Weekend at Grandma's

Lily stayed with me last weekend when her parents went to New York. We had a great time. A few of Lily's activities included trying on her Grandma's Crocs, showing off her new barrette from Target, playing at the Sherwood Acres Park, and making noise with the squirrel chasers.

Dancing with my Dad

I never had many baby sitters growing up. My parents usually took me with them. Consequently, I had the opportunity to attend high school dances at Jefferson when I was in elementary school. If you look closely, you will notice I even had my own corsage. It is no wonder that I have always enjoyed dancing. I am a big fan of Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance.

In the Company of Great Ones

When we were at Kent State recently, I mentioned to D that I wanted to show him a picture of my boyfriend in 5th grade. I had noticed it during one of the Rootstown graduations when the teachers were waiting to line up. I pointed out Tommy. (Dr. Thomas Reuschling), one of the recipients of the Distinguished Teaching Awards at Kent. Then we started looking at the rest of the pictures. We saw several people we knew such as Dr. Carolyn Brodie, a professor of mine in library school and Chaz Baker, a fellow musician of D's. They have played many gigs together. And then there was author, poet and teacher Maj Ragain. We think he is wonderful person and appreciate what he has done on many levels.

Family Reunion

Last Wednesday evening we met my brother Ron and his wife Linda in Ashtabula County for dinner. We seldom see each other as they live in Arizona. We had a pleasant dinner at an Italian restaurant in Geneva. The Watsons just retired from their positions in the Lake Havasu Public Schools. They decided to spend their first free time hanging out in Ohio.

Celebrating Pastor Jack

This is the weekend that celebrates Jack's retirement and 40 years of being in the ministry. Last night we went to the Aero's game. Jack attended all the festivities despite having had an operation last Monday. I guess we should have had someone else take our picture. D took it. We are not centered, and he looks like he forgot his teeth. Ken, Nancy, Molly, Mason and Mitchell Marquette went to the game, too. Today there was a reception at Kent State.

Tooting my own horn

I had a real surprise today. At the end of the assembly at school today, I received the Teacher of the Year Award. What a wonderful honor. I truly enjoy working with the staff and students at Tallmadge Middle School.

This was a bargain.

We were in Borders recently, and checked out the bargain table. I bought Teacher Man by Frank McCourt on CD for $1.00. There are 9 CD's included. I am on number three right now. McCourt tells of his thirty years of teaching in New York City high schools. I will be glad to loan this to others when I am finished.

You Can Always Tell a Stewart

Stewarts have certain characteristics. One is their chin. It tends to look somewhat pointed when they are thinking. Stewarts are well known for being able to keep secrets. Occasionally they look grumpy. They also are very creative and interested in books and education. Here you see Howard Stewart and his great-niece Elizabeth Willis Dillow (Circa 1977). They are separated by generations, but united in their Stewart family traits.