up to the local eatery and had supper and then played some slots at our local casino.  After that it was home to watch TV coverage on yet another round of storms.  There were again tornadoes and storms around, but we pretty much had rain and wind.   And then the Harrisons arrived for a bit while Darrin and Kenzie went out for some supper.  We watched Gator Boys, and then we watched the movie IF.  I really liked the show.  I also got a surprise call from Cole from our in California and he gave me an update on life.  He also needs me to help co-sign for a rental lease on an apartment.  I guess that's something he wants me to work on this weekend.

Today I'm going to spend some time working on the hot tub, the pool, and maybe the yard if the grass will dry out.  And then I'm spending the afternoon and evening with Amber and Jack and Rhonda as we go to a wedding and wedding reception.  I'd also like to get in some exercise...that's something I've been slacking on.  

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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

  • register for IHSA stuff - after May 1
  • renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
  • 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
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr

Friday, April 17, 2026

Friday, April 17

4:49 a.m. - Yesterday was another long, long day.  Donuts for Grownups started the day, and it was mass chaos.  Among the chaos, the event was good for everybody.  The kids enjoyed the grown-ups there, and the adults enjoyed the opportunity to do something with the kids at school.  After that, it was one fire after another after another after another.  But...we got through it.  I did use the grill a little last night, which was nice, and I watched a movie to end the night.  

Today is a half day with students.  That means it's a professional development day.  So it's going to be a long, long day again.  I just hope there aren't as many fires to put out.  Of course the weather forecast is supposed to include storms again this afternoon, so I won't be able to get to mowing the yard.  And tomorrow apparently we have a Catholic wedding and reception that is pretty much all afternoon and evening.  Maybe I'll be able to get something done with the yard on Sunday....and then go back to work the next day.  Just keep swimming.

 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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

  • register for IHSA stuff - after May 1
  • renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
  • 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 13 - 8:45 a.m. Post-Op Appt Hussein; 9:40 a.m.
  • May 15 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
  • May 18 - noon - ORA PT
  • May 20 - 9:20 - ORA PT
  • May 22 - 9:00 a.m. - ORA PT
  • May 26 - 3:20 p.m. - ORA PT
  • May 27 - 9:00 a.m. - ORA PT
  • May 29 - 8:20 a.m. - ORA PT
  • 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
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Thursday, April 16

4:51 a.m. - Wow, it's been a long week, and today is going to be long too.  Well...the morning is going to be long.  It's Donuts for Grownups morning, and I missed this event last year.  In fact, this is the one-year anniversary of my knee surgery, which is why I missed the event last year.  So I get to experience the chaos today!  And the good news is that Keven Phelps is forecasting a nice morning this morning.  There has been a lot of storms and crazy weather in April, but so far Mother Nature has timed it fairly well for us at IC Elementary.  Survive and advance!

Yesterday was long, but only because it was a "hodge-podge".  I had a doctor's appointment to get a physical for the surgery, and I needed to run time sheets to the district office which then included a conversation with Mr. Bush.  And then at school I had to work through some troubling things with a student.

 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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

  • pick up eye drops at Walgreens on Wednesday, April 15
  • pay middle of month bills
  • register for IHSA stuff - after May 1
  • renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
  • 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
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Wednesday, April 15

4:46 a.m. - Yesterday was a long day.  Brinley was actually in my office in the afternoon, as Kenzie needed to sub in our building but Brinley was having sugar problems.  We navigated through everything, though.  After school there was a staff meeting, which was an adventure.  I'm not sure if I'm facilitating positive change or not, and to be honest, I'm not sure it's even possible with the combination of staff members that are in the building.  After that, we had science night, and unfortunately I was assigned to one of the stations.  It was a challenge, but I got through it.  I got home around 7:30 p.m., so that was a 7:30-to-7:30 day yesterday.  

This morning it's raining - again.  It's been one of those weeks with on and off rains pretty much every day.  Kevin Phelps is saying that the active weather is supposed to quiet down next week.  Today, I have a student council meeting to start the day, and then I'm off to get a pre-op physical at Dr. Wang's office in Coal Valley.  Then it's back to school to see what awaits 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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

  • pick up eye drops at Walgreens on Wednesday, April 15
  • pay middle of month bills
  • register for IHSA stuff - after May 1
  • renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
  • 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
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Tuesday, April 14

 4:54 a.m. - Yesterday was efficient.  I was able to get some work done, able to supervise the routinely Monday lunch recess supervisions, able to get in a severe weather drill, and able to get through last night's lengthy BOE meeting.  I haven't gotten the results of last night's meeting, but I did submit a recommendation for a new SPED teacher at IC Elementary, so I'm looking forward to helpfully getting that news. 

Today is a lengthy day and evening.  It's Book Fair Week this week, and tonight is Science Night.  Plus after school before Science Night there is a staff meeting.  Just keep swimming.  One day closer to the end of the week, the end of the month, the end of the school year, and 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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

  • pick up eye drops at Walgreens on Wednesday, April 15
  • pay middle of month bills
  • register for IHSA stuff - after May 1
  • renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
  • 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
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr

Monday, April 13, 2026

Monday, April 13

 4:54 a.m. - Yesterday was another one of those days where I got some things done, and added additional things I now need to get done.  Getting the camper back up against the house was a struggle with the soft ground.  I tried again in the afternoon, but in my hurriedness, I took out a fence post, so I sent Bob a message to apologize and now I need to get a replacement.  Sheesh.  Kollyns and Karrigan left in the afternoon, and then Amber and I just watched some television.  We've been watching Marshals, and now I have to stop watching it, because once again a Taylor Sheridan series has to get dumb with relationships of characters in the shows.  

Today the weather is supposed to be warm, so I'm wondering how that will impact the students.  I'd really appreciate a week like last week.  And then tonight, there is a BOE meeting, so I will need to get prepared for that.

This weather forecast looks "stormy" for the week.  I guess it's good that the camper is back, even if I now need to fix Bob's fence.

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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

  • pick up eye drops at Walgreens on Wednesday, April 15
  • pay middle of month bills
  • replace the gator battery at mom and dad's
  • register for IHSA stuff - after May 1
  • renew my teaching license can start doing it on April 1
  • install sand filter parts and open the pool
    • add water to the sand filter before attempting to run the pump
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
  • 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
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Sunday, April 12

12:39 p.m.  This entry is another afternoon entry.  I got up this morning from the campground and worked to get the trailer here, but unfortunately, the ground is too wet and soft to back it next to the house.  There is a stiff wind from the south, so I'm ho;ping the rains will hold off long enough to dry the ground enough to let me back it in today.  I didn't get a hike in this morning like I wanted, but I did get in a breakfast.  Once again I ate too much, but it did taste good.  

Yesterday was a peaceful day and finally a good hike day.  In the evening we went to mom's horse club trivia night, and we had a fun time.

Today after trying once unsuccessfully to back in the camper, I went to mom and dad's and helped her accomplish a few things.  Then I came back home and tried to work on the pool.  I think I know where the big leak is coming from, but not I have to figure out how to deal with it.  And I'm hoping the pool motor didn't burn up in the process.  So I'm currently experimenting with filling the pool again to see if it will hold water, and then I will try to pool motor again.  Keep the fingers crossed. 

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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

  • pay middle of month bills
  • 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
    • add water to the sand filter before attempting to run the pump
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
  • 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
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Tr

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Saturday, April 11

3:13 p.m. -  It's a little late for an entry, but I'm just getting home right now from the campground.  I slept better last night than I have slept for weeks.  Yesterday was once again not horrible.  There was an IEP meeting, but I was able to get things accomplished.  Then after school I went to the campground and Amber wasn't feeling good, so I was just all by myself.  I made a campfire and cooked some hot dogs...then I watched some MeTV and slept sound.

This morning I made some breakfast and then took a long hike around the big south SacFox trail at the campground.  That trail is nothing but hills, but I felt pretty good getting through the trail in a couple of hours.  And now I'm just waiting here until we go to horse trivia night.  I hope I sleep as well tonight as I did last night.  

Tomorrow I'm hoping to go on another smaller hike and then get the camper back home.

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
  • Apr 22 - PTO meeting at Andalusia 6 p.m.

OTHER THINGS

  • pay middle of month bills
  • 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
    • add water to the sand filter before attempting to run the pump
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
  • 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
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Trinity Moline

Friday, April 10, 2026

Friday, April 10

 4:50 a.m. -  Do I dare say that yesterday again was not a horrible day at school?  The bubble is going to burst at some point, but it's been nice to be able to get a lot of things done.  After a lengthy IEP meeting in the morning, I headed into Moline to get lab work completed for the upcoming knee surgery.  I feared that was going to be a lengthy process, but it only took a couple of hours.  I did have time to run up to the DMV in Silvis to pick up a sticker for the camper.  I had lost that dang thing somewhere and somehow, so I needed to pick up the replacement sticker.  Then I headed back to school, and on the way I picked up some dily bars for the staff at IC Elementary.  I try to pick up something nice to provide staff every once in awhile when I'm coming from town just to say thanks.  After school, then, I stopped at the campground and had a nice evening.  It was a little rainy, so I put out the awning and cooked up the pork chops on the Blackstone for supper.  I then watched some MASH on MeTV and just relaxed.  I would have stayed overnight, but there was a forecast for rain, so I just decided to go home, which was fine.  

Today there is another IEP meeting, which is not unusual - it's the season for IEP meetings.  What I would really like is "not a horrible day" and get to a little camping with actual decent weather.  The weather appears to be ready to cooperate - I'm thinking a campfire and hot dogs and MeTV.  

Things to do for School

  • get SPED teacher offer extended
    • get paperwork info to Dawn Finley
  • make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
  • 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
    • add water to the sand filter before attempting to run the pump
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
  • 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
    • April 9 - Walk in labs at Trinity Moline

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Thursday, April 9

4:58 a.m. -  Yesterday was another "not horrible" day.  I was able to once again get some things done, as I only had one student challenge that needed to get worked through, and that didn't take a long time.  Don't worry...they honeymoon will be wearing off.  It's just a matter of time.  I did have an admin meeting in the afternoon, which also wasn't horrible.  And then after school, I spent time on the yard for the first time of the Spring.  And then I worked on the pool to get the filter system operating.  It's not perfect, but it's as good as it was last season.  Now, I just need to monitor the system to make sure it continues to work correctly.

Today I have an IEP meeting in the morning, and then I'm going to get some lab work done at Trinity in Moline.  I'm hoping that goes quickly.  

Yesterday, I thought the weekend was supposed to be dry.  Now I just noticed Kevin Phelps showing that there is going to be rain...dang Mother Nature.  Can I just get a dry weekend please?

Things to do for School

  • get SPED teacher offer extended
    • get paperwork info to Dawn Finley
  • make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
  • 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
    • add water to the sand filter before attempting to run the pump
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 9 - Walk in labs at Trinity Moline - after 8:30 IEP meeting at school
  • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
  • 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 8, 2026

Wednesday, April 8

4:45 a.m. - Yesterday wasn't horrible.  There were little items here and there that needed attention, but for the most part the students were well behaved overall, and I was able to get a lot done - all the way through conducting an interview with Mrs. Sywassink and Mrs. Saey after school.  On my way home, I stopped by the camper to check on the camper and grab some leftovers for supper.    After getting home, I got caught up on The Madison, and then it was time to go to bed.  There's no basketball on television anymore, which is a bummer.  Well, there is the NBA, but I don't really consider that anything that looks like what I consider to be basketball.  

I'm a forecast watcher normally, but this time of year I really watch the weather to determine good camping days and mowing days and all kinds of days.  The good news is that the forecast is looking more favorable for a decent camping weekend.  

Today I'd really like to get more work done; hopefully students will continue to make good decisions.  I think after school I may try to mow the yard, which is always an adventure the first time of the year.  Then again, maybe I'll just spend time at the campground.  The key is the wind; it doesn't look like good campfire wind, but I could could some pork chops on the Blackstone.  I'll have to see what Amber is doing tonight.

 Things to do for School

  • get SPED teacher offer extended
    • get paperwork info to Dawn Finley
  • make a  daily contact with Mrs. Sywassink and document
  • update attendance each week in SDS
  • send any IEP notices to Mrs. Saey
  • 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
    • add water to the sand filter before attempting to run the pump
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 9 - Walk in labs at Trinity Moline - after 8:30 IEP meeting at school
  • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
  • 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

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Tuesday, April 7

4:44 a.m. - I didn't sleep well throughout the night; I woke up around 3 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep.  I was thinking about returning to school today, and I guess that kept me from peaceful sleep.  

Yesterday was yet another day of weather that created obstacles.  It would have been nice to just have a day at the campground and go on a hike or sit around a campfire, but windy and cold and damp didn't allow for those things.  So I worked on the pool, worked on the chair in the camper, and helped Amber with some things around the house, including being around for Kollyns.  Then I watched the title game last night a little bit while falling to sleep - Michigan won.  I ended up getting fifth place in the Rockridge pool...that will likely get me my $5 back!  

So today is back-to-school, and I'm not looking forward to it.  I guess we can't get to the end of the school year without starting back after spring break.  Maybe I'll stop by the campground on the way and have a cup of coffee and watch some of the Today Show.  Perhaps it could be worse...Kevin Phelps is reporting that there is snow in Southeast Iowa.  

 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
  • 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
    • add water to the sand filter before attempting to run the pump
  • use Dick's gift certificate
  • a hood light switch for the Ford
  • April 9 - Walk in labs at Trinity Moline - after 8:30 IEP meeting at school
  • April 15 - Dr. Wang pre-op physical (surgical clearance) 8:45 a.m.
  • 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