Happy Birthday, Sister . . .

Today is my sister's birthday. Happy Birthday, sister. We love you and miss you -- so much.

A Perfect Day . . .

We made it to the beach! What a beautiful place! This is a "tuna boat" so called by the locals because all the tourists are packed like tuna :). It looked like fun. We waved and they waved back. It's a ferry ride around the harbor.

I like this picture because you can see a lighthouse out in the ocean, the different boats and especially the old ship, also ferrying tourists.

And there they go! It was amazing to see - such a good replica of those ships in the history books. I want to say galleons - yes?

Terminal Island:

My sister and brother-in-law took us to see a memorial to honor first and second generation Japanese citizens prior to World War II. History has it that after the attack on Pearl Harbor, all the adult males were incarcerated by the FBI and the rest of the inhabitants were forced to evacuate their homes within 48 hours. They were sent to internment camps. The entire village was razed to the ground. This was a thriving village, a seaport with shops, restaurants, homes and schools. In 2002, the surviving second generation setup this memorial on Terminal Island to honor their parents.


Intricate statues of Japanese citizens doing their work.


If you look at the glass image in a certain way, you are able to see what the village looked like in its thriving years.

After dinner, we went for a walk on the beach. I think this is what it's all about. Being with my husband who loves me very much and my sister and brother-in-law. It was good to walk with her and talk. We talked about our sister and our feelings. We hugged, we cried. We have the same feelings about life and we are trying to get through it. With everything that had been going on in our lives, we were able to talk about our children and our hopes for the future. I am so proud of her and what she continues to do in her life. She is my special little sister and I love her so.


One last look before we got ready to go home. So wonderous... I think in our next lifetime, we will come back living near the ocean :).

Little Sister

Happiness is hearing from my little sister at a time when I really need someone to talk to. I am so blessed. I absolutely love her.

Did not make it to the beach this last weekend, but that's ok, because my honey was home. I love him so.

I was telling my sister that one of the reasons I want to go see her is because I want to face the ocean and just "scream!" Then I think I'll feel better :)! Seriously, I think I need to do just that. Then I'll cry...

Life. So painful.

I'll be ok.

Life continues . . .

Yesterday my VP came in to my classroom, sat down and observed for about 10 minutes. Jotted down a few comments and was on his way. Upon reading, he first complimented my students and their ability to respond to questions asked. Then he asked me, "Can the children see the Theme Board (Phonics, vocabulary, etc.) behind the computers? My first response was "Yes!" Then I started to think about it. My classroom has had the same set-up for years. I never noticed any problems with it, but his question left me perplexed. Came home, thought some more. Then when I got to work this morning, it clicked. I moved the computers away from my Reading area and rearranged everything, including desks. I was amazed by how nice and functional my room looks now. The children loved it. We actually were able to read the Theme board. It took someone from outside my classroom to truly see what I could not. I thanked my VP and he came over right away to check it out. I had heard lots of positive comments about him (he is new this year), but this was the first time I saw how much he cares for our school and us. A good WIN! (That's what he calls positive outcomes :).

Talked to my mom. She sounds good. She found out that a good friend of hers and my dad passed away yesterday. Too much sadness.

Talked to my little sister who lives near the beach and asked if I could come visit her this weekend. My honey is working away again and I need to go somewhere to meditate and regenerate.

When I first met my husband, he used to sit in a quiet way and meditate. I admired that in him because he was gentle and patient. When he was done, it seemed like he could accomplish anything he put his mind to. I need to do this. I feel unorganized, tired, and sad most of the time.

My little sister's home is so near the ocean that you can just walk about ten steps and you are there. It's beautiful and calm. I think it will help.

Thank you, Lord for family and friends. . .

"Home..."

Do you see Hagerman right above Twin Falls in the southern part of Idaho? This is where I grew up from 5th grade until I graduated from high school. My little sister and her family lives in Gooding which is slightly above Hagerman.

This is the Hagerman Valley. The Snake River winds its way through this valley which used to give us much diversion in our younger years -- fishing especially. Up above on the plateau, my dad used to have some of his farm land. Acres and Acres of farm land. He grew potatoes and beans, some sugar beets, too. (Would you believe I don't like potatoes all that much? I can eat one or two french fries, but that's it -the taste just does not appeal to me. My family loves potatoes :). But I do LOVE fish! Hence, the name of my blog :).

Ahhhh.... the famous Thousand Springs. Beautiful . . . beautiful. These springs come out of the canyon all along the beautiful Hagerman valley. They said they come from a lost river buried underneath the canyon.

My mama left today for Idaho -- she's going "home" for about 2-3 weeks with my little sister. She sounded so excited and happy to be going and I was happy for her, too. A little bitterweet since my sister always took her. She will be visiting with my sister and her family, my cousins, and many friends. I hope she has a good time, no, I know she will, but it will be sad, too.

She thought of taking my sister's ashes since "home" was where my sister wanted her ashes to be spread, but I don't think my mama is ready for that yet. She hopes to do it next year. God willing, we will accompany her.

Tomorrow is the beginning of a new work-week. Have a blessed week everyone. :)

Labor Day Weekend

Nice monsoon-y weather in early August. Stopped to take this picture on my way to work.

Saturday
Went up to the high desert to help my mom and while I was there the smoke was so heavy that even with the air conditioner on we could still smell it in the house. It literally looked like a fire storm was rolling down the mountain. Upon arriving home, I stepped outside to take this picture. You can see the dense cloud of smoke up in the sky. I live 45 minutes from my mom's house and the smoke had traveled this far. It was kind of eerie. By the way, it was about 7:00 - still daylight.

Yesterday, Sunday, our children came home to spend the day with me (my honey is working away this weekend -- his company doesn't believe in Labor Day, I guess -- darn them!). We had a very nice time visiting and grilling and eating. This picture shows the smoke swirling and wisping through the sky. The smoke is still from the Station Fire near Glendale.

Monday

Here we are today. That awful smoke still hangs heavily over the high desert. Thank God my mom went home to Los Angeles early yesterday. She said she could only see about 5 miles ahead of her all the way to the 14 freeway. I just hope our mountains won't catch on fire.

Labor Day has come and gone. It was nice to be with my kids. I love them so. Have a good week everyone!!

Yummy Caramel Apples... mmmm.....

The apple farm is safe!!!! OMG! We are so tired of these fires and hot, hot days. I am ready for a major cool down. Our little ones at school have not had recess or P.E. in about a week (at least it seems that long). The fire in Oak Glen is 75% out which is really great. What a job our firefighters have. Dedication...

I'm tired. We are in our 5th week of school and we are still moving forward at a fast pace. I definitely need a day off just to relax and veg. I want to sit by the beach and do absolutely nothing == just sit. Then I'll get up, walk on the sand, have a little dinner, and come back and sit and watch the sun set. Then I'll sleep. I need to sleep and not dream anymore. Not for a while anyway.

Labor Day weekend is around the corner. I'm glad. Have a good Thursday and Friday everyone.