Cookin’ with gas . . .

I’m on a mad typing blitz tonight.  My girl’s 4-H club is putting together a cookbook for their annual fundraiser.  I am typing recipe contributions into the publisher’s online program.  Gotta’ burn the midnight oil because I only have one phone line and it is truly frustrating to be in the middle of an entry only to have someone beep in and bump me off the net.

Hopefully my fingers will be swift and accurate and I can get a good number of these entered.  I’ve already entered about 55 or 60, but there are many, many more to go.  Ciao! 

Making progress . . .

Today was a fairly productive day.  We went to church (excellent message, by the way about Jesus caring about even the littlest details of our lives and how He’s always there for us to turn to . . . ) and then had some excellent Mexican food at a little mom ‘n pop restaurant near our church.  Have you ever had seafood enchiladas?  These were honestly one of the best things I’ve ever had at a Mexican restaurant.  Cheese enchiladas covered with a creamy shrimp and crawfish sauce.  I don’t think I’ll ever order anything else again.

Came home and I managed to get the second coat of Savannah Red paint on the accent wall in our library/classroom/office.  After I’m finished with all my business during the day tomorrow, I’ll be putting the second coat of the Fiorli Gold Ecru on the remaining walls.  When the walls are good and dry, probably Tuesday evening, we will rent a floor sander from McCoy’s and sand the floors down in prep for fresh stain and varethane sealer.  When the floor’s finished, new wood trim will be painted Wooden Wagon, installed, and then we can move the furniture back in.

I can hardly wait!  Right now my computer’s on a card table in the dining room and the back bedroom is literally full of the stuff that came out of the library/classroom/office . . . I’ll be glad to get back to some semblance of organization.

I’ve gotten almost everything I need for my girl’s lessons this year.  I’m feeling pretty good about it all, if the room was just finished.  Our days will go something like this:

Monday:  Arithmetic, History, Latin, Language Arts, Lunch, Science.

Tuesday:  Arithmetic, History, Latin, Language Arts, Lunch, Ballet.

Wednesday:  Arithmetic, History, Latin, Language Arts, Lunch, Science.

Thursday:  Arithmetic, Latin, Language, Choir, Lunch, Recorder Band, Public Library.

Friday:  Art studies and catch-up day.  This day is reserved for unfinished work from the first 4 days and chores, after we do our art lesson.  If we’re caught up on our school work and the chores are done, the rest of the day is for a fun activity, field trip, family game night, etc.

I’m really not sure how much time each course of study will take, but I’ve allotted between 40 minutes and 60 minutes for each, keeping in mind that the beauty of homeschooling is its flexibility.  So none of this is carved in stone!  I do have a rough guideline to follow, though, if for no other reason than to keep us disciplined and for the most part on track.

I thought this was cute . . .

Nobody asked for them, but here are some little known Texas facts (Some may be debatable, like the flag-flyin’ thing, but it’s still fun to read):

Beaumont to El Paso: 742 miles Beaumont to Chicago: 770 miles

El Paso is closer to California than to Dallas

World’s first rodeo was in Pecos… July 4, 1883.

The Flagship Hotel in Galveston is the only hotel in North America built over water.

The Heisman Trophy was named after John William Heisman who was the first full time coach for Rice University in Houston.

Brazoria County has more species of birds than any other area in North America.

Aransas Wildlife Refuge is the winter home of North America’s only remaining flock of whooping cranes.

Jalapeno jelly originated in Lake Jackson in 1978.

The worst natural disaster in U.S. history was in 1900 caused by a hurricane in which over 8000 lives were lost on Galveston Island.

The first word spoken from the moon, July 20, 1969, was “Houston.”

King Ranch is larger than Rhode Island

Tropical Storm Claudette brought a US. rainfall record of 43″ in 24 hours in and around Alvin in July 1979.

Texas is the only state to enter the U.S. by TREATY, instead of by annexation. (This allows the Texas flag to fly at the same height as the US flag.)

A Live Oak tree near Fulton i s estimated to be 1500 years old.

Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in the state.

Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885. There is no period after Dr in Dr Pepper.

Texas has had six capital cities:
1. Washington-on-the-Brazos
2. Harrisburg
3. Galveston
4. Velasco
5. West Columbia
6. Austin

The Capitol Dome in Austin is the only dome in the U.S. which is taller than the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. (by 7 feet). This was of course intentional.  Legally it could not have been done, but they found the highest hill in Austin and built it there. By the time they finished, it stood 7! feet higher than the National Capitol.

The name Texas comes from the Hasini Indian word “tejas” meaning’friends.’ Tejas is not Spanish for Texas.

The State animal is the Armadillo. (An interesting bit of trivia about the armadillo is they always have four babies. They have one egg which splits into four and they either have four males or four females, all identical.)

The first domed stadium in the U.S. was the Astrodome in Houston.

TEXAS STYLE,……Cowboy’s Ten Commandments posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Fairlie, Texas.

(1) Just one God
(2) Honor yer Ma & Pa.
(3) No telling tales or gossipin’.
(4) Git yourself to Sunday meeting.
(5) Put nothin’ before God.
(6) No foolin’ around with another fellow’s gal.
(7) No killin’.
(8) Watch yer mouth.
(9) Don’t take what ain’t yers.
(10) Don’t be hankerin’ for yer buddy’s stuff .

Now that’s kinda plain an’ simple don’t ya think? Y’all have a good day. You hear!

Ebay is a wonderful thing . . .

I’ve been shopping, shopping, shopping for my sweet girl’s school books on eBay.  I am quite tickled to report that I got $60 worth of math materials for $32.  I also got $30 worth of health materials for $17, and $13 worth of spelling materials for $11.  Keep in mind that the first value does not include tax or shipping, and the second value is tax-free and includes shipping.  So I’m feeling pretty good about things.

I still have a few bids in on language materials, science materials, and penmanship materials — these will be ending in a few hours.  Hopefully my maximum bids will be enough to stave off any last minute bidders and yet still save me some money.

I’ve decided to use Abeka Book for most of our remaining subjects.  I mentioned that we’ll be using Susan Wise Bauer’s “The Story of the World, Vol. I” for our history studies in an earlier post, because it just seems so much more logical to start history studies at the beginning of history.  We’ll also be using a Latin program.  However, since we’re relatively new to the homeschooling scene and I am trying to run a business at the same time — we’re going to use some “easy” materials that are pretty straight forward and do not require a lot of “legwork” for math, grammar/spelling, and science. 

I don’t feel like we’re using a “curriculum in a box,” because I am tweaking the things that are really important to me (like the logical study of history), but for this first year, I think the Abeka path will make the transition a little more smooth, a little less painful for all involved.  We won’t be using the reading materials because Girlie is well beyond 4th grade level reading materials — so we’ll be using the library for that.

In addition, we’ve discovered some WONDERFUL supplementals to our studies.  The Girl will be taking dance (ballet, specifically) once a week, homeschool choir and recorder band classes once a week, as well as continuing to participate in her 4-H club.  She and her daddy plan to volunteer at the local SPCA a couple of times a month, too.

I don’t think she’ll lack for things to keep life interesting and to alleviate any concerns of those who think we’re trying to put her in a “bubble” by homeschooling.  Do you?

Thank you for your comments re: my dilemma . . .

I’ve come to the conclusion that I worry much too much about these things.  The likelihood of anyone even needing warranty service is pretty minimal because when I say these things are top-quality, I’m not whistling Dixie.  The company was in business for over 30 years and did top-rate work.  However, three years ago the husband passed away unexpectedly and it’s been very hard for the wife to keep things going.  I have to commend her in that she’s done a marvelous job these three years — maintaining high quality standards, meeting and beating deadlines and always being very pleasant about it.  She is moving to another company that manufactures similar products — her title will be sales representative, and from what I understand, a few of her best employees will be making the transition with her.  So if I ever do have a situation, I do have a place to go to for repairs.  It’s just that more than likely there will be a fee involved.

Otherwise . . .

After my man ripped all the wood paneling down, sheet rocked and textured the walls, I spent the last two days painting the ceiling and walls with Kilz to seal the extremely dry texture.  Ohmigoodness – you could hear the loudest of slurping sounds every time I touched the paint roller to the wall.  I put two coats of Kilz on the walls because I didn’t want all of my “pretty” paint sucked into the insulation!

Now I have to paint the ceiling with honest-to-goodness ceiling paint and then I can start on the “fun” part.  I put “fun” in quotes because I really don’t like to paint, but at least now I’ll be utilizing color and seeing something happen on my walls. 

I’m excited about a couple of light fixtures I found at Lowe’s.  I won’t be able to get them right away because they are about $65 each, but they are pretty AND fluorescent — which means great light for a office/library/classroom, not to mention energy-efficient.  I’ll have to save my pennies, but I think they will look very nice and meet the need, too.

Well, I’ve got much work and laundry to do before turning in for the night.  Catch ya’ll later!

So I have a question for anyone who cares to give an opinion.  I have my own business.  Custom window treatments (blinds, shutters, that sort of thing).  I discovered yesterday that one of my manufacturers is closing their doors.  I can find product elsewhere — no problem.  However,

the product they supplied was covered by a limited lifetime warranty.  Basically, “if your _____ ever breaks, we will fix it”.  I really emphasized this when selling this particular product.  It’s rare that there’s ever a problem that falls under the warranty because the quality on this product is so high.  Usually when things go wrong, it’s because the customer’s dog chewed on something or the kids hung from the window treatment.  Because those things don’t fall under the limited warranty, the customer would need to pay for repairs and so I can get a different company to handle that if I need to.

But what do I do if someone calls with a problem that should be covered by the warranty?  The warranty was issued by the manufacturer.  As the dealer, am I obligated to pay for repairs?  Or do I just say, “I’m sorry, but the company that built your ____ is no longer in business.  Yes, it was a shock to me, too, but businesses do close even though we’d rather they didn’t.  I’ll be happy to find someone to make your repairs, but there will be a repair fee involved.”

I’m at a loss to know what my legal, moral, and ethical obligations are here.  My business reputation is my best advertising and I don’t want to do anything to damage that, but I also cannot afford to shell out big bucks on shutter repairs “just to be nice”.  Appreciate any thoughts ya’ll may have. 

Well, this is exciting — I just received an email from a fellow homeschooler.  Apparently there is a relatively new group in our area offering supplemental classes to homeschoolers.  The classes will be held at a local church once a week.  I’m not really that interested in the academic-type classes because I think we have a handle on those for the time-being.  (Ask me if that’s the case when we hit upper-level math and science . . .  )

So what’s so exciting?  They will be offering a CHOIR class for 6 – 11 year olds.  Yeah!  My girl loves to sing and loved choir at her elementary school last year.  I was worried about filling that void in her educational experience.  The class has 7 openings left at this point and it’s first come, first serve.  Late registration begins tomorrow morning and ends Saturday evening or when the classes are full.  My niece and nephew would like to participate, too, so I’m hoping we get in. 

Cross your fingers, say a prayer, and hope we get in!  Thanks.

Yes . . . I’m still alive.  I can’t believe I haven’t written anything on my own blog in over a month.  I’ve been checking in with all of you, reading what’s going on in your lives and commenting here and there, but personally . . .

It’s been pretty busy around here.  And I’ve had a hard time thinking of anything interesting to write about if for no other reason than the usual stuff going on doesn’t seem all that interesting.  And heaven knows, this is supposed to be entertaining, or why in the world would you read it?

Well, interesting or not — here’s what’s been going on:

The Little Miss took a sign language class at the local rec center and loved it.  I’m definitely going to have to explore homeschool courses so she can dig deeper into this form of communication.  She’s always been fascinated by languages — one of her good friend’s parents are from Mexico and she loves learning new words from them.  Could this fascination be linked to her strong verbal skills?  I think it might! 

I’ve been running from appointment to appointment selling blinds and shutters here and there.  Cool beans, for sure.  However, let me warn you if you ever go into business for yourself – do not file your sales tax return late, even the teeniest tiniest bit late.  I file on-line and was trying to get it done before the midnight deadline.  Well, starting three minutes earlier would have saved me $88 in late fees and penalties.  I finished at 12:03 a.m. sharp . . . but not sharp enough for the state comptroller.  Oh, well.

My house is a disaster area right now.  It’s driving me nuts.  We are doing a little bit of updating on the front room right off the entry hall.  Keep in mind, our little house on the coast is 55 years old.  Do you remember “wood” paneling?  This front room (that I intend to use as a office/library/school room) was covered in wood paneling.  Ugly, cheap wood paneling.  Painting it would not lessen its ugly cheapness.  My man promised to help me update this room and it has turned into a messy project. 

He tore down the paneling and was pleased to discover that there was some sheetrock behind the paneling, meaning less expense for us (we only had to buy two sheets to finish out the part that was bare studs).  You should have seen the original paint color on this sheetrock!  Keep in mind 1950’s decor – and this room was the kitchen before the original owners added on.  The kitchen walls were

TURQUOISE!

Yes!  Oh, my.  Well, the turquoise has been laid to rest in that my man had to add sheetrock, tape and float everything and then re-texture the walls so the surface was consistent all the way around the room.  I only wish we’d been able to lay the turquoise to rest without the clouds of sheetrock dust that have settled on every nearby surface.  I feel like I have chalk on my lips all the time.  Part of the job, part of the job.

I have to do a little cleaning and then I can get ready to paint.  I consulted with my very gifted sister on paint colors and FINALLY made a decision.  I swear I get ulcers over this kind of thing.  Especially when some paints run $36 per gallon.  Who can afford that kind of mistake?  I’m glad I talked to her, though, because she actually steered me towards different colors in a different brand that is much more reasonably priced ($22 per gallon).  And I like the colors so much better.

The room is a 16 x 9 foot rectangle.  The 9 ft. wall on the front of the house has a tall window dead-center.  I plan to paint that wall American Traditions “Savannah Red”.  The other three walls will be painted American Traditions “Filoli Gold Ecru”.  All the trim and doors will be painted American Traditions “Wooden Wagon”.  I think it will be a really warm and welcoming kind of room.  I have a futon that I plan to center on the red wall with the window — with floor lamps on each side.  A perfect place to curl up with assigned or pleasure reading, don’t you think?  When you look at the futon, bookcases that my guy is building for me will line the wall to the right and my computer desk will be on the wall to the left.  My girl’s desk will be on the wall opposite the futon. 

I need to find a world map and print out a copy of The Ten Commandments to hang on the wall.  I think I will also hang some of my photographs from the county fair and some of my girl’s artwork.  I’m excited, but I’ll be so glad when it’s done.  And we can enjoy it!

The dryer’s buzzed and I need to fold some towels.  I hope you’ve enjoyed my little update — as normal and routine as it may be! 

Home Education Update . . .

Well, my sister and I went to the SETHSA homeschool conference this past weekend and it was incredibly inspiring.  We heard Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise speak, roamed through roughly 200 vendor booths and even bought curriculum materials for history and Latin.  Yes, LATIN!

We’re in agreement regarding the advantages of a classical education in that history should be taught chronologically, so that children have a better concept of the order in which events happen.  So we’ll be using Susan’s The Story of the World, Vol. I, available through Peace Hill Press, along with the Teacher Guide/Student Activity Book.  All three of our kids will be learning Ancient History (6,000 B.C. – 400 A.D.) at the same time, with assignments being geared for their individual capabilities.  We’ll be looking for age appropriate reading material that corresponds with this historical time period (such as “The Children’s Homer:  The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy“!), and doing cool hands-on projects from the activity book.  I think I am just as excited by how much I am going to re-learn during this adventure as by what my daughter will learn.

As far as Latin goes, my sister (and the “experts”) assure me that the study of Latin will help immensely with English grammar and other language studies.  My sister studied Latin for two years in high school and says the kids are at a great age for this because they have such an easy time with memorization.  So we both purchased Martha Wilson’s Latin Primer, Book I, along with the teacher’s guide and a CD with pronunciations.  My sister swears she’ll help me with this if I need it.  She better!

Well, Small Girl is wanting to call one of her friends so I’ve got to sign off for now.  I’ll post more regarding what we saw and what we want to do later!  Ciao!

Probably many of you have received the following in your own email boxes, but for those who haven’t, enjoy:

WOULDN’T  IT  BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?

My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime has been completed.

Since  Congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is now complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of  all American forces from Iraq.  This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now to begin the  reckoning.

Before me, I  have two lists. One list contains the names of  countries which have stood by  our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United  Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria,  Australia, and   Poland are some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains everyone not on the first  list. Most of the world’s  nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of  both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately,  foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely.  The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs  of the Iraqi war.

The  American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell-holes  and watch those government leaders grow fat on  corruption.

Need help  with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.

In  the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward  solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word  to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and  eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.

Thirsting  for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France,  or maybe China.

To  Israel and the Palestinian Authority Yo, boys. Work out a peace deal now. Just note  that Camp  David   is closed. Maybe all of you can go to  Russia for negotiations. They have some great palaces there. Big tables, too. I am  ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with  France,  Germany, and  Russia.  Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon  chance, mes amis.

I have  instructed the Mayor of New York City   to begin towing the  many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan   with more  than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be  stripped, shredded and crushed. I don’t care about whatever treaty pertains to  this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets  tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers, and limos be turned over to some of  the finest chop shops in the world. I love New  York.

A special note  to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you  folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.

Mexico   is  also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an  attitude adjustment I will have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions  sitting around. Guess where I am going to put em? Yep, border security. So  start doing something with your oil.

Oh, by  the way, the United States   is abrogating the NAFTA treaty – starting now.

We are tired of the one-way highway.

It is time for  America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of  isolationism. I answer them by saying, “darn  tootin.”

Nearly a century  of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just  about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in  America.  It is time to eliminate homelessness in America.  It is time to eliminate World Cup Soccer from America.  To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you and we  won’t forget.

God bless America. Thank  you and good night.

If  you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in  English, thank a  soldier.