May 30 Loading up the Cart

May 30 Loading up the Cart, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

This morning my husband and I headed to a local nursery in search of plants for our new veggie garden. I'm looking forward to the fresh food later this summer! Squash, tomatoes, a rainbow of peppers, lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, oregano, and basil plus we planted corn, pea and bean seeds. Yum! I did sneak in two new perennials too. It's hard to leave a nursery without at least one new plant for my flower gardens.

May 29 Garden

may 29 Garden, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Here is the end of the month shot of my garden. When I came down the street today and saw the bursts of orange it brought a smile to my face. I love the delicate petals of the poppy and have been waiting for them to bloom. You can see the garden is filling in and showing some color. By the end of next month there should be yellow day lilies, purple dianthus and purple clematis strutting their colors. The burning bush on the right has gotten huge! It's taking over that side of the garden. I'm not sure what to do about it.

May 28 Dog Toys

May 28 Dog Toys, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I'll admit today was one of those day that I have not had to time to even think about a picture. So as 9 o'clock approached I was trying to come up with a subject. I need to vacuum so I put Gertie's toys in their usual spot under the china cabinet. Do you think she has enough choices? Some could be tossed but we just keep giving them more "stitches" and hang onto all of them. They won't stay here long she'll soon be laying one in my lap wanting to play.

May 27 New Garden

May 27 New Garden, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Last year we had a small garden next to the rhubarb. This year my husband is expanding it. He tried to rent a rototiller but they were all out so he went ahead and bought one so we are all set now. I'm already looking for forward to the tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and whatever else we grow.
My son looked at this and thought it would be a good picture for Cingular with how many bars do you have?

May 26 Blue Jay

May 26 Blue Jay, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I haven't been out on the deck taking pictures of birds in a long time. Some birds don't mind me being there but the cardinals and blue jays are shy. The blue jays were squaking like crazy because I had put out peanuts but this guy came in just once as I was about to give up on them.

May 25 Fancy Petals

May 25 Fancy Petals, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

On our way to the outlet mall we stopped at an interesting store that sells fresh fruits and veggies, flowers and beer. While my husband looked at beer i grabbed the camera and took some shots of the flowers. And yes, someone that worked there did question why I was taking pictures! I love the fancy petals on this flower. I'm not sure if it's a chrysanthemum or not but it looks like one a student gave to me many years ago.

May 24 Best of Show

May 24 Best of Show, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

We were at a car show in Norwich, NY today. The first of the season for us. I don't remember what kind of car this is, but it's from 1931 and it was a beauty. My husband was impressed that it was a 16 cylinder. I loved the shiny chrome and had fun getting some reflection shots. As we were getting ready to leave I heard that it won Best in Show. It deserved the honor.

May 23 Columbine

May 23 Columbine, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

These dainty flowers are just beginning to bloom. I started with one purchased plant and now have close to ten. I just let them grow where ever they come up. If the heat or bugs start to take their toll on them later in the summer I don't feel bad about cutting them to the ground. Often times they'll grow right back.

May 22 Unexpected Find

May 22 Unexpected Find, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I got up a little late this morning and had to rush out the door to go watch the 5th graders release their trout. They've raised them from eggs and today was the day they released them into the Nine Mile Creek. It was a beautiful day and the kids had a great time releasing the fish and playing in the water. One student found these little guys on his sandals.

May 21 Rhododendron Bud

May 21 Rhododendron Bud, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

The rhododendron is just getting ready to bloom. This is another plant that has been moved multiple times. When it gets moved I'm always amazed that the root ball has not grown, but the plant does not grow bigger either but it does continue to flower.

May 20 Last Tulip Standing

May 20 Last Tulip Standing, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I think this spring it was either raining or I was biking or at a lacrosse game and I seemed to have missed photo opportunities for the tulips and daffodils this year. So, I resorted to trying some shots of the last remaining tulip today. Not a pretty specimin at first glance but I do like the colors and textures upon taking a closer look at it.

May 19 Ferns

May 19 Ferns, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I'm having a difficult time deciding between this picture and the single blurred branch for my POD. I'm not sure what's attracting me to the blurred picture today. Maybe because that's what my life is going to feel like for this next month as the school year winds down.

May 18 True Geranium

May 18 True Geranium, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Kevin Honeycutt asked for the name of our favorite flower and why the other day on Plurk. I honestly don't have one favorite flower. My favorite changes as each new flower blooms in the garden. I have favorite fragerances; lilac, iris, peonies, and lily of the valley but that doesn't make them my favorite flower. Sometimes I like the larger blooms better like clematis and sunflowers because they seem easier to photograph. But on other days I like the challenge of getting the little beauties like this one in focus.

May 17 Cut Glass Basket

May 17 Cut Glass Basket, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I remember my mom putting lilacs in this vase when I was young. Fortunately, I am able to continue the tradition with lilacs from my yard. When not in use this beautiful basket vase sits in my china cabinet on display throughout the year.

May 16 Jr. Prom

May 16 Jr. Prom, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Tonight we crammed 10 kids and at least that many adults into our tiny house for pictures. We were supposed to be taking them outside in our lovely yard. My daughter checked the weather channel and gave updates at least once an hour and for awhile it looked like we were going to be okay but in the end it got very dark and wet! My husband had to do a mad dash to the garage attic to find some professional lights to set up.
Here he was trying to capture the girl's fancy hairdos. Our daughter is the one in the blue dress on the right. This is the dress we bought in AZ trying to avoid anyone else wearing the same thing tonight. She has sent one text message to say a friend won prom king and that she's having a great time. Her date is just a friend and they went with a group that hangs out together on a weekly basis. Sometimes it's hard to believe she's getting so grown up. And to see her dressed up, when she prefers sweatpants or shorts, is a real treat.

May 15 End of The Ride

May 15 End of The Ride, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Here I am at the end of the 100 mile Ride for Missing Children. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster all day. Happy and excited to begin the day and seeing people along the road cheering us on. Then the tears would flow as people spoke about their missing child at the Opening Ceremonies and they would flow again as we passed each silent tribute for a missing child or an officer killed in the line of duty. Then we'd pull into a school with children cheering us on and bands playing and posters being waved about and the excitement would return. It was a special day and seeing my family at the finish and each one of them hugging me and telling me how proud they were of me was a perfect ending. My daughter couldn't get over how happy everyone looked at the end. Both of my kids want to join me in the future. My husband followed us all day to take pictures and was in awe of the riders and all the organization that went into putting on this wonderful event.

May 12 Audrey May Herron

may 12, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Each person participating in the Ride for Missing Children is given a pin with a picture of a missing person to wear. My pin was Audrey May Herron. She was 31 years old, in 2002, when she left work one night in Catskill, NY and never returned home. She is 60" tall, weighs 105 pounds, has light brown hair, hazel eyes and wears glasses. She has a mole on the inside of her right knee and a scar on her hand. If you have any information regarding this case you are asked to contact the New York State Police Department at (518) 622-8600.

May 13 Ride for Missing Children Assembly

May 13 Ride for Missing Children Assembly, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Today we had an assembly at my other school for the Ride for Missing Children. All the community members participating in the ride were invited to attend. Not all could be there but we still had a nice turn out and everyone was given a chance to talk about why they do the ride or something related to it.

May 13 Corvette Material

May 13 Corvette Material, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I gave this material to my husband for Christmas along with a promise to make him a Hawaiian shirt out of it. He has an '82 two tone blue 'vette that looks very similar to the one in the middle of this picture. Well, it didn't get done over Christmas vacation or Feb. break. Finally, I promised to have it done before the first car show which I thought was this Sunday. Between multiple lacrosse games and getting ready for The Ride I was happy to find out that it's really not until next Sunday. With an extra day off this week I should get it done on time.

Ride Jersey

Ride Jersey, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Tonight was our last meeting before The Ride. We picked up our packets, snacked on some yummy Italian food, and applauded all the sponsors that help make The Ride so successful. Five and ten year riders were recognized as well as five year volunteers.
Here's what comes in our packet: the jersey-it's a little big but wanted to make sure I could put a couple of layers underneath in case it's cold, a t-shirt, a name badge for our bikes, um they spelled my name incorrectly but yet have it correct underneath with my full name-my husband is going to take care of that for me, a pin and a pin with the picture of a missing women. Each rider has a specific person we're riding for. Sometime this week I will take a close up picture of her and tell you her story.

May 10 Mother's Day

may 10 Mother's Day, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

It's been a very nice Mother's Day today. My daughter took us out to breakfast. The restaurant gave all the moms a carnation as we left. Then my husband fixed a delicious meal and after we ate my daughter cleared the table and did the dishes. When my daughter had to run an errand for school she came back with this lovely bouquet of Gerbera Daises for me. My son sent a text message this morning wishing me a Happy Mother's Day and assured me he had something for me but he's too poor to send it! He'll bring it home with him on Wed. when he returns from college. I feel so fortunate to have a loving husband and the two best kids anyone could ever ask for. I am truly blessed.

May 9 Grapes

May 9 Grapes, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Here come the grapes. If we have another good crop and a late spring frost, or summer hail storm or some other event doesn't hurt them, we'll be turning these little beauties into wine in about 5 months from now.

May 8 Gifts

may 8 Gifts, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Today was a day of gifts. First when I walked into my lab there was a Thank You note along with a bag of candy and a flower pen from one of my third grade students for Teacher Appreciation week. Later in the day a fellow teacher and first year rider for the Ride for Missing Children popped in and left an envelope on my desk. Inside was the Bicycle Angel pin, the Irish prayer and a thank you note. She gave these special gifts to a whole group of us that have been training together for the ride. The final gift was one I bought myself. I look at the Life is Good t-shirts every year but have never bought one. Today when I found this biking shirt and it was on sale I decided to finally buy one. So, all in all it was a pretty good Friday.

May7 Tulip

may7 Tulip, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I love the colors of this fancy tulip. I just wish they lasted longer.

May 6 First of the Lilacs

may 6 First of the Lilacs, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I noticed today that the lilacs were just beginning to bloom. This is one of the most heavenly scents around. I brought in a little bunch to put on the kitchen windowsill. Soon, I'll bring in a big bunch for the table. Too bad I can't add a scratch and sniff!

May 5 Country Road

may 5 Country Road, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Back in January I took a picture of this road. I believe it was GKat that asked if I would take a picture each season. That sounded like a good idea, so here is the spring view.

Ready to Plant May 4

Ready to Plant May 4, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I bought two new plants over the weekend. Poppies are one of my favorite plants. This one will bloom all summer.

May 3 Pancake Breakfast

May 3 Pancake Breakfast, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

It was a busy weekend for the lacrosse girls. Today they hosted a Pancake Breakfast and Car Wash at the 99 Restaurant. After a slow start the girls ended up being busy and raised about $1000. The money all goes back to the girls, this time in the form of team lacrosse bags. The server is wearing a sweatshirt from the Pink and White, Shoot for the Cure game.

May 2 Tulip

Tulip, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

These fancy tulips are my favorite. The ruffled edges are interesting. I also like the abstract looking background.

May 1 LAX Pink and White Game

May 1 LAX Pink and White Game, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

My daughter's lacrosse team had a Pink and White game this week as a fund raiser for the Susan B. Komen foundation. They raised about $2500!

April 30 Daffodils

April 30 Daffodils, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I have lots of yellow daffodils, mini ones, some with lots of petals and the traditional ones. However, these are my favorites. I suppose just because they are a little bit different.

April 29 Tulip Bud

April 29 Tulip Bud, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

It was great to come home and see some tulips ready to pop open. I was able to take two pictures and the camera quit working. Fortunately I'm happy with the soft colors in this shot.

Lacrosse Game

Lacrosse Game, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I didn't take a picture today so I'm borrowing one of my husband's. He takes pictures not only at our daughter's events but he's also been taking pictures at the JV games, Girl's basketball and volleyball, boy's hockey and even a golf tournament. He posts the pictures on Facebook for the kids to download. He's hoping to some day turn it into a side business. For now, he's getting practice and building an awareness.
I think the LAX girls have a love/hate relationship with their photos. They love to see themselves in action but don't care for the way the mouth guards look!

April 27 Front Garden

April 27 Front Garden, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

This is my monthly picture of my front garden. It's fun to pull in the driveway each night to see what new plant is budding or blooming. It's so nice to see color. I don't even mind the dandelions this time of year. The daffodils are putting on their show and the tulips will be right behind.

Watkin's Glen

Watkin's Glen, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Today we took a road trip in my husband's '82 Corvette down to Watkin's Glen Race Track. It was opening day and for $20 that goes to a charity anyone can drive on the track. You get to go around three times. My husband has done it several times. This was the first year I got up early enough to go with him. The actual ride was disappointing since we had a mini van in front of us and she kept hitting the breaks every time we got to a fun part. Since you aren't allowed to pass we were stuck. But rest of the day was very enjoyable. The sun was out, the t-tops were off, we ate some good food and had some fun stopping at the finger lake wineries on the way home.

Car Work

Car Work, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

When our kids turned 16 they both got a car. Nothing fancy, just an old clunker. My husband is very handy when it comes to fixing things and taking care of cars. He tries to pass on this knowledge to the kids. Having the older cars makes it easier. It’s nice to see our daughter having an interest in learning how to care for her car. Today they worked on changing the oil and fixing the water pump.

Bike Ride

Bike Ride, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Tonight I went on a solo bike ride. I didn't have a destination in mind. At one point I stopped to grab my drink and enjoy the view. The camera phone doesn't do it justice.

Ride for Missing Children Assembly

Ride for Missing Children Assembly, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Today a presenter came and talked about the Ride for Missing Children and Internet Safety. She also introduced two community members that have done the ride previously, a dad of one of the students and a substitute teacher. She also introduced Kelly and myself, both first year riders. We'll be riding by the school as a part of the ride. The kids will be making signs and they'll be out there cheering us on.

Goats

Goats, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Today was the science fair for the 4th and 5th grades. It’s an optional activity that they complete at home. This year most of the projects were presentations instead of actual experiments. It’s held right after school so teachers will stop by to visit with students and then there’s another session in the evening for parents and community members. I have to admit I enjoy it even more now that I have all the students but it takes longer to get through. I used to just stop by and check in on former students, now I try to stop at each one and have them explain what they did. I found a few of the parents a little irritating, when I asked a student a question they jumped in to answer! One student brought in her baby goats and said she spends two hours a day caring for them. Her parents are dairy farmers and they have been instilling a great work ethic with both their children from an early age.

Forsythia Buds

Forsythia Buds, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Just before I headed out the door this morning I saw a plurk by dcordell that she was out taking pictures for Earth Day. When I stepped outside and realized what a beautiful morning it was and knowing rain was forecasted for later in the day I grabbed my camera and took some pictures of the forsythia bush. The forsythias seem especially beautiful this year.

Hankies

Hankies, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

These are a few of the hankies I inherited from my Aunt Bettie. I love the cute designs. I keep the Smokey the Bear one on the back of an old child’s chair. My mom remembers having the Dionne quintuplet dolls when she was a little girl.

Getting Ready to Pop

Getting Ready to Pop, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

Back home and we're beginning to see more signs of spring. The leaves will be coming out soon on this tree that shades our deck.

Fan Palm

Palm, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I love the way the fibers of this plant curled all around. Fascinating to look at.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I had fun taking pictures of hibiscus today. Being a large flower it's a little easier to photograph with the macro lens than the tiny flowers.

Heron with Reflection

Heron with Reflection, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

It was hard to select just one picture for today's photo. My sister, daughter and I spent several hours at the Riparian Preserve in Mesa, AZ. It's a wonderful place tucked in behind a library. We enjoyed our time there.

Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise, originally uploaded by ElementaryTechTeacher.

I found this beauty tucked along the fence in the pool area of the retirement village where my mom lives. I love the bright colors and exotic look of this plant.