Schurter Travels and Musings

Timing

2012-01-21T14:07:00.000-08:00

Those familiar with Vicki and I know that since 2004 Brasil has been near and dear to our hearts. Four short-term trips have changed our view of life and the Christian walk forever. We have been planning a return since about this time last year and as of a few minutes ago that trip was confirmed. Tickets were purchased for a trip later this year. What I find amazing is that we have always had to fly all the way south to Rio or Sao Paulo and then back north to Belem and on to Altamira. I had been watching prices for the last three or four months and there was a cheap flight that went through Manaus! Peoria to Chicago, Chicago to Miami, Miami to Manaus and Manaus to Belem with no flight longer than 5.5 hours! That is truly a blessing. Today, all the flights out of Peoria to Manaus were gone AND the price of a ticket was up. Semi-beat, I started looking at the flights to Rio and Sao Paulo and felt myself needing a nap. Bloomington. What? Bloomington. I had just read a newspaper article where the writer was complaining about prices out of Peoria always being higher than prices out of Bloomington. Tried it, boom! There was the very same flight I had been watching earlier except now flying Bloomington to Chicago instead of Peoria to Chicago the trip was $60 per ticket less. God is good. Now, I only have to worry about going through customs in a city (Manaus) where I have never traveled. Time for a new adventure.

Time, Part II

2012-01-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

It has been quite some time since my last post. How do you summarize life and change in a brief time? Lists!

1. Decision to "retire" in June 2013. This will be the subject of some future posts. My priorities are very different from those in charge.
2. Bought an old truck and a slide in the bed camper. Thirty-six years of tent travel with Vicki have come to an end.
3. Attended the Virtual Schools Symposium in November. WOW!
4. Blackboard is unable to recover my on-line class that was accidentally deleted even though a back-up of the class was created according to their instructions.
5. Currently planning for a return trip to Brasil in June (Vicki and I).
6. Vicki is planning a trip to Liberia (check out some options for training teachers) in October.
7. Searching for a host for Moodle. see #1, I didn't say I didn't enjoy teaching, would love to develop on-line World History and U.S. History classes for Missionary students and Home School students. More later.
8. ASCD conference in Philadelphia in March! Our arrival allows me to do some history site visits on Friday, pictures for use in class next year. Registered to hear Charlotte Danielson (teacher reflection and evaluation)
9. Planning for best use of education skills in retirement. Currently getting ready to send final paperwork to Oregon for certification. Would love to assist a district starting a virtual school.

Friendship

2011-10-10T05:36:00.000-07:00

Malcolm MacCannell, age 61, passed away on September 27, 2011 and on goes the obituary. It tells the usual things about Malcolm, how he is survived by a mother, seven brothers and sisters (one is a twin sister). His father was Dr. Bruce MacCannell. The obituary even included his membership at First United Methodist Church and his traveling on mission trips (No Greater Love to New. Orleans for street ministry). The obituary did not mention that I considered him a close friend or that he taught Rich Schurter about patience, love, kindness, gentleness and meekness.

Malcolm and I went through Emmaus together and shared a room for the weekend. Wow, could he ever snore. It was during that weekend that Joe, Malcolm and I became friends. From that time on Malcolm and I shared life. He would keep me posted on how his medications were going (or not going) and how his new job at Taco Bell was treating him. I learned that a job is not what defines us, Jesus Christ does that, a job is a means to an end. That end being to share the love of Christ with a world that desperately needs that love. Malcolm had to cut down on his hours at Taco Bell because he was unable to deal with the stress and he needed to make the Mardi Gras trip with No Greater Love Ministries. Malcolm always asked me how teaching was going and he could read in my eyes the growing stress of these past few years. "Your students are lucky to have you," he frequently would state and then, as an after-thought he would add, "Don't let the stress outside your classroom mess up who you are in the classroom." We would hug and continue on our way.

Malcolm McCannell understood life in a way that I'll only dream about. He challenged me to live for Christ in ways that other, more famous or more sophisticated people could never do. He lived life, he loved people, and most importantly, he loved the Lord. I can't imagine a life without having met Malcolm. I thank God for his influence upon me and the friendship we shared. I won't get to hug Malcolm again in this life but I look forward to the day when we will again share life and share it eternally.

Hugh Glass, early western explorer.

2011-07-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

You think you're tough? Listen to this story. We were camped at nearby Shadehill Recreation Area. Great place for fishing and boating activities. Located just south of Lemmon, S.D.

Lemmon is also home to an interesting petrified wood display, enough said, you must stop and see it to believe it. Also, be sure to eat breakfast at the Alaska Cafe. You don't have many choices so it's easy to find.

Coffee

2011-07-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

One nice benefit of visiting children in Portland is the nearby coffee "shop." It is right on the way to the Max station, serving GrindHouse Coffee, the original sexy coffee. They also serve breakfast sandwiches (very good) and SCONES! Traveling to Portland? Pull your car up to the little stand at 1934 c n. Rosa Parks Way, Portland, OR. (503) 459.4148. Superb coffee, food and friendly people. It would be difficult to have to walk past this spot each morning which motivates our son to ride the bike.....hard to drink coffee while riding a bike in morning traffic even if it is bike-friendly Portland.

Home

2011-07-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

Which of these would you prefer? High ceilings, mobility or thick walls, sense of security? I thought these images from South Dakota really demonstrate the contrasting philosophies of the Native American with the "sod-buster." Conflict was probably unavoidable due to the totally different mindsets about "home." Where is home?

Vacation Food Memories

2011-07-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

While on vacation we spent a couple of days in Great Falls, MT exploring the Lewis and Clark sites. You never know what you'll find. Daisy's Deli was a delight. Made from scratch food with pies that were totally amazing. If ever in Great Falls and wanting to grab breakfast, lunch or dessert.....Daisy's Deli. Located at 508 1st Ave. N., Great Falls, MT 59401. Phone is (406) 452-0361. They are open M-F from 9 to 4. Closed on the weekends. No, I was not paid for this ad.

Lake Shetek, Minnesota

2011-07-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

First night of vacation was spent camping at Lake Shetek. Bugs were above average as was the lake. Much of the camping was closed so only a few of the sites were in use. We ended up camping next to a family from Morton, IL. Amazing, drive for hours and you end up next to other believers. This is the Koch cabin. Reconstruction of their cabin actually but well done. The husband was killed by Native Americans (not Blackfoot or I would have used American India per their preference).

Food

2011-07-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

One of the nice things about travel is eating at local establishments. My wife and I make a commitment to avoid chains when possible during our journey's. One very specific joy in doing this is when you run across a place like The Main Street Bistro in Lewistown, Montana. Located at 122 West Main, Chef David Pallett has put together a wonderful menu. Setting is cozy and quiet. Service was good and the food amazing. We allowed Chef Pallett to pick for us and this worked out very well. If you are traveling in this part of Montana we highly recommend you stop.

Insurance

2011-06-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

Anyone living in Illinois and reading about issues other than our former governor must be aware of the current insurance mess for State of Illinois employees. My wife has had to resubmit her request twice and probably should have a third time but she decided that if her current provider loses their court case she would have to reapply a fourth time and ......they wear you down. All because, I suspect, some group made a large campaign contribution to get their friends companies added to the list while dropping long time insurance companies from the list. Now it's in court.

I'm reading a book of editorials written by a country doctor from Cuba, Illinois and they are very interesting. His editorial from 1994 about the Canadian health care system is particularly eye-opening since this is the comparison held up by all who think our government should be involved in the health care business. I quote:

"We agreed that the present medical system (1994) needs drastic reform but that we shouldn't burn down the house to fix the front door.
He (Dr. Edward Kendall, Mayo Clinic) spoke of the numbers of Canadians coming to Mayo Clinic for the medical care they can't get in Canada. What will happen, we wondered if the vote-hungry politicians saddle us with the miserable Canadian scheme of socialized medicine? Where will the Canadians go then? Where will Americans go? I thought of Senator Paul Tsongas, that best of all Democratic presidential candidates, who opposes the Canadian socialist scheme and says he would have died in it when he was so ill."

Interesting thoughts from 1994 (Hillary Clinton was advocating national health insurance at the time). As we look around the world at one debt riddled country after another we need to focus our efforts on reform. The "haves" will always receive their medical care because they can pay, the "have nots" will suffer. I have watched the people in Altamira, Brasil line up a day early so they can see the nationalized doctor or dentist when they come to town. They miss work to be sure they are toward the front of the line and what happens, they don't show up. Now the people have have to miss work another day and stand in line for the cheap, nationalized care. In four trips to Altamira I have never seen middle class or upper class people standing in line, only the poor.

Old Dog.....New Tricks

2011-06-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

I have been reading, highlighting, rereading, underlining and tabbing the book, Readicide. It is amazing how the author is able to clearly explain why students don't want to read anything. We, as teachers, have taken all the joy of reading away. My focus over the summer is finding engaging readings for U.S. History and allow students to read them without a twenty question study guide. I will provide a "big picture" question for discussion that will hopefully encourage the student to connect the past and present.

Do I have the will to pull it off?

Must Reading for Educators

2011-05-24T16:23:00.000-07:00

Remember, Teaching As A Subversive Activity, is one of my all-time favorite education books. Focus and Readicide (not finished yet) are two, "must read" books for educators. "For those educators who resist the political in favor of the authentic" is the inside jacket quote. My desire is to be that educator. "Readicide is the systematic killing of the love of reading, ofter exacerbated by the inane, mind-numbing practices found in schools, (Gallagher, 2009, p. 2). Amen!

Any teacher who is teaching in a failing school (according to NCLB) understands this process very well. We have instituted well-meaning programs to try and jump start skills that students coming out of middle schools are sorely lacking. We beg, we bribe, and we even punish to try and ramp up skills of those students who, for one reason or another, have not learned to read fast enough, close enough, do math, write, or read science. Middle school teachers in Illinois, your day is coming, no more stop everything and teach the ISAT for two or three weeks and then thump your chests because your students met or exceeded. In a short few years you will also be struggling with mandated tests that are now based on ACT college and career skills. These are skills that build not skills that can be committed to short-term memory.

What am I doing? For next year.....more reading, deeper (close) reading, more writing, and more discussion. Increased current events WITH map activities so a student actually knows that Vietnam is not an island when they are a junior in high school. Vanishing will be my best friend for the past twenty plus years, the scan-tron test. Increased formative assessments and fewer, more thoughtful summative assessments. Participation will be evaluated as to level of understanding, empathy, respect for others, and thoughtfulness (formative in nature). Our culture has lost the ability to hold a civil discourse and I will not go into all the reasons for that loss. Suffice to say that one political party is not the sole cause. We have a great opportunity before us and even though it is the end of the year I am optimistic about the future.

The "Right" Thing

2011-04-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

A reply to my last post got me thinking, what is the "right" thing for education? Educators have, for too long, allowed the larger culture to make the profession of teaching seem to be a position that anyone who can't do anything else can do. It isn't true. If you follow the running commentary about what will fix our schools and then you go back twenty years you will find a similar lament. Go back thirty, same thing. Maybe the fundamental issue is that schools need a fundamental overhaul. For consideration:
1. Hire a financial person to deal with the dollars and cents, true educators don't really get all excited about budgets, salaries, m & r, etc.
2. Hire one business leader (chief executive officer) to guide educator teams in return on investment, technology use and misuse, public relations, liaison with supporting corporations, universities or local businesses who have a vested interest in the quality of product being produced.
3. End the agricultural model school year. Planting and harvesting have not influenced most students lives in forty years. Adopt a school year that best suits the local student needs (I always want to study the year around model of 9 weeks on 3 weeks off with remedial opportunities during two of the three weeks).
4. Consider ending the five day school week for most subjects; Social Studies and English classes would meet three days face to face with technology being used to keep contact the other days. Science, Math, and Vocational classes would meet at least four days. All students are required to take a basic vocational program. Fifth day, grading the increased writing that all would perform, committees, parent conferences, tutoring those who are struggling, the list for this is endless.
5. Teacher teams would run the day to day school operations. Service in every capacity of school governance would be shared. Compensation would come in a reduced teaching load during their 2-3 year rotation of "school leadership." Membership on the leadership teams would not be allowed until a teacher had demonstrated outstanding skills in teaching and leadership. Graduate level coursework in education and business would be mandated. Minimum of ten years classroom experience. NO permanently leaving the classroom. All those making any decisions about the school must be serving in the classroom. Simply put, you quickly forget what the day to day struggle of teaching can do to your energy. No more leaving the classroom, you wanted to teach....teach.....you may be a skilled leader.....opportunities will come to do both. This is where I always return to my good friend, Sean O'Laughlin. He was one of the best teachers I have observed and now he is a building principal. He will be outstanding but he should still be teaching one class of U.S. History each and every semester. Those twenty-five to thirty students would forever be grateful.
6. Outstanding teachers would be rotated in and out of local teacher prep universities. They would handle all instruction pertaining to lessons, discipline, and the art of instruction. To give a clue as to this problem, I was just asked by the local teaching university to place two student teachers in my department for next year. Both students had D's in their major. We are not in a day and age where any student should be entering education where D's are a part of their grades let alone where D's are a part of their major.
Okay, parts 1-6 are roughed out. Tear it up.

A Framework for Teaching

2011-04-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

Our education system is a mess. That does not take genius to conclude. The hidden agenda of privatizing education is becoming less hidden each month. Typically, statistics are misrepresented to provide the information that one system is broke and the other system works very well.

Please, remember who is selling you the system that works very well. I usually see politicians, former heads of large corporations and businessmen, most of whom did not attend the type of schools they are attacking as failed. I have never had any of these people volunteer to teach my classes for one month. I have invited but, alas, never received a reply. I once begged President Bush to come to my school to help me with the child who wanted to be left behind but, alas, he never acknowledged my contacts.

I believe that Illinois may be moving in a decent direction. I have dug out my Charlotte Danielson and am preparing to review the "frameworks" for effective teaching. She at least understood that no matter what new technology comes along the basic practices encouraged by Madeline Hunter work very well. Doesn't matter if it is 1980 or 2011. Good instructional practice is good practice. Now, how will we get parents to understand that not all children are above average?

Afternoon Hike on Trail Ridge Road, RMNP

2011-03-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

Just back from a late afternoon hike on Trail Ridge Road. We drove to where the road is closed, put on wind pants, snowshoes, and took off. The corners provide great views of Sheep Meadow, Lawn Lake flood area, and off in the distance you can see Mary's Lake. By leaving late afternoon we only shared the "road" with two other people. One guy was just returning from hiking up to see the view, he was pumped and sure enough he climbed into the SUV where the son sat in the backseat with ear buds in playing a game on his phone. The young man couldn't get even get out to take a short hike that really gives you an idea of your significance in the big scheme of life. We truly are a culture where the only the thing that counts is me.

Wild Basin via Snow Shoes

2011-03-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

Sun was shining, truly a great day to be outside. Cold and a strong wind as we headed toward Copeland Falls. Only one couple on the trail and they passed us as put on wind pants. We moved at a steady pace for two hours, found the falls...they were just beginning to melt through to the surface. Headed back and ran into several people enjoying the day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Opening picture of the mini-movie is of Long's Peak.

Wild Basin, RMNP

2011-03-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

Morning Drive

2011-03-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

It was a good morning for a drive. Light snow falling but the sun would appear for just a few moments at a time. We stopped at this church and I was able to take a few shots before the light changed.The inside is wonderful, like stepping back into the Middle Ages.

Spring

2011-03-12T06:15:00.000-08:00

Sunday drive to Havana, IL and then to Emiquon. Emiquon is a Nature Conservancy wetland restoration project. Not for Profit, they have turned an old farm back to wetland. Because the Illinois River and Spoon River were rising they added four feet of water to wetland area. Within forty-eight hours over 100,000 snow geese (top image) gathered. My telephoto is too weak to get a good shot but maybe the image included gives some perspective. I wish sound could be added. Probably a dozen others were there watching a display that only God put together.

Middle image is of the old Havana watertower. We spent some time walking the river front. This little town is doing an amazing job of building up their park along the river. Beautiful day spent with my wife.

Emiquon

2011-03-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

Drove down to Emiquon Reserve on Sunday to see the Snow Geese. No, I can't take credit for the image but they released about 4' of water (yes, the rivers are rising around here) into the 9,000 acres of wetland and within 48 hours over 100,000 of these great birds had arrived. How did they know? Even though they were probably a half mile away the noise was amazing. My thanks to the Nature Conservancy for the work they are doing north of Havana, IL.

Leadership

2011-03-01T17:03:00.000-08:00

"I am going the way of all the earth. Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn, so that the Lord may carry out His promise which he spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.' (I Kings 2: 2-4)
1. show yourself a man
2. walk in the ways of the Lord
3. keep the commandments of the Lord
4. keep His ordinances

5. keep His testimonies
6. base these items off His Word and success will follow.
I watch the events unfold in Wisconsin and around the world and pray for leaders who will focus on these six characteristics of leadership. Leaders must focus with unwavering concentration on each of these and then, move forward with ideas that demonstrate the fiscal restraint necessary but that also demonstrate compassion toward those who will suffer the consequences.

It is interesting how the Greeks failed to set up accountability in the democratic process and then the Romans followed suit as they moved to a republic. Ultimately the voter is to blame, I guess, though in this age of incumbent advantage they are difficult to defeat. Finding truth in our day and age is also nearly impossible. It is, once again, time for the term limit discussion or the idea of a lottery. The possibility that all high school graduates, free of criminal records, would be eligible to serve as a legislator for a two year term and then they are done. No consulting, no living in the vicinity of the seat of government, no contact whatsoever. Serve, vote, and leave. Whatever their salary was, that is what they get paid for the two years. A rotation system would be set up so one group leaves on even number years and the other leaves on odd.

They don't understand government? They don't know Roberts Rules of Order? Good, that has not helped us much. Failure to rule wisely results in a fine. Failure to "be a man" in times of crisis (are you paying attention Mr. President) and submitting a fiscally irresponsible budget, failing to make one hard decision all because you fear getting thrown out of office after one term. Amazing. What a total disappointment to those who voted for you, who believed you had a plan. I am unable to find one of the six characteristics in our leaders, what does that mean for our future?

Slow and steady progress toward fiscal responsibility must guide all decisions. Do I believe taxes must go up? I believe taxes on those people earning $500,000 per year and up must be raised. Minimum tax of 45%. The percentage goes up 5% per additional $500,000 to a maximum of 70%. Bill Gates would have lived just fine on 30% of his income. This is based upon gross and not net income. No shuffling of money, no funky accounting, its a return to JFK era income tax. The rich will pay and the middle class will grow again. Spare me the whining about the richest already paying most of the income tax, everyone earning above $20,000 will pay something.

The Social Security surplus could never be touched except for Social Security purposes. Federal funding would be frozen (wages included) for five years, budget increases would only be allowed based upon cpi. The increased tax revenue, by federal statute would go toward balancing the budget first and paying down debt second (they are entirely different). Those with retirement incomes of over $100,000 would not receive any Social Security increases and in Illinois, would pay state income tax. Retirement income would be based upon gross and not net. Every program added must be accompanied by an equal spending cut. Every law passed has a seven year sunset, no time to build a bureaucracy around it so that you can't get rid or it or even discuss it (think war on drugs). Leadership, the time for someone to step forward is now.

Bike Ride

2011-02-13T11:25:00.000-08:00

Over 40 and sun was shining. Truly a great day to get out on the bike. Spotted another rider as I was going over I 155 and being the person I am. . . the chase is on. Doesn't matter that I have not been out riding consistently; it's someone to try and catch. I forget I'm not 50 any more and this is only my sixth day of riding this year. I don't like the rider to know I'm chasing them and this particular rider made sure they stayed three bikes ahead but it was still great motivation.

Main Street looking north

2011-02-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

Short video of the snow. View is looking north on main-street in Tremont. We missed three days of school due to a 15" snowfall. Our power was out for just about twenty-four hours. Previous video shows Vicki and I eating a backpacking meal cooked on our camping stove. The adventures continue.

2011 Snow: Power Out

2011-02-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

Focus

2011-02-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

Just started reading Focus, Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning by Mike Schmoker. Tomorrow is a department meeting and I need to apologize for wasting five months of the school year on initiatives that will not impact student success. I knew this in August but didn't have any "data" to support my thoughts. The further into the school year the more apparent it was that we had too many initiatives and no focus. I fell into line attempting to be the good employee and department leader. I knew we were heading in the wrong direction but didn't have the courage to lead in what my "gut" told me was the proper direction.

At our meeting tomorrow we will discuss a "new" direction. We can begin to discuss change that will impact students. What amazes me is that it isn't new, it is information most educators know but don't have time to practice. The hint is in the title of this post. "What" we teach and "how" we teach are the bottom line essentials. We can study data all day (and data is important) but at the end of the day, what we are teaching and how we are teaching it will make the real impact. Too many teachers are totally distracted by the latest technology initiative (that was probably implemented without a long-range plan or goal), whether to move to CCS (common core standards) now or wait, or following up on a group of students (in addition to my current classes) to make sure they are doing what they are supposed to do in their classes.

At the end of the day it boils down to what is taught and how it is taught that will engage our students and prepare them for their future. This is where the "bang for the invested buck" will be found.

Thoreau

2011-02-03T15:10:00.001-08:00

Just completing my third snow day in a row. We received 13" of snow Tuesday night. I was working on-line when suddenly..................... Twenty-four hours of feeding a generator to power two space heaters, lighting a lot of candles, finding our campstove, cooking a backpacking gourmet meal (can dried food be gourmet?), calling the power company, hiking back and forth to the gas station for more fuel and assisting neighbors with plowing our driveways. Thoreau had nothing on my wife and I.
I did notice a curious item, why do people blow the snow from their driveways into the street making the street impassible? Why not blow the snow into their own front yards? Our neighbor did get yelled at for plugging up the street so out he went to clear the street. I did get almost get caught up today. Sun was out and it was beautiful.

Curiosity

2011-01-22T04:09:00.000-08:00

I am three weeks into an on-line U.S. History class for high school juniors. It is a pilot class, randomly selected students and provides an opportunity for students to pick up a seventh class. Enough review. I started with thirty students but never had contact with one student and still have not but that will give me twenty-nine. I sent over five hundred e-mails (group and individual) in these first three weeks and, as of Friday (Jan. 21st) have logged over sixty hours of time for a "one period class." If, like me, you are math challenged, that would would transfer to 100 hour work weeks if I were attempting to handle five classes. As the software trainer kept repeating last fall, "next year will get easier."
Observations about the class:
1. most students do not like to work independently
2. many students are not curious about technology (how it works, how can I make it easier)
3. only one student made a suggestion for better organizing material, I adapted it and received numerous positive comments (until a student came in yesterday to drop and told me I was just too unorganized, amazing, they had never looked that the big folder is titled "assignments for chapter 20!" )
4. repeat of number 2, our youngest son (now 28), was forced to purchase his own computer at an early age because he kept breaking into the programs on our Apple IIE and later, our early IBM and altering the program to suit his young needs, today, we want everything done for us, I have a small group of students who are into everything (we can track them) and a large group who are into nothing
5. I had failed to understand how little I actually prepared my face to face students to be independent thinkers, researchers, or workers
6. I had failed to act on my failures to teach at a higher level, over the years I had allowed the students to wear me down
7. I had failed to act on what I knew needed to be changed (NCLB doesn't help this), now most students are simply test score data to be manipulated (apologies, teachers are to use interventions) so that test scores go up, why? (another whole post)
8. to end on a positive, students who are doing their work, communicating regularly with me, reading my responses to their discussion threads......they are doing great, number of insightful responses is growing daily and I will continue to modify what I am doing (oh, getting rid of textbooks for e-books will take time, I put the textbook on-line, most stopped and wanted a print version, some listen to the audio version while getting ready for school, some listen while working out

Any suggestions from on-line teachers of high school students please send me an e-mail.

New Class

2011-01-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

In a moment of something or other, I asked to pilot an on-line U.S. History class this semester. I like technology, have been thinking that brick and mortar schools are outdated, am always seeking a better way to connect with students, like a challenge, and really never have understood why we need to meet face to face with high school juniors five days a week.

I'm in day two and will check my e-mail right after posting this to see how many questions tonight. Oh, did I mention that now students hunt me from 7:00 a.m. until I shut down and quit checking e-mail (last night it was 9:00 p.m.). I never thought about the fact that I would be blending a traditional work day schedule with demands of students needing to talk (e-mail, text, etc) to me of an evening because that is when they work on an on-line class. I have an advanced degree with a few hours beyond so a thought occurred that this is a great way to extend my current work day from 6:00 a.m. (when I arrive) until 3:15 p.m. and then another 3 hours of an evening. Last night the additional time was 4 hours and it wasn't getting a chance to work ahead, it was problem solving for students new to on-line learning and new to not being walked step by step through every situation.

I may have gotten a bit short when one e-mail asked "Is there anything due tomorrow?" Uhhhh, nope, not answering that, look at the announcements, the calendar, and they will tell you. I can't get thirty e-mails every day asking if something is due because a student doesn't want to look for due dates. Oh well, it's going to be an interesting semester and the questions keep me sharp and learning new things. Oh, what system are we using? BlackBoard. No comment.

Another New Year

2011-01-01T09:51:00.001-08:00

Returned from an end of year trip to Minnesota. As you can see from the photos we were able to use our snowshoes again. We visited family which is a great way to close out another year.

We did get out for two days of snowshoeing at Baker Park. They have prepared trails that you share with people being pulled on skis by their dogs. Skijourning?? That looked like a lot of fun but I would need a big dog.

Our nephew is the final days of college decisions. Visits to Harvard and Dartmouth in January will determine where he goes. Dartmouth appears to have an inside track with access to broom ball and skiing in the off season. Oh, our nephew is 6'5" and 270 pounds, football is his sport, high ACT scores, high gpa draws interest of schools where education goes with sports. We pray that God would clearly show him where he should spend his next four years.

2010 was another blessing from God. Through all the seasons of life it has been nice to be able to visit various areas of the country and spend time with our family. We are blessed with family within 10 miles and family in Portland, OR. Vicki and I pray that 2011 brings the peace of Christ to each and everyone who finds their way to this post.

Friendship

2010-12-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

Vicki and I have been blessed to see much of the United States. We literally have friends in most areas of the country and to spend time with people doing something outdoors is the greatest treat. This is the group picture (minus the photographer, Michael) taken after our snow-shoe adventure.
What a great group of young adults who willingly spend time with the "old" folks on the day after Thanksgiving. It keeps Vicki and I young and focused on keeping the perspectives of others in mind. It becomes very easy to get set in your ways as you age. Teaching with a solid group of young people keeps me from becoming that old grouch (I hope.) that many people turn into after age 55. The future belongs to the young and while I have learned several things not to do in life, their optimism is needed in my life. We can learn from each other. During this Christmas season it has been fun to look back and see how blessed I am to be able to spend a lot of time with adults the same age as my children. Their friendship is invaluable!

Winter

2010-12-06T14:42:00.001-08:00

This is a picture of Vicki and I on the Frog Lake Trail during our recent trip to Portland. We truly were blessed with a snowy day in the woods with great company. We didn't complete the entire trail, Michael and Chris got tired of breaking the trail plus it was starting to get late and we weren't excited about hiking in the early Oregon darkness.

Winter is beautiful when you get enough snow to actually get out and enjoy it. We love to snowshoe and the peacefulness of the woods is truly a place to clear the mind. Since returning to the Midwest it has been hectic but the "Walden" experience recharged batteries that were in a severely weakened state. Are you in need of a recharge? Head outdoors, find a nearby woods and enjoy a walk, leave the headphones at home, listen to your Creator who has far more important things to say to you.

Portland

2010-12-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

We flew to Portland for Thanksgiving with family. Our daughter-in-law spent an entire day (honest) preparing a wonderful meal. While my idea of good weather does not mix well with Portland from November to March we were blessed to be in that part of the country. It is nice to be able to walk four blocks and get a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich, walk four blocks to get to the New Seasons organic food store, walk four blocks and get on the mass transportation to ride downtown. We explored Powell's, snowshoed, ate breakfast at Mother's Bistro, and visited the Saturday market where we heard Boka Marimba. Boka plays music in the Shona people tradition and they were outstanding. Hopefully I will get a picture or two from our son to post in the near future.
No issues traveling, no body scans, etc. but every flight is packed.

On-line

2010-11-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

Riding through Delavan, Illinois on a Saturday morning and there was a 1954 Ford for sale. Since I was born that year and my Grandfather owned a similar vehicle I had to stop and snap a picture. Chrome, two-tone, white-walls, V8, and room to relax. How times have changed.
It appears that I will pilot the first on-line class at Pekin High School next semester. We are well past the minimum of twenty students and will have to reduce to hold the class to thirty. Did my grandfather ever think there would be "on-line" learning? Could he have even understood the concept? Do I understand the concept? More on this second semester.
The Ford cruised down two-lane highways, windows down in summer for "air-conditioning" and the heater providing comfort in cold weather. The left foot determined if your "brights" went on or off by pushing a button on the floor. Who could have imagined what the modern auto would be capable of doing fifty-six years after this car cruised down memory lane? Am I capable of imagining what students of today will need in ten years let alone in twenty to thirty? I'm thankful I love learning, will they?

Fall

2010-11-05T16:49:00.001-07:00

Field trip with our American Studies students to the Lincoln Museum and then New Salem. Beautiful day with sun and temperatures in the mid-40s. I have observed this cabin at New Salem on previous trips but today the sun and shadows really struck me. I stepped up on a table and snapped several shots. I like the shadows in this photo. Fall really is a time of year when the shining sun produces scenes we don't get to see until that brief time in the spring. The light reveals a different perspective on a scene.
I am reminded that I also need to take a new perspective on things. I should look at my busy list of things to do from a new perspective (different angle). Always looking from the same perspective may mean I miss an opportunity to view a task from a different point of view. Anyway, it was a great day to be outside, students were excellent and we all returned safely.

What is Important?

2010-10-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

Our church had its "consecration Sunday" last weekend. This is the Sunday when members make a pledge for giving during the coming year. We had Rev. Roger Russell from Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton, IL as our guest minister and he was excellent. His sermon focused on Matthew 22: 15-22 where the Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus in a discussion regarding taxes and money. Jesus responds, something to the effect that we should give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's.
Just like the Pharisee's I want all the benefits of living in America (police, firemen, paved roads, electric lights, indoor plumbing, etc.) but I don't want to pay taxes for them. But that isn't even what made me nervous, it was when Rev. Russell said the verses weren't about money but with God's ownership of me. I live an orderly life because I was created by an orderly God, I show love because my God is love, and I seek eternal life because I was created by an eternal God. God's rule in my life should be foremost because he owns everything about us. My focus must become less on things of this earth and more on things of importance to the One who created me.

Travel

2010-10-11T16:39:00.001-07:00

We took a short trip to Vincennes and New Harmony, Indiana. While in Vincennes we visited Grouseland, home of William Henry Harrison and the George Rogers Clark Memorial (middle photo) where you can see several Revolutionary War burial sites. We spent a couple of hours in New Harmony where you can get an excellent cup of coffee at the establishment pictured. I am more and more amazed by the 19th century era of American History. Harrison had a wonderful home built (400,000 bricks) and he thought of everything, indoor well, all walls were brick which made it more difficult for angry locals to shoot you and it was harder to burn the house down. The sacrifice these men made for our nation is amazing. I know they had their faults, I've heard all that, but when compared with the people we elect today they were saints. I have always been disappointed with our treatment of Native Americans but can't seem to find any example of someone else who handled a similar situation any better. I would like to think we could have allowed them to continue to live their lives without relocating them.

As I look over all the change that occurred from 1800 to 1900 it truly fogs my brain to try and come up with what should have been done. As Bob Dylan sang so eloquently, "the times they are a-changing." That was the case, once Independence was won, a new Constitution established and the government began making "internal improvements," the future almost seems to be set in stone. The people here first were now in the way of progress. I know in 2010 what many people think when they hear I don't carry a cell phone with me........strange person.

The Simple Life

2010-09-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Vicki and I went to the Colonial Faire at Jubilee State Park last Saturday. I really enjoyed looking at all the colorful foods raised by Native Americans of the Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois regions. The colorful corn, squash, pumpkin, and berries were beautiful. What a word to describe food and yet the more colorful our food the more enjoyable our dining experience. As a history teacher I also found it interesting that history was their least favorite subject in school. History must be experienced not memorized.

2010-09-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

The school year has begun. I love being back in the classroom for three hours per day. American Studies is using google docs to reduce paper, allow sharing of documents, assign presentations that can't be left at home, and equalize the playing field between have's and have not's. As if attempting to direct forty-seven juniors through google docs doesn't add stress, my team teaching partner and I were awarded a Smartboard. We love it, no more overheads, one machine does it all (well, not quite), we grade themes by bringing up the "doc" and grading, snap a picture, convert to pdf and save. It will then be returned to the student AND NO PAPER WAS USED! I follow a guy on Twitter who goes by "Teach Paperless" and he is an inspiration. Oh, I am trying to use Twitter on a regular basis and I am seeing potential classroom applications every day. However, I am going to two days of training on Blackboard this week and so I have another technology to learn and implement. Oh, I will turn fifty-six in October and my brain hurts. One question, why do many administrators when faced with a decision between FREE and pay choose to pay? My American Government teachers have successfully used Moodle for three years but we have to use Blackboard. Free vs pay. I don't understand. We didn't get a pay raise but we got Office 2010, Caterpillar Tractor Company uses Office 2003. Open Office is free, why do we need 2010? I know the pay guys add some bells and whistles but FREE is FREE......I have lived in a home without cable television and survived, I don't own a smartphone and the sun still rises in the morning, I drive a manual transmission Toyota that gets 40 plus mpg on the highway and it's not a Hybrid. Help me understand why complicated is better. Where is Thoreau when I need him?

Back To School

2010-08-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

It is the time of year when our department celebrates retirements, retirees, and returning to school. Each year the week before school our Social Studies Dept. members, spouses, and children share a meal, memories and anticipation about the coming year. It is a special time for me because I touch base with former members and introduce new members to their new second "family." We are somewhat unique in that I hire people who I believe will make great teachers but also people I believe will bond with co-workers and form a team that shares ideas, struggles, joys and successes. I want people who are open with others, who take advice, give advice, can agree or disagree and be professional. I get to work each day with people who meet this criteria and exceed it. For those of you who don't hire in this manner........reconsider. All of the background relationships are what make us successful in the classroom, none of us stand alone, we are supporting one another at a variety of levels and that is what benefits our students. It is part of the reason when students have the schedule space they fill it with a Social Studies credit. Our family of teachers cares for each other which makes it easier to care for our students. Have a great school year!

Doing More With Less

2010-08-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128953596&ps=cprs
I know most of us don't want to live with the crowding that the Japanese have to endure on a daily basis, however, the article explains the use of "micro-houses" to provide a small personal space and not waste more resources than necessary. Americans need to examine this concept carefully and consider whether they need all the space they have.

It Never Ends

2010-08-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Just finished the introduction to Connecting Teachers, Students, And Standards by Voltz, Sims and Nelson. Another book written by educators who don't get it or who do get it and won't dare write it. We are not all the same, programmers don't work in a team with the window washers, engineers at Caterpillar don't work in a team with the chip wheeler, they are entirely different skill sets. As a Social Studies Dept. Chair I integrated nearly all students into our Freshman level Global Studies classes over twelve years ago. I even used the same arguments as the authors, that the lower ability student will learn from observing the higher ability student. Every year we continue to modify our curriculum to try and raise the bar for that lower achieving student and for the majority of lower achievers it doesn't work. We are "teaming" students who will never be teamed in life. I don't want a "dumbed down" curriculum for lower achievers, I want a more direct intervention curriculum that involves parents, counselors, job shadowing, vocational education, technology and regular classes.

Oh, that part about lower ability students observing higher ability students and picking up habits.....we have not seen that happening. In fact, we can't even mix abilities in our cooperative learning groups because the lower ability student has caught on that the upper ability student will do the work if they just wait. We have gone to grouping by grades, top four grades, next four, next four and so on. Yes, that cruelly leaves the bottom four together but we have found that usually one or two of them step up and get the task done! It appears to mirror our larger society where if I just wait, someone will take care of me. Wow, school hasn't started and I'm depressed.

Most educators don't get it, we have the technology to guide students while they work independently. They can contact us with questions (oh, forgot, most of that stuff if used during school hours will get you a detention), allow us to edit writing on-line, share documents between themselves (oh, they might cheat???), but most schools are terrified. IT IS THE 21st CENTURY, time to start teaching students for their future and not my past. Oh, can a history teacher say that?

Remember, be nice and work hard.

Change

2010-08-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

We are caught up in a fast changing world. When I look at this image of our sons and they are now 28 and 30 I think where did the time go. We didn't own a computer (1984), cell, and hadn't even thought of all the other technology that we now take for granted. We camped in a tent, told stories, read books, and saw most of the U.S. before our sons moved out for good. We have memories that will last a life-time. As I tweet, blog, and e-mail I wonder if anyone will remember five minutes from now let alone 26 years later. Memories are made through an investment of time and energy. Camping memories require a lot of effort and most of them are only fun years later when you look back. I think of families who are taking children as young as ours in the picture on vacations to Disney World, cruises to Mexico and other exotic places.......error. The everyday struggles of a camping trip, cold, wet, maybe bugs, maybe snow, maybe......pit pots, are really needed in a world where we think constant communication and contact is needed. Walden is where 90% of us need to go, 10% are probably there or just returning. Take time to enjoy your journey.

Palisade View of the Mississippi

2010-07-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

What did the early explorers of the Mississippi Valley see? How wide and deep was the river? How did they handle bugs? Video is from an overlook on one of the trails. In our modern age of channels, levees, ballast, and all the other means of controlling the river (ha!) I can lose vision of what the river would have looked like 200 years ago. It is nice to stand at an overlook and dream.

Mississippi Palisades State Park

2010-07-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

Went camping to MPSP last Sunday afternoon and returned home Wednesday morning. Yes, it was hot, humid, and buggy. It was also relaxing, refreshing, and renewing. There is nothing like the outdoors to bring priorities to life. The area had received over 11" of rain on the Friday before our arrival so flooding was common. It is kind of strange to drive and see whole fields buried in mud. Train cars had been swept off the track in Savanna and the bridge for cars had to closed because all ballast had been washed away and piers were twisted.

Rumors

2010-07-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

No Child Left Behind. What a noble cause, what a grand idea, who could disagree? Every child can learn to read, write, do math and science at a proficient level on the ACT? Don't even want to waste space when the rumor mill has provided me some food for thought and for wondering why no publication ever digs into the "data" schools and the state provide. Is it accurate? Has it been manipulated? Are all schools doing the exact same thing? Who has time to check into the behind the scenes stuff when we can pick on the dumb teachers and they can't defend themselves?

Graduation rate: figured on those students who earn their credits to graduate by June 30 of the school year. What if the student takes summer school and it ends on July 6 or 7 and they get their diploma then? Rumor, some administrators count them on the next years graduating class. So if one student drops out you have one who graduated the previous summer school and that would balance that out.

Reclassification of students: who takes the PSAE? All third year high school students? All students who have earned junior status? Only those students who have taken Algebra II and Chemistry can be called juniors?? Where did this one come from? Rumor, an area district is going to this way of classifying students to keep the lower performing crowd from taking the test. I thought all students had to have their transcripts stamped that they took the PSAE, could this really be happening? Rumors.

Bottom line, the race to higher test scores must stop. There is no connection between high test scores and the ability to compete for jobs on the world stage. China and India have the future, their top 10% outnumber our entire student population. We need to teach our students how to be outstanding employees, how to think, problem solve, speak, work within a diverse group, get along well with others, we need to drop this idea that all students need four years of math and four years of English. The truth is, they don't. The life skills will be far more valuable. We have always known this but politicians like to get elected and so they get involved in things of which they have no understanding. You know, education, the economy, the budget, paying bills on time, telling the truth, working well with others, problem solve, etc. Oh, kind of looks like a list I wrote earlier in this blog.

Race to the _______________

2010-07-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

Schools are jumping on the "Race to the Top" bandwagon. Throw out teacher tenure, fire the bums! For our particular district signing on to race to the top would have meant about $70,000 (school of 2100 students) or the same money Pepsi gives us each year to allow their machines in our school. Someone hired the "bums," someone evaluated the "bums" and allowed the "bums" to continue on and finally be granted tenure based upon an evaluation process. Seems we might want to consider who needs to be fired. By the way, what is the average administrator district tenure in Illinois?

Truly Dare to be Different

2010-07-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

Reading the latest news regarding teacher evaluations, pay for performance, tenure, and you name it. I have a radical idea. Everyone is paid on the same scale within a district. From the superintendent to the first year teacher, all move on the same salary schedule. I have heard all administrators say there is no more important work than what goes on in the classroom; let's keep the best teachers in the classroom. All professional school employees would move to a year around schedule, all would have the same vacation time, when no students are present teachers would be free for in-services, meetings, curriculum work, data analysis, technology training, and so on. This is also when classroom teachers would plan their vacation time. Don't like that one?

Every ten years all administrators, deans, department chairs, and counselors return full-time to the classroom from whence they came. New people, new ideas, new favorite programs, new directions, lower salaries would enter and have their shot at improving the school. This would keep the people who are always telling teachers what to do in touch with the ever-changing student attitude, new technology, and new initiatives. It would also allow those who constantly criticize the administration a chance to walk in the shoes of someone else. Sorry no changing districts to avoid the ten year rule, it is ten years and out, don't care how many different schools were involved. Everyone in education needs to revisit the classroom. Oh, consultants..........you must teach full-time for four years out every ten(two years consecutive). I want someone who walks in my shoes for the entire school year demonstrating what they did and why I should use this instructional model.

Bottom line, parents and income are the best indicator of how a student will do in school. Why doesn't either political party talk about evaluating parents and publishing their scores? Failing scores for seven consecutive years and the parent must ___________________. Politicians should fill in the blank. Standardized tests measure socio-economic level and not a whole lot more. Why do you think middle and upper class schools always do better? The honest truth, parents and life opportunities. Neither political party will touch the real issue of American education when it is so easy to beat up the defenseless teacher.

Thoughts

2010-07-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

We live in the post-modern era. Many of our young people are taught by those who have no definite moral compass. No God. We are only a product of our heredity and environment. The Enlightenment philosophers began the journey and it has continued with minor impediments ever since. Technology of the last fifty years has really picked up the pace with which the antitheistic philosophies have spread. While the antitheist picks upon those of Christian faith for their attacks on their fellow man in the crusades, a survivor of Auschwitz, Viktor Frankl, gives an interesting response on how Auschwitz happened.

"If we present man with a concept of man which is not true, we may well corrupt him. When we present him as an automaton of reflexes, as a mind machine, as a bundle of instincts, as a pawn of drive and reactions, as a mere product of heredity and environment, we feed the nihilism to which modern man is, in any case, prone. I became acquainted with the last stage of corruption in my second concentration camp, Auschwitz. The gas chambers of Auschwitz were the ultimate consequence of the theory that man is nothing but the product of heredity and environment--or, as the Nazis liked to say, "of blood and soil." I am absolutely convinced that the gas chambers of Auschwitz, Treblinka, and Maidanek were ultimately prepared not in some ministry or other in Berlin, but rather at the desks and in lecture halls of nihilistic scientists and philosophers."

Nietzsche and Kant have had to give an account to the Creator they denied. Yet today, we seem to be bent upon removing every vestige of religious teaching from the public eye. There is no historic evidence that says antitheism has a better track record for moral behavior than religious belief. An issue with antitheism is that it encourages immoral behavior for many by denial of any "Supreme Being." Humans have never done very well with the freedom they seem to so desire. I don't deny that some people of faith don't always do well demonstrating their faith but the same is true for those who claim antitheism as their faith. At least my faith teaches me what behavior is appropriate and what is inappropriate. Where does the antitheist learn these freedoms and limits?

Parenting

2010-06-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

We had our Men's Gathering at FUMC Peoria on Monday night. Our study time was difficult, it dealt with being a dad. We read Hebrews 12:1-12 and Ephesians 6:1-4. Aaron then directed us to a hand-out where he had summarized four "landmarks" from Ephesians. These came from the book, Point Man, by Steve Farrar. I had read this book during our Basic Training class and it is a powerful read for all fathers. But, the four main points Aaron wanted all men to think about as they raise children:
Fathers should raise their children.....
1. with Fairness. Habitual unfairness over the years results in an accumulation of anger that eventually embitters children toward their father.
2. with Tenderness. There are many facets of tenderness, including sympathy, compassion, responsiveness, warmth, and kindness.
3. with Firmness. To refuse to discipline a child is to refuse a clear demand of God, for a child who doesn't learn to obey both parents will find it much harder to learn to obey God. READ THIS ONE AGAIN!
4. in Christ. When a father disciplines and instructs his children in the admonition of the Lord, he is under the quality control of the Holy Spirit.

Young fathers don't realize they will spend many hours contemplating these very issues when their children are grown and gone. I encourage fathers to address the issues at every age, every day and then they won't have to wonder how did I do. I am not going to reveal the discussion our table of men had regarding the rating they gave their own father on each issue. It gave each of us pause to think.

Thought

2010-06-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed. Albert Einstein

Power of Decision: Leaving the Boat

2010-06-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

Our church is having worship services in the tradition of other Protestant denominations. We have had an Orthodox style and today it was worship in the Baptist tradition. Our directing pastor's wife is also ordained and comes from the Baptist tradition so she had the message. Her scripture basis was from Mark 1:16-20 and Matthew 14: 22-33 and the focus of her message was two-fold, the calling of the disciples and Peter walking on water. Things from the message that really struck me were how the fishermen, when called, dropped their nets and followed. They gave up their identity as fishermen and the security of their work for the unknown. What is it that I hesitate to give up that hinders my totally following Jesus Christ? Why do I think that God needs to hear my opinion? Why do I think that all the things I do are more important than the call to "follow Me?" The truth is, the disciples are a miracle in that they followed. Jesus didn't have try-outs. He called, they followed. The "training" was on the job and usually they didn't get it. Bottom line, the Holy Spirit was very capable of empowering these men as will happen later at Pentecost. I need to decide if I am willing to follow Christ and discern what that means. Christy made a comment in her message that when Peter began to sink he discovered we are not created to go it alone. We each need Christ every minute of every day. Jesus calls us to get out of the boat so we can live more abundantly. As we leave the boat, His hand will reach out and lift us above the storm.

Copper Harbor, Michigan First Night

2010-06-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

Isle Royale photos

2010-06-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

Home Again

2010-06-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

Arrived home from our journey north last night. We had a wonderful trip to Isle Royale National Park. Great boat trip out to the island, fair trip back. It was so nice to be away from cars, phones, e-mail and television. Vicki found a four night package deal that included meals, transportation, one local boat trip and a canoe rental. The meals were outstanding, not many choices but the food was fine. We had the pleasure of helping train four young ladies from China. They are working here for the summer as they study the tour guide program in their homeland. I can't imagine going to China and taking orders in a restaurant for a summer. One young lady said it was her second summer and she really enjoyed the work. Another benefit, you save money because there isn't much to spend it on. The weather is interesting, foggy, overcast, drizzle, Portland type. We had one really sunny day and it was warm but otherwise.....fall like temps. Flowers are beautiful and the loons are fun to watch. Take books and relax or spend the day hiking. Trails are rough, lots of rocks and roots to dodge so it is hard to navigate. I really can't imagine lugging the 50 pound backpack over some of the trails we hiked.

Bike Trip II

2010-06-08T16:53:00.000-07:00

Completed my second bike trip to Winona, Minnesota last Sunday afternoon. Four teachers, two young (under 40 and under 30) and two not so young (over 55). We left Kewanee, IL on Wednesday (June 2) and 360 miles of wind, rain, rollers, and hills later we arrived at our destination. It was wonderful! Tom and I were making our second trip and Kirk and John their first trip. John was unsure if he would finish but with food like that shown in the photo he easily answered the challenge. This trip was very different for me, I actually was able to use my mountain gear so I could climb EVERY incline we encountered. I didn't even get nervous when the pack of little dogs (10) tried to rush me toward the top of one particularly intense climb. Tom was able to Twitter our trip and that was fun for my wife. Longest climb went over 2 miles which may not seem like much to some of you but it will sure take it out of an older guy. It is also the angle of the climb that makes it difficult! Great food, great conversation, life-long memories, this is one of those experiences that bond people together at many different levels. :-)

If You Can't Sing It

2010-05-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday worship with Pastor Bob, even for methodical Methodists can be fresh and new. Today we focused on the concept of music and singing in worship. Our service went as follows:
Prelude: Medley of Just a Closer Walk with Thee and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot with Janet Kaizer on the piano.
Introit: Nothing But the Blood of Jesus by one of our children's choirs
Call to Worship
Scripture: Psalm 150
Hymn: O For a Thousand Tongues
Scripture: Ephesians 6: 10-11
Hymn: Soldiers of Christ, Arise
Scripture: Colossians 3: 16
Hymn: Sweet Hour of Prayer
Some church stuff
Prayer Response song: Jesus Loves Me
Offertory: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Presentation of Tithes and Offerings: I Stand Amazed (v. 1)
Scripture: Psalm 100
Hymn: Victory in Jesus
Sermon: If You Can't Sing It
Hymn: What Wondrous Love is This
Closing Hymn: I'll Fly Away
Postlude: Sanctified Janet Kaizer on the piano

At the heart of our faith is singing. No matter where you go, when Christians gather there is music and song. Pastor Bob said some Methodists even think if you can't sing it, you needn't believe it. Our music helps express what we believe. All major doctrines of the faith can be addressed in song. Music also helps us express what we feel about what we believe. Martin Luther has been rumored to have battled depression and believed it was song that raised him from the depth of darkness because Satan can't sing. If you church has never stepped out and done a service similar to what we did today, go for it. Your congregation may need to select newer songs depending upon the Christian age of the congregation but for this 50+ believer it was a real blessing to sing hymns that have meant a lot to me throughout my maturing years.

House

2010-05-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

The siding guys are here. It is hard to admit you can't get something done. It is even harder to admit that maybe the job was beyond your skill in the first place. Anyway, they are working and I'm hiding in the basement kind of ashamed that I couldn't get the project finished. Pictures will be posted when the work is complete.

Why Can't We Be Satisfied?

2010-04-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

I've written before about the class I have been taking this year. Saturday morning we discussed "serving for the long haul" under the larger topic, "Finding Your Role in God's Family." Assignments for the week included listening to Bill Hybels speak on "Reading Your Gauges." In that presentation he identified four mismanaged areas of our lives that lead to the wheels coming off. One, our pace of life which leads to economizing or pushing back those things that are really important in order to keep up the pace of those things we believe are important; two, emotions, we must remain emotionally healthy to produce fruit and if life is emotionally depleting we will be ineffective in doing what God has placed us here to do. Third, relations, pace of life gets to be too much, our emotions drag and our relationships suffer, usually those relationships that should be most important, to our God, our wife, our children. Fourth, spiritual life, one plus two plus three equals four. Remember Titus 3:5.
Then an article by Doug Sherman entitled, "God First, Family Second....Right?" Excellent article that is a rebuttal to old adage God first, family second and so on. He views God in all things and so sets up a pentathlon model where there is no rank but God permeates our entire life. "How can we live in obedience to God as our free time diminishes and the demands on it increase?" Chapter 12 in John Ortberg's book, "The Life You've Always Wanted" discusses a similar model.
Finally, a part of our study and discussion centered around "management of my spiritual life."
1. Am I in a position where God can speak to me?
2. Am I sensing God's love in my life?
3. Is there infrequent personal application of God's Word?
4. Is my Christian life reduced to a rut of routine?
5. Is my prayer life mechanical at best?
Why can't we be satisfied with enough? Why are we always chasing more? Bigger house, next promotion, more time at work, less time at home? As someone closer to sixty than fifty I can reflect on the time invested pursuing what the world holds important instead of what is really important. In the big picture I see that whether I drive a Lexus or a Corolla won't matter one bit. Whether I have the biggest house with the perfect lawn.....it doesn't matter; what matters is whether I have taken the time to develop the right relationship with God which in turns helps me focus on having right relationships with my wife, my children, my job and everything else. I'm not Buddhist so don't assume that because I find wisdom in their Dharma Wheel I am recommending Buddhism. Christians must focus on developing the right relationship with our Lord so that out of that all other relationships have the potential to develop correctly.

Last Colorado video

2010-04-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

Final video of our family gathering in Estes Park, Colorado. Adjustment back to school has been difficult due to the above average temperatures. I have been out on the bike more and am trying to get ready for a ride to Minnesota in June. I already have more miles logged than I did in 2008 when I made the ride with a fellow teacher. Of course the lack of seat miles caught up with me and I was forced to cut the trip short.

Bierstadt Lake

2010-04-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day for being out in the snow.

Hiking

2010-04-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

Video is of the Gem Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Even though we were later in the day this would be beautiful in the early morning. Some great views of Estes Park. Lake was still frozen solid.

Tracking

2010-04-13T04:20:00.000-07:00

Just read a post by Ross Crockett on the Committed Sardine website and he made an interesting comment about tracking. "Apprenticeships have long been popular in Europe, but workforce--oriented high school training is not nearly as common in U.S. schools. One reason is that such programs sound dangerously similar to tracking--sorting students by ability level, a practice repeatedly rejected in U.S. culture, in which the dominant philosophy is that all students should have opportunity to meet their full potential." I have been teaching in a high school setting for twenty-five years and trying to get an English department to reduce or rethink tracking was impossible until the past couple of years. The philosophy was that we have to track due to ability and not a thought was given to preparing students for the real job world. College does not guarantee a good income but there are apprenticeships (carpenter, electrician, plumber) that do provide good jobs with good income and we need to be preparing students in every subject for these types of jobs. American education is hung up on four years of math (not everyone needs it), four years of English (people will do well without it), two to three years of science (two years yes, more...........no) and two and one-half years of Social Studies (no comment, I'm the department chair so can't be fair). I have built homes for a living, didn't need calculus or trig, in fact I worked with my high school math teacher.....poor guy couldn't apply his geometry to building a house to save his life. This is where the real problem lies, we need to have people teaching math who have used the math in real world experience and can relate the theory and formula to actual situations. Tracking, in the negative, must go and be replaced by preparation for the real world.

Vacation video

2010-04-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

This video is of our cabin at Valhalla. We have been staying at this resort in Estes Park over the last 15 years. It is a wonderful location and the owners keep everything neat, clean and quiet. We highly recommend spending time here if you travel to Estes Park. It is also very close to the Dunraven which is an excellent place to eat! Another must do in Estes Park. We also highly recommend the Methodist Church for services and that is not just because we are United Methodists. We were in Cabin 9 which is the original home built in this area of Estes Park, 1904 was the year. The cabin has been updated and would sleep a small army but keep in mind there are only two bathrooms. This was the first of what we hope will be regular family gatherings to celebrate special times (Vicki and I will be married 35 years this June 21) but every time we can all be together is special.

St. Francis

2010-04-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Our pastor started a series of sermons on St. Francis. I never thought I would hear a sermon series in a Protestant church based on a Roman Catholic! That is true progress, believers are believers no matter the church title. We will be examining the ideas found in the prayer of St. Francis even though St. Francis didn't write the prayer (written in 1912??) the writing is based on his ideas. The prayer is as follows:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

I urge you to take time to read over these words and contemplate their meaning in your life.

Reflection

2010-04-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not one who enjoys having a picture taken let alone displayed but this image so captures who I am and what I enjoy that I included it. There is truly nothing like sitting in the mountains and contemplating a creator God who made all this. No random accident could have placed things in such order and something from nothing just doesn't hold water with those who study physics or math. As we continue this Holy Week walk may your thoughts return to the One who made all this and so deeply desires relationship with us that He gave His life that we might, through Him, have eternal life. I encourage all to read scripture in light of God reaching out to us to establish a relationship where all things are made new. May the blessings of this Easter season not be lost because your focus is on a rabbit, new clothes, or finding the right spiral glazed ham for the dinner. May your focus be on the One who makes all things new. God bless!

Estes Park

2010-03-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

Great hike to Bierstadt Lake. Temperature was great, sun was out and there were very few people. Ate dinner at the Dunraven Inn. Local place with outstanding food and service. It is truly one the must visit places in Estes Park. We ran into a small herd of mountain sheep just outside the town.

Gem Lake Trail

2010-03-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

Hike to Gem Lake (RMNP). Great weather, great day. Lots of snow at elevations where it is usually gone by now. Elk, deer and mountain sheep abound.

Taize'

2010-03-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

During Lent our church is having a Wednesday service that is very different from the noise of most Sunday mornings in America. The service is as follows:

Bell (3 rings) calls us to worship.

Our pastor welcomes us, explains the service and its history.
First Hymn: Glory to God

Glory to God, Glory to God
Glory in the Highest
Glory to God, Glory to God
Alleluia, Alleluia

Psalm 139 read responsively, Pastor Phillips reads the odd numbered verses and we respond with the even number verses. (very powerful)
Second Hymn: It is Good to Trust

It is Good to Trust in the Lord our God,
Trust and Hope in the Lord our God.

SILENCE for REFLECTION (no noise!, no background music, silence!!!)
Third Hymn: Bless the Lord

Bless the Lord, My Soul,
And Bless God's Holy Name.
Bless the Lord, My Soul,
Who leads me into Life.

Gospel Reading: John 13: 1-17 (different each week)
Fourth Hymn: Wait For the Lord

Wait For the Lord,
Whose Day is Near.
Wait for the Lord;
Be Strong, Take Heart!

Silence
Fifth Hymn: Come and Fill

Come and fill our hearts with Your peace.
You alone, O Lord, are Holy
Come and fill our hearts with Your peace,
Alleluia!

Prayer
The Lord's Prayer
Sixth Hymn: In the Lord

In the Lord I'll be ever Thankful
In the Lord I will rejoice!
Look to God, do not be afraid.
Lift up your voices,
the Lord is near;
lift up your voices,
the Lord is near.

Benediction
Passing the Peace of Christ

Amen.

Newark Restaurant

2010-02-21T15:23:00.000-08:00

Forgot to mention, should you ever travel to Newark, N.J. you must eat at Mix 27. Small in size but the food is outstanding. You will not be disappointed.

Art

2010-02-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

Just spent four days in Newark, New Jersey being immersed in American Art. The Winslow Homer to the left is just one example of the various works we examined. What an opportunity to soak up the beauty, the symbolism, and the history that is part of us. If you ever have time to spend in Newark, please don't miss their museum. It is small but the collection is quite a mixture and you will not be disappointed.

Quote: This is classic!

2010-02-08T17:59:00.000-08:00

It is easier to get into something than to get out of it.

- Donald Rumsfeld

And we had this man as Sec. of Defense?????

Worldview

2010-02-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

I have been watching a DVD series in Sunday School. Charles Colson and Rick Warren discuss the topic of worldview and how important a Christian worldview is to the health of our faith and our nation. I'm not going to write about the details because so many people in our nation put up barriers as soon as they hear the names of Colson and Warren. Much like the uproar over the "anti-abortion" ad by Focus on the Family during the Superbowl. What drivel! The "Women's Media Center president, Jehmu Greene, said the tackle showed an undercurrent of violence against women." Wow, we can beat the crap out of 90 year old Betty White and Abe Vigoda, we can make women sex objects (go daddy) without a peep, but dare run a positive message about life and the "other" worldview is all over it. Where was the outcry about abusing the elderly or using sex to sell a product? I truly think what disturbs me most is that many Christians were probably agreeing with the relativist worldview before the Superbowl and secretly were suspicious of the Focus on the Family ad. Anyway, four questions to think about:
1. Where did I come from?
2. Why is the world in such a mess?
3. Is there a solution?
4. What is my purpose?
Think very carefully, what is the connection of question 1 to question 2 and so on? Do you ever wonder why the Darwinian evolutionist supports protecting the spotted owl when Darwin's survival of the fittest dictates the spotted owl should go? They have not thought about their worldview. Do you ever wonder why many evangelical Christians want such harsh punishment systems knowing they have never deterred a crime? They have not thought about their worldview. When your grandparents talk about the "good old days" when people in small towns all held similar values it doesn't mean that all those people were "born again" Christians but, for the most part, they all carried the same moral training and like it or not, that training came from the local church. And what is even stranger, it wasn't one of those mega-churches, seeker churches, independent churches, make up your own name church, or come as you are churches. It was probably some form of Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian or, horror of horrors, Methodist (I am one of those.). They taught all who came similar moral anchors that held our society together. You didn't have to publicly testify that on day, month, year, I accepted Jesus Christ. It was thought we are all sinners on a journey to know the Truth that will set us free. I must confess that I believed you had to know the exact the moment you accepted Christ or it didn't count for squat. Wrong! People I now call friends, make me ashamed of my maturity in Christ, they simply grew up in the faith and cannot remember an exact moment they said, "I believe." We lost that Christian worldview, we let the relativists bombard us with inconsistent thought, and make us doubt. Carefully trace your answers, are they consistent, what is the logical extreme of your answer, what is the worst case direction your answer can lead? Have fun! Better have something for a headache. Thinking is tough!

Basic Training

2010-01-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

I have been involved in a 'Basic Training' class at church since September. Each Saturday for 2 hours a group of men gather, and discuss our homework for the week. We have books to read, Scripture to memorize, a bible study and questions to answer. We are currently in a module where we get to examine how we relate to our wives. In one chapter of Gary Smalley's book we had to answer 30 questions and then grade ourselves. I'll just give a few examples:
1. Do you make your wife feel good about herself?
2. Does your face spontaneously break into a smile when you see your wife?
3. Can you accept your wife as she is instead of having several plans to redo her?
4. Do you enjoy introducing your wife to your friends and acquaintances?
5. Do you believe you know at least five of your wife's major needs AND how to meet those needs in a skillful way?
6. Does your wife feel she's more important than anyone or anything else in your life other than God?
I'll stop but imagine answering 24 more of these thought-provoking questions. What a book, page after page that can make a marriage better because it makes me quit thinking about myself first and my wife second.

Winter Storm

2010-01-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

No school, the phone call that starts to wheels in motion, teachers to contact, sidewalks to clear, and snowshoes to use! I love walking through Mt. Hope and these are a collection of photos from this morning that show the peaceful setting that God through His weather can create.

Recommendation

2009-12-31T09:25:00.000-08:00

I am nearly finished with Catching Up or Leading the Way and recommend this book as essential reading in the fight against NCLB and testing as the way to determine student progress. Zhao traces the failure of centralized education in China, Japan, Singapore, and everywhere else it has been tried. His most powerful comments come in the form of comparing our history of scoring very low in tests that rank nations (we always have) and yet we continue to lead the world in innovation and places many people want to live. To reconcile this discrepancy one must always remember that the U.S. has valued creativity which leads to innovation and invention which keeps us on top. The high performing nations on standardized tests are all abandoning the centralized education system and moving toward decentralizing while the U.S. is moving in the opposite direction. Can someone explain???

The Joy of Cats

2009-12-16T23:46:00.000-08:00

Our home never lacks excitement. Boomer, the black and white cat, is taking liquid medicine for his bad breath while Rocky is on antibiotics for a bladder infection that returns about every six months. The vet told us the best cure was to give him a sex change operation, I had to wonder if humans have the same reason for doing that procedure?? We used to just do shots, easier to hit a cat with a needle than give one a pill but then we noticed he reacted to the shots and lost fur at the site of each shot. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that in a few years we would have a bald cat plus he didn't really enjoy that process either. So with cost and disfigurement we decided to return to pills. What an adventure.

Failed

2009-12-13T07:22:00.000-08:00

Video from August trip to Door County, just found time to upload. I guess getting sick has benefits.
The island shown in the video is wonderful, no motorized traffic of any kind. Various trails allow you to walk the entire outside loop of the island in less than three hours. There are nice beaches, picnic areas and tent camping. A very short boat trip takes you to the island where you can spend a few hours, the day or several days. The walk from the lighthouse down to the beach is exciting and well worth the few nervous points along the way. This is, by far, the better part of Door County. The northern side of the peninsula is for tourists, stay away if you want any kind of an outdoor experience. If you like dozens of expensive shops selling trinkets at inflated prices to rich city folks who think they are experiencing Walden then spend your time there but I would head for Washington Island and Rock Island.

Reading

2009-12-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading, "Why Don't Students Like School," by Daniel Willingham and since very few people ever find this blog I can write about what he says about tracking without fear of being discovered.

"I don't accept that some students are "just not very bright" and ought to be tracked into less demanding classes. But it's naive to pretend that all students come to your class equally prepared to excel; they have had different preparations as well as different levels of support at home, and they will therefore differ in their abilities. If that's true, and if what I've said in this chapter is true, it is self-defeating to give all of your students the same work. The less capable students will find it too difficult and will struggle against their brain's bias to mentally walk away from schoolwork. To the extent that you can, it's smart, I think, to assign work to individuals or groups of students that is appropriate to their current level of competence." (Willingham, p. 16-17)

Differentiation of instruction. If this became common practice, excellent practice, thoughtful practice, might some tracking be done away with? What if teachers were given the time to actually reflect on current practices with other teachers? Might this be accomplished?

While adding wild random thoughts. . .I have heard it said that there is no more important work in schools than what teachers do in their classrooms every day. As I sit here typing, the thought leaps to mind, then why are teachers paid far less than administrators. Even if we are of equal value then our pay should be closer to equal??? What if teams of teachers ran the schools and taught? Developed budgets, disciplined, counseled, and taught according to skills acquired through graduate classes? Time for reflection.

Long Time Writing

2009-11-03T17:20:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year. Shorter, cooler days, longer nights. After having four years of excuses our church offered a men's class on Saturday morning. Since September twelve of us have met from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in a class called "Basic Training." We are supposed to have about two hours of homework but since my brain doesn't memorize well I usually have to spend far longer to get my memory verse internalized. It has been wonderful. We have read several chapters of Ortberg's book, The Life You've Always Wanted and now several chapters of Farrar's book, Point Man. I have listened to taped messages by Howard Hendricks and Bill Hybels. I have been confronted with the disciplines of the faith. I have been found wanting in my commitment to serve. The week I had to memorize Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," I learned I am a very anxious person.
I am anxious because my house remodel hasn't been completed, I am anxious because I am not the teacher I desire to be, I am anxious because money is more of a stress than it was, I am anxious because my 92 year old dad isn't in good health and the list could go on. Why am I not thankful for a job, for a wonderful wife, for a loving family, for a church family that has brought blessings that we can never repay, for the people I work with who make going to work a pleasure instead of a pain, for a group of men meeting on Saturday morning who are willing to take a risk and share their joy and pain. Why am I anxious? I am told not to be. I am told to be thankful. I am resolving to allow the Lord God of all creation to begin a work in me, to change me, to take my anxious heart and mind and give me peace and rest.
May this same God do the same for you. Peace.

If your church doesn't have a Basic Training class for men, contact me and I will send the information. It will change your life.

Time

2009-09-30T15:44:00.001-07:00

Do you ever find time in short supply? I noticed it has been nearly a month since I last posted. How to summarize........a Dad in and out of his assisted living to ICU to a hospital room to a nursing home room, to ICU again, hospital room and now back to the nursing home. A wife having a biopsy (good report :-) ). A difficult class at school. Starting a 9 month study program with ten other men at church. Oh, a house remodel that has been stalled while I adjust to getting other things done. Thoreau wondered, does a person own things or do they own him? The older I get the easier it is to answer, I am owned.

The good news is that fall is here. The colors, the cool weather, an end to mowing, the harvest, raking leaves. I love this time of year. The God of creation is doing good work outside and in. ;-)

Odd Thoughts That Occur While Working

2009-09-07T15:04:00.001-07:00

As I read about our inability to have open and honest dialogue regarding health care I grow frustrated. As a fiscal conservative I operate from a viewpoint that man is fundamentally flawed (in need of a Savior) and given the opportunity will take advantage of the system (either rich or poor). As I listen to my more liberal friends they tend to believe man is fundamentally good and given the choice will make the proper choice most of the time. As I work on my house remodel project and have followed the honors heaped on Senator Kennedy, it started to occur to me that it is indeed liberals who believe man to be fundamentally flawed and numerous laws are necessary to control his behavior. If man were fundamentally good why would we have ever needed Title IX? The universities would have seen the obvious inequities between men's and women's sports and corrected them. If we were fundamentally good the Disabilities Act would never have been necessary, communities would have seen how difficult we were making life for those with physical handicaps and they would have banded together to correct those errors. We would never have needed a government to show us what ought to have been obvious.

I also question whether or not all the support for those in poverty has had any positive effect since the war on poverty other than to create a generational poverty problem for those of us in education. My idea is that you get five years of total support. Yes, one hundred percent support, housing, food, medical, dental, education, job training, counseling, and a two year old car. At the end of five years you are on your own. Not one dime more for the duration, not you, children or grandchildren. We must find a way to stop the attitude that is permeating high schools, someone has taken care of my grandparents, parents, and someone will take care of me. Why work hard in school, my parents have a apartment, cable tv, food, medical, etc. never mind they are a slave to the system. They have no freedom to travel, it looks like an easy life so why should I expect any more and why should I ever put forth effort? I get very nervous the liberal point of view regarding public aid is more of an enslavement mentality. Let's make the poor dependent upon the government for everything, they will vote for those of us who give them more but they won't be there to compete for the limited number of jobs we seem to have in this country. My mom grew up poor but because there was no support system provided by the government she pushed and pushed for each child to get an education and get a good job. No complaining about the teachers, no complaining about the homework, do it. Do it well and there will be a positive payoff. My teachers never had to read books about the "culture of poverty" and "other peoples children" because even if you were poor you raised your children to work and better yourself. Where did that attitude go?

I found it interesting to read the French Prime Minister admitting their social system is broke. They can't afford all the benefits, the debt is too deep, the benefits too expensive, major changes must be made and yet, call it what you will, we are following their path. We never see the errors of others, our arrogance is like a blinder, we never have a discourse on options, we blindly go where others have trod and failed. Government officials using Twitter to keep people posted is no substitute for real discussion, deep philosophical discussion about where we want this country to be in twenty-five or fifty years. We must stop looking beyond the two term max a president may serve. Fifty-nine percent of the population in the U.S. paying taxes, no matter the rate, cannot pay for an additional nine trillion in debt. The time to discuss is now.

School

2009-08-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

We began the second week of school and I finally feel as if I'm getting into the mode. Up at 5:10 and off for school by 5:50 is the goal. That means progress on the garage and house has slowed considerably. We finished the north side tonight and now we are ready to move to the front. There is only the south end where I have to be up in the air quite so high. That isn't enjoyable at all! None of this would be done without the help of my wife who climbs to the top of the scaffolding and nails, tapes, or generally does whatever must be done. I am so fortunate to have a partner in such projects. She did say that this is it, no more large-scale remodeling projects. My goal is that ever elusive $60 per month heating bill for the winter. Much care has gone into sealing cracks, taping the insulation joints and then wrapping the house in Tyvek. God has been good, no serious injuries and no fights.
It is amazing to have a wonderful partner in this life journey AND go to school and work with a great staff. The start of our year was a little different than most but our department members responded in their typical business-like manner. I think that is what frustrates me the most about NCLB, we work hard, we use best practices in our classrooms and because our test is the ACT we will never make adequate yearly progress. We are not a middle class school and most standardized tests measure economic class. Oh well, all we can do is keep on trying.

Therapy

2009-08-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

From the picture on the top to the picture on the bottom in less than a month! I don't feel bad for a mid-50's teacher who has made his mid-50's wife help on some pretty heavy lifting. Building something is therapeutic. The creating process to actually nailing one board to another is a great way for a teacher to spend their summer vacation. To the left was my 2007 garage project and now I am moving to the rest of the house and getting ready for new siding. I have begun to tear off the first layer of siding and then the second layer and finally wrap the old windows, install insulation board and tyvek. Then I will be ready to install the new siding. Who knows how long that will take.

Another Beautiful Day

2009-07-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

Got the north side of the garage sheeted today and I am set up to finish the south side tomorrow. South side will go much slower since there is a lot of flashing to finish. It seems as if this has gone on forever but I was reminded of a song our boys listened to when they were young and the words seem very appropriate for my hurry up mindset. The part I remember went, "have patience, have patience, don't be in such a hurry, when you get impatient, you only start to worry, remember, remember, that God is patient too," and by this point I get the message. Slow and steady will get the job done. The weather has cooperated and stayed unusually cool for July (where did all the horror stories about global warming go).

Getting There

2009-07-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

I really don't like heights anymore. I have just finished installing the roof on our new garage and I am sooooooo glad to have my feet planted on the ground. From the photo you can also see that I have finished installing the last gable end studs on the second floor. To give an idea of the height, my nine foot step ladder fits under the cross pieces toward the upper part of the interior. It is still a good thing for me to keep doing some things that stretch my confidences. They help me think things through, always plan for an emergency (if your plank snaps, lay flat and in five feet another plank will stop your fall) and never get in a rush to finish. With school about to start these are probably pretty good steps to remember in my classroom.

New Neighbors

2009-07-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

Just came in from taking this photo of our new neighbor. I think it is a Cooper Hawk but someone better than I would have to verify. The mother and father have a nest in the tree just two houses down from us I came across this one eating something. The partner was also on the ground but by the time I got home and got my camera it was too late. Truly amazing to watch this great bird eat. I have never seen hawks nest in town before. This is the third time I have seen these two in yard and a person can listen to their cry from the tree when walking by.

Geometry

2009-07-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

I hate algebra. I never saw a use for it. Geometry is beautiful, just look at all the shapes in one photo. You will never find this in an algebra photo.
I am at the frustration point in the construction, the fun and easy parts are done. I have to pay attention or I'll mess up or worse, get hurt in the fall. I'm ready to turn it over to someone else. In Sunday School today Frank shared a quote that was appropriate for me, "God is sovereign but you can't lean on a shovel and expect a hole." (Tommy Nelson) I was at the leaning point but now I'm ready to go again

Another Day

2009-07-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

Continued work on the north garage, I do not like being in the air without solid visible support. Today was installing the final two rafters on the south edge, face boards, and filling in the north gable end. Video clip shows Paul doesn't care for heights any more than I.

Garage Progress

2009-07-16T18:39:00.001-07:00

Tonight was the night. Rafters were set, racing against the rain that never came. Luke Stuber, Paul Schurter, Arlan Miller, and me. It was humid, the guy who decided to put a 12 pitch on the garage was crazy (me). But, once we figured out how to do this without killing anyone (put the youngest and strongest in the dangerous positions) it really went well. The difficult part of getting the sheeting in place comes next and then filling in the gable ends but that is another worry. Our thanks goes to neighbor Wayne for coming up with another 9' step ladder, my 8' was a bit short so having two 9' ladders made for much easier work for the height guys.

Video from Oregon Trip

2009-07-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

Video clip from a hike we took while visiting Samantha and Michael in Portland. Great day, great company, great hike. God is good, His creation is amazing.

Current Project

2009-07-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

Living in an older home is interesting. Over the years there were attempts to "update" things. Carpeting laid over oak floors is one I still have yet to comprehend. The original owner of our home got tired of walking two blocks to a garage so he bought a garage from someone, dismantled it, and put it up next to his house. That worked well for years and years but then termites and other "updates" by owners over the years took a toll on the venerable garage. We knew there was termite damage and so the year we moved in I hired American Pest Control to rid the premises of the pesky critters. Ahhhhhh, the damage was already done. Tearing the old garage down I found the garage door header had been chewed literally to pieces. Every corner was eaten and the sill plate was just about gone. Anyone reading this who thinks you can treat your own home for termites.....you can't. Pay the professional, you are just postponing the day of reckoning. I will try and post updates on my progress. I may even be able to find a good picture of the garage header to post.

Pine State Biscuits

2009-07-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

The picture to the left is from the Pine State website. These are the best biscuits ever. If you are in Portland (Oregon) be sure to either stop at their Farmer's Market location downtown or go to their hole-in-the-wall location. My wife claims their mushroom biscuits and gravy are amazing. I had a sausage/egg biscuit which was out of this world. Travel really is fun.

Life

2009-07-11T17:03:00.001-07:00

Rail bridge that has been turned into a bike path bridge in rural Nebraska. We walked about a half mile and then got on the bridge. It was amazing, the prairie in all its glory and a bridge allowing the easy transport of goods across a river valley. We need that transport in our life, a way to cross those valleys that inevitably enter our life. Not that I always want things to come easy but having Christ provide a bridge to make the difficult times more manageable is sure nice. He is faithful, always present, always desiring relationship, no matter where we have been, what we have done, Christ can be that bridge to help us over the rough spots that life brings.

The Trip

2009-07-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

My wife and I have returned from our travels to Portland to see our son and daughter-in-law. Three weeks, one week driving out, ten days in Portland and the trip home. The picture on the left was a little 1950s camper we ran into at a gas station. A whole group of these little mini vehicles had driven from Key West on their journey to Alaska. What man can create! The picture on the right was taken on the Oregon coast. We spent a day traveling a small section from Fort Clatsop to Tillamook. Wonderful day, beautiful views. It was also wonderful to spend time with our children. It is always good to watch children grow up and turn out to be great human beings. We were able to attend their church, which did take me back to a Rich Mullins concert, the pastor wore no shoes or socks, taught the Word and asked thoughtful questions. A blessed time in the Lord.

Read this book!

2009-06-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Who Knows?

2009-06-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

This flower has grown under the care, feeding, and nurturing of my wife and our Creator. Last Sunday our pastor addressed the question, "Who knows how we will end up?" He discussed the erosion of faith in our country because the economic crisis, the relentless battering of the media, and the lack of understanding by Christians that they are God's children. "The world may fall apart but we know where we will end up. The God of tomorrow is the God of today. As we walk with Him we know Him more and more so we trust Him more and in times of crisis what is inside us becomes the outside." These words struck me deeply. Because of the lack of depth in my spiritual walk with the Lord I become easily frustrated with our culture. I become angry with political leaders, economic leaders and life in general. I forget upon Whom and what my foundation is built. I can only influence those I am in contact with and my life must reflect the joy and hope I find in the Lord. "God came to give us confidence to take a stand. Today we tend to live in fear, we are called to live in the confidence of a creator who has promised to guide us AND direct us." We must be confident to step into the future and walk with Him and walk like Him. " from Tim Bias and I John 3)

Extreme Makeover Schurter Edition

2009-06-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

What better way to get a group of guys together than tell them they can wreck something? I have an old termite riddled garage that must go to make way for a new garage. I am probably the only person in central Illinois who lives on a corner lot and can enter a garage from either street. The destruction began on May 30 and the final fall came on June 6 (D-Day). No major injuries occurred during the filming process! I must express my thanks to Dennis Koch of Koch Konstruction for hauling away the first load of junk. There is more to haul and you will be paid.

Tour de Casey's 2009

2009-06-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

June 5, school has been out for two days and we are finally hitting the road for the first annual Tour de Casey's. Blaine, newly graduated senior, Tom, my team-teaching partner and I are leaving Pekin High School at 7:00 a.m. bound for Tremont, Hopedale, Minier, Mackinaw, Morton and finally Groveland where we will stop at every Casey's. I have ridden all of 100 miles in 2009 and we rode 55 miles in one day most of the final 25 miles into a fairly steady headwind. Overall the day was fantastic, the Casey's donuts were supurb, the G2 cold, second breakfast at the Mackinaw Family Restaurant was outstanding and my legs were shot. We were only yelled at once by a driver who didn't know how to pass bicyclists riding single file. This is a great time of year to ride and the winner of the outstanding Casey's was Minier. All you bicyclists.....this route is a great ride and there are dozens of others in Tazewell County that would equal it. Cycling is a great way to truly enjoy the outdoors, even though Blaine had his Blackberry out at every stop and had to listen to two teachers discuss the "voice" of each community we passed through the day was great. My apologies for the lousy video, my legs were shaking so bad from lack of training and riding with people who could be your children is getting more difficult each year. My thanks to both of these guys for allowing the old fat guy to ride along. It means a lot. Oh, Groveland....I couldn't face riding another mile north and then back to head home....next year!

Chicago

2009-04-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

Light and shadows interest me. They hide and reveal. The can show hope and despair. These were taken on our recent field trip to Chicago. Federal Reserve Bank on the left, Sears Tower on the right.

The Question No One Wants To Discuss

2009-04-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

When does aid move from help to enabling?

Premise: That I am obligated to assist those in need. This is a command from Christ. However, at what point has my assistance allowed a person to become dependent upon assistance and never seek to break that bond?

We have lost a war on poverty, we have lost a war on drugs, when do you raise the white flag and admit defeat and start over in a new direction? For example, we have such a large government system that employs thousands built around these two areas that nothing will ever change. Do humans need to be free to fail?