While Thais and Lenin went to a 49ers game (in the new stadium),

I got to spend time with Sophia and Avery. While Sophia went to a birthday party,

Avery and I hung out.

Maybe going into the Spirit Halloween store wasn’t a good idea. When Grandma stepped on a sign that said “Step here” a scary mechanical cat began meowing. That was ok, but when it “leaped” toward Avery, he catapulted himself into my arms. I asked Avery if I should step on any more signs. His answer was always an emphatic “No!”

Soon the party was over. Time to go home.

Hurray for good friends like Linda and Adrienne.

September 22: the first walnuts fell at Justin’s.

Rice harvesting started at about the same time.

On a day when the wind blew smoke from the King Fire toward E Nicolaus:

This week we were at Madison and tested 122 TK-K-1 students. L-R: Arlete and Arlette.

Another friend from my teaching days at Sierra View. Ethel Smart was one of the best instructional assistants I ever had. At 81, she is still going strong. Lucky Madison kids!

This sign in a drafty hallway made me laugh.

We always begin with a welcome, recent information, and a potluck.

Lillian Smith, an RLEHS member, told us about Master Food Preservers, a public service community outreach that provides up-to-date information on food safety and preservation.

The second speaker was local resident Norma Jean Thornton who has entered baked goods in recent county and state fairs and won!

Finally, everyone in attendance was asked to judge the Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest. There were six entrants, therefore make a good decision meant a lot of tasting.


L-R, back row: David Marquette, Charlea Moore-3rd place, Shirley Breckenridge-2nd place, Harold Horrell-1st place. Front row: Nicole Brogdon, me, Kellen, Stacey, Odin.

This was a fun event and everyone had a good time.

**Skaug Family: Did you spot Rae Haynes who was visiting from Arizona?

We all met at Selland’s.

Avery told us a story

and played hide-and-seek under Sophia’s dress.

Nope, can’t see him at all.

Happy Birthday to me. A big thank-you to everyone sent messages by phone, text, email, or card-sent-in-the-mail: Justin & Jennifer, Thais & Lenin, Phyllis, Paula, Adrienne, Maria, Carol, Glenn, Leone, my dentist, and Jeannette from the temp agency. Whether family, friend or business, it’s nice to be remembered.

After the parade and with equestrian support to clear the crowds, I drove #7 down the bike path and parked it close to where Joyce and I had the RLEHS information table. Kids and adults all enjoyed exploring the fire truck and getting their pictures taken. A few times, I had to turn off the rotating red light so the battery didn’t run down or tell kids not to climb on the hood. Our day ended at 4 and I drove #7 back to the garage. However, within 1/4 mile, #7 was about to catch on fire, I pulled into a parking lot. By the time I’d gotten my few belongings out of the truck, FIVE local residents had stopped and were helping!

Since several had already called 911, I called Tom Ray and he was there in moments. As one guy crawled under the truck to see where the smoke was coming from, another used a fire extinguisher from the top – oops, someone got a face-full. A highway patrolman showed up although the 911 emergency had been cancelled. He said, “I know I didn’t have to come by, but I was close. A fire truck on fire? No, that can’t be. I had to see for myself.”

End result: I learned about what position all those other levers should be in before driving off. The emergency brake was on. I got back in #7 and drove it to the garage. That was enough excitement for one day.

I drove #7 in the parade. We lined up along M St, the parade started at the Arch.

A very excited Jr Miss California:

The judges are all named except Bob Bastian at far left, Bob Oliver is not there, Ed Valencia is at far right.

The fair took place at Depot Park where most of the parade crowd gathered.

Joyce Buckland with nephew Troy Perry who was one of the announcers today. Troy was also a former student from Westside Charter School. I remember when he ran for a student body office and gave his campaign speech as Forrest Gump.

Joyce and I manned the RLEHS table and had fairly light traffic, but we did have a very good visit. One of my favorite parents from teaching days gone by came over to visit, John Jensen.

We were at Del Paso Elementary this week. This year, we tested only at grade levels TK-K-1. Each teacher was also expected to test 1 or 2 students in their class, so team members also served as a substitute for up to an hour.

My favorite story of the week had to do with first grader Dhritesh (pronounced “dur-TESH”). We gave one test per day so I worked with Dhritesh M-Th. He was delightful, sometimes grabbing my hand as we walked to the testing room or hopping, skipping, and twirling down the hallway. Either way, he talked the entire time. Some excerpts:
Monday: it was such a fantastic tale, I couldn’t follow along.
Tuesday on the way to testing: “When I go to sleep at night, I turn into a vampire.” What do you do all night? “I play outside and have fun. But if bad guys come, I go back inside and get in my bed.” On the way back to class, “Don’t tell my teacher about the vampire.”
Wednesday: “The other Dhritesh is sick today and stayed home.” I’m so glad you’re feeling good and can work with me today. “The other Dhritesh wanted to be here, I will tell him when I get home.”
Thursday: “Yesterday was my birthday. My name is Davey now. I’m six. I had a party and got Batman shoes and a Batman shirt. Look on the back.”

Friday he spotted me, stopped and pointed and very sternly said, “You forgot to come get me today.” Thank you, Dhritesh for making me smile everyday.