I can't believe how time flies when you are having so much fun! You know doing laundry, walking dogs, reading some good books and floating in the pool. I just happened to look at today's date and noticed that in about 2 1/2 - 3 weeks the school grind will begin for teacher's with inservice and then the following week school starts "for real"! It is always a nerve racking time no matter how old you are or how long you've been going to school. Some things become routine -- like starting now to go to bed early, getting clothes cleaned and a few "school supplies" at the local sales. Why is it that I always have to get at least one new thing for school each year? It's not like I don't have 25+ years of "stuff". Packing all that "stuff" before school was out for a school wide painting would make you want to cut down on things-----nah! Got to stay "hip" and up to date. I can't wait to see the new faces coming and what kind of new adventures we will get into. One thing that always keeps me going is the funny things they say. I was at the hair stylist recently and a five year old was there with the most incredible vocabulary and maturity I haven't witnessed in a while. She patiently waited for her Mom to be styled and then explained their day to all of us who sat mesmerized by how precious she was. Her Mom shared with us that her children do not eat "junk food" and therefore that was why Miss L had requested that they go to Starbucks for a fruit drink and then to the Farmer's Market for fresh vegetables because they are the "bestest" for you! Then that night the neighborhood was having movie night on a big sheet in their backyard. "Oh, are you having candy?" "Oooo, no candy is bad for you, we are having popcorn...airpopped is better for you!" Wow! and yes she was the oldest of 4 with #5 on the way. See why Kindergarten is the BEST!

"Food for Thought"

GIVING by Bill Clinton

JANTSEN'S GIFT by Pam Cope with Aimee Molloy

As an educator your (my) immediate goal is to meet the educational needs of each student. After reading both of these books my heart wants to instill in even the youngest of students how fortunate they are to receive a "free" education, then take that gift and become a power agent of change in our world.

No matter what personal opinions you may have both of these books are powerful and thought provoking. I can not imagine reading them and not being changed, challenged, or moved to action in some form or fashion.

CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF! (amazon.com)

Fun, food, family and the Fourth of July...what could make the summer more glorious?! How about a funny movie called Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs? Who could resist those zany characters and the added thrill of 3D with your very own pair of "RayBan like" glasses? Yes, husband Rodney and I were there the first day just two fun loving childless older than ten year olds popcorn, coke icee, and glasses ready adventurers seated in the middle of the middle for added viewing pleasure as the family crowds appeared. We were not disappointed. Scrat (the always looking for the acorn squirrel) came through for us as usual! We are the same two-some that have been known to watch the previous Ice Age movies back to back on a Sunday afternoon laughing in between "knod off's and snores" awakened by Roxie the Jack Russell barking at Scrat in his earlier antics. Too bad we couldn't sneak her into the movie theatre as "our child". Oh well there's always the hope of DVD! I even kept my glasses just in case. Hey, before you judge all the other "kids" did it! (the cleaning guy said, "oh go ahead we just throw them away!")

Dog Days of Summer

Monday night...10:30 p.m. time for all good dogs to do their nighttime potty run. AHHHHH what's that smell? SKUNK! An experience you and your poor dog never want to have. However, if the incident should take place the "cure" is not the old myth of tomato juice. The first thing to do is grab the dog not with your hands, clothing or anything sacred to you. Flush the dogs eyes with water immediately as skunks have a dead aim for the eyes. While Rachael flushed the eyes the search for the real cure was taking place via the internet. Needless to say it was an ORDEAL! The next day we were still airing out and had to rewash the one major player in this event - good 'ole Bentley. He was quite the good dog and we finally won the battle of Wise family versus "skunk-itis"! (P U)

Here is the secret recipe that WORKS. Mix the following:

• 1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• 1 teaspoon liquid soap or dish detergent
• Mix these together and bathe ("shampoo" in or rub down) the spray victim thoroughly.
• Be sure to use this mixture immediately after it is created, as it is unstable.
• Rinse with tap water afterward, and repeat if necessary.
• For spray in the eyes, flush with water as soon as possible.

Clean Dog = Happy Owners!