A DAY AT THE WINERY
Written by Captain Mary on Sunday, September 28, 2008We arrived to find the ladies waiting for us, but the beauty of the gardens made their brief wait wonderful. The day perfect and it was great for our tour of the property at the Schnebly Winery, the gardens were beautiful and surrounded by several waterfalls that could be viewed from many angles.
KITTEN UPDATE
Written by Captain Mary on Saturday, September 27, 2008MY FRIDAY
Written by Captain Mary on Saturday, September 27, 2008Was looking forward to seeing the presidential debates later that evening, but I had my cable turned off. Well, since I really can't get enough of my friends I thought I would drop over to the Castle, where I showed up in my P.J.'s (inside out) and thought we would just be vegging on the sofa and enjoying the debates. A few phone calls incoming and there was a party, that often happens at the Castle, (Shelah & Jeff's Place), one at a time our friends showed up and the enjoyment of their company trumped the debate. After some time I noticed that I had my P.J.'s on inside out and corrected that, but I certainly couldn't correct the fact that I wasn't wearing a bra, so I tried to sit hunched over as not to call attention to what I call my oven mitts. Gravity you know. I caught a little here and there of the debate and was happy to hear that both candidates had significant stands on the questions that were asked, making my decision easier. Wasn't out too late because tomorrow will be an early day with the girls.
PERIPHERAL VISION
Written by Captain Mary on Wednesday, September 24, 2008ASHLEY'S ADVENTURES
Written by Captain Mary on Tuesday, September 23, 2008FOX NEWS REPORTS ON HOMESCHOOLING
Written by Captain Mary on Tuesday, September 23, 2008Homeschooling Surges in U.S. as Parents Reach for Legal Rights
Monday, September 22, 2008
By Shannon Bream
Homeschooling is no longer just an offbeat trend or an avant-garde educational choice. It is growing exponentially and its proponents are fighting for new legal rights in the U.S.
With more than 2 million home schooled students in the United States, parents' reasons for opting out of traditional public school are as varied as their demographics.
"It used to be that homeschooling was the domain of people on the two extremes of the political spectrum, and now you have families from every possible religious, political, philosophical, sociol economic position," said Celeste Land, chairwoman of the Government Affairs Committee for the Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers. "You name it, we've got it."
Land says many parents who decide to take on home education come to the decision after realizing they want more for their children than school districts are required to provide by law.
It's also the law that presents some of the toughest challenges. States and school districts have a disjointed jumble of ordinances and measures that can make it tough for parents to know exactly what they are permitted to do as homeschoolers.
The situation has galvanized a nationwide movement. Legal fights to establish homeschooling rights have been launched from California to Pennsylvania. In most cases, Land says, parents are just looking for clarification.
"A family comes to us and says the school district is looking for more than the law requires or won't let them do something they want to do," she said.
Dawn Johnson, a mother of four, believes the challenges are well worth the payoff. "I don't think anything beats one-on-one tutoring, and I am allowed to talk and teach each of my children individually based on their strengths and weaknesses and learning styles," she said. "They're not held back by students in a classroom."
Her strategy appears to be working. According to Johnson, her children are now testing at two grade levels ahead of their age group. Socialization is also covered, with Johnson committing her children to activities from soccer to choir at least four days a week.
"They're probably more socialized than kids who go to school and see the same children every day because we're doing different things every day," she said.
As for financial considerations, many homeschooling parents believe the time and money they spend teaching from home is a bargain compared to private school tuition.
"You get to choose your own curriculum," said Johnson. "You can get everything free online if you want."
Some parents are also fighting for tax credits, since their tax dollars are paying for a system their children aren't using. Land says it's "very tempting" to look at education tax credits as an option for homeschoolers, but cautioned that the credits could come with strings attached, and could invite even more unwanted regulation.
END OF THE YEAR EXTORTION
Written by Captain Mary on Monday, September 22, 2008If things aren't bad enough in the economy these days, the mail is bringing my bills of extortion. I already received the estimated property tax report, now I have sitting on my desk my homeowner/hurricane insurance policy. Here in Florida where extortion of its private citizens is common practice, the task begins.
The task of how I am going to pay the extortionist become a reality. Granted its not due until November, but they mail it early so that you can stress for months. I imagine the already high forecloses rate in Florida is getting ready to take another dip. What I want to know is where all these displaced people going? The funny part of this whole scenario is that my extortion amounts exceed what I pay for my mortgage. Well, that's not really funny, but that is why I call it extortion.
The name of the company that insures me, or should I say charges me is called Citizens, is that for us or against us. I have never filed a claim yet I am not even given an option to use another company, so I can't even shop around for better prices. Can you call that a monopoly? With home value crashing, do I get a better rate, do I have my home devalued? What do I do? According to the statistics our fair state is considered to be the most corrupt, if your going to be on top I guess you have to pick something. When you hear the phrase "Paradise isn't cheap, well this is why!
WEEKEND WINDING DOWN
Written by Captain Mary on Sunday, September 21, 2008Well, what a weekend, Saturday at friends had to be the best, its started out with some wonderful friends and social palaver and finished the same beautiful way. We had fantastic food, beverage and sun bathing. The weather was called in special just for us, the sun shined bright and the smiles brighter. A completely non stress day. Here are some of the great people I spend time with, along with tons of kids, who for some reason always get along well with each other. We are all such a perfect fit. I wish I could share all the great weather with the rest of the world, come on by if your ever in town.Sandy and Jeffrey thinking naughty thoughts
On the bottom Jason, middle is Monica and hovering high above is Kaley.
Sisters Kaley and Rainy drowning each other and having fun at the same time.
Kitty and Jesse (my Karate Instructor a.k.a. Hero)
Sandy enjoying a little refreshment.
Till next weekend.
GOING TO A PARTY TODAY
Written by Captain Mary on Saturday, September 20, 2008Last night I gathered at a local watering hole with some friends I met at my class reunion. We sat and talked about some of our adventures and our likes and dislikes. It was different for me to hang out with people of my own age. I must admit, hanging out at bars is really not my cup of tea, I am not really a big drinker, but it was fun, until a little lady arrived and sat down next to me. The gang I was sitting with suddenly moved in different directions and I was left alone with this little lady, we began to talk and it was all about her arthritis and her treatments and how she had to be very careful about germs. This had to be the first time I had seen a straw put through a napkin, so that the napkin covered the glass she was drinking from (no germs could fall in her glass this way). The conversation was not what I found entertaining and I decided to go home.
My phone began beeping, reminding me of a message and it was a message from by best bud, they were at home hanging out and having a good time, instead of going home I made a detour right to her and her hubs house. I was again full of smiles for more of our friends were there and we had conversation deep into the night. These are my younger friends and the fit seems so much better.
The stress of the past week or so has been horrible, but today is a party named "Life Sucks, but not Today", don't we all need a day to do nothing but relax and have fun. I am bringing some lobster bites over and hot dogs. I must get to the grocery store and begin preparing for the party, some fun in the sun and lounging around the pool. Today is a beautiful day and I can't wait to get out there and enjoy it.
HALF NEKKID THURSDAY
Written by Captain Mary on Thursday, September 18, 2008MY SISTER'S BIRTHDAY (ALL OF THEM)
Written by Captain Mary on Wednesday, September 17, 2008TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS
Written by Captain Mary on Wednesday, September 17, 2008MY HERO'S
Written by Captain Mary on Tuesday, September 16, 2008THERAPY CONTINUES
Written by Captain Mary on Sunday, September 14, 2008
More work around the garden, and cleaned out part of my storage shed, cleaned out the fish ponds, scrubbed all the animal cages and gave some of the critters baths, and then it was time to get some serious therapy.
UNDER-GOING THERAPY
Written by Captain Mary on Saturday, September 13, 2008WHEN LIFE FALLS APART
Written by Captain Mary on Saturday, September 13, 2008I know that the Economy is going badly for everyone and I think I waited too long to trim the fat on my budget, but I thought I had more time. Unforeseen circumstances hit me yesterday and I fell apart along with my world. It would be so easy if I lived on a nice plot of land independent from the power company, the phone company, the water company and the government and just live my life as the happy person I strive to be. I could grow my own food and barter with my neighbors for goods we could exchange.
I am not one who asks for help, but the time came and I made some phone calls to friends. I got some good advice and a place to go and cry. My friends have never seen me cry and I image it was disturbing, my face really gets contorted and ugly. I tried to find a way out of my immediate dilemmas and my friends helped me out. I went through my jewelry to find enough to take to the pawn shop, and I came upon my husbands wedding rings. When I put the rings in my hand I could see his face and the worries he had for me while he was dieing, he asked me "will you be able to make it without me", so that he would go in peace I told him that I would be fine.
So many years have passed and I made good on my promise, but now I need him again. I feel so alone today. I know that I am not alone and I am so glad that I have the people in my life that I have. My daughter knows me and when she called last night she made sure she told me she loved me. I spent the evening at my friends Castle and I always feel like I am protected there, as nothing can penetrate the walls of the Castle. Inside I am protected by the security of the surrounding moat and the guardians of the Castle. But, I can't stay in the Castle, so today I will pick myself up and do what I need to do to get my life back.
Life is so full of tests and I will pass this one too.
ALTERNATE FUELS
Written by Captain Mary on Thursday, September 11, 2008WHATS HAPPENING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD?
Written by Captain Mary on Wednesday, September 10, 2008First of all, when they happen in my neighborhood and my grandchildren are subjected to strange occurrences. What am I talking about?
Just before our last hurricane scare, there was a foul smell in the air, and the neighbors had a party a prior to this awful smell. I didn't really put it together until some strange things started happening to the neighbors.
First my grandchild witnessed the delivery of livestock to this house, goats and chickens. Next my grandchild saw garbage bags which contained the remains of these animals. The neighbors are wearing strange garments and they don't socialize like they use to. They wear all white and coverings on their heads, strung around their necks are colored beads. A little research revealed that they are practicing animal sacrifice in a religious right that is called "Santeria".
GETTING BLOWN AROUND
Written by Captain Mary on Tuesday, September 09, 2008DON'T GET TOO COMFORTABLE
Written by Captain Mary on Monday, September 08, 2008It's Monday morning and we have some how dodged another bullet, but I am not getting too cocky about it. The weather should be deteriorating today and who knows for certain what the storm will do. Everyone remains in a state of preparedness, and so shall I. I predict that we are going to have some pretty yucky weather for the next few days in spite of our near miss.
I can't help looking at the satellite image and looking below the state where this storm is looming far too close. In spite of all the predictions and computer models, there is still a chance for everything to change in a moments notice. For now, it will be life as usual and I am heading out toward work.
WEEKEND OF WORRIES
Written by Captain Mary on Sunday, September 07, 2008CHILDRENS BOOK # 6
Written by Captain Mary on Friday, September 05, 2008LIFE IS LIKE A CHEAP PAPER PLATE
Written by Captain Mary on Friday, September 05, 2008- Don't pile jello on the plate (too hard to juggle)
- Use more than one cheap plate.
- Clear off some of the stuff, before you pile on more.
- When your plate gets too full, scrape some off on to someone else plate.
- If some stuff falls off the plate, kick it under the rug, you can dig it out another day.
- Don't put stress on the plate, that's the really icky stuff.
I know that my day always starts with a cheap paper plate, and it never survives the day, but life is a juggling act and the longer you do it, the better you get at it. But all good circus acts have bad performance days.
KITTEN UPDATE #7
Written by Captain Mary on Thursday, September 04, 2008CHILDRENS BOOK #5
Written by Captain Mary on Thursday, September 04, 2008LOST IN THE JUNGLE
Illustrations by Cappy
YOUR GOING TO GET A CHARGE OUT OF THIS
Written by Captain Mary on Wednesday, September 03, 2008I visited a friend today, only to have her tell me a tail of her near miss with death. We have had some stormy weather lately, last week it was the residual of tropical storm Fay. My friend Jane was out on her covered porch sweeping away some leaves when suddenly she got a shock of her life. A loud bang and then a series of events that didn't even take a second to complete.
- A tree struck by lighting.
- The plant hanging by a chain, struck.
- The base of the tree, exploding its bark off and making a hole in the ground.
- Power to the outdoor lighting, exploded into burnt dangling wires.
- Tail light to her truck exploding along with the alternator
- In the house, small appliances burning up.
- All the phone lines melting down.
- Several wall outlets, blasted to pieces.
- Then bursting out of the concrete foundation, the final blast.
And Jane standing next to the final blast, shooting dirt and pieces of concrete all over here, she was within two feet of the blast, when she screamed and ran "My hair is on fire". Jane told me it was the loudest sound she had ever heard and it scared the hell out of her. What a shocking experience! Just can't hide from lighting, you might think you are safe, but it can find you anywhere.
IT'S STICKING OUT AGAIN
Written by Captain Mary on Tuesday, September 02, 2008MY SUMMER VACATION
Written by Captain Mary on Monday, September 01, 2008I didn't really take a vacation, as the word applies, because the past year I spent traveling all over the place for TaeKwonDo competitions. Of course I traveled over to Bimini several times, which is just like a mini vacation. But the best part of the summer is when everybody in the family went on vacation and I stayed home. I visited friends, went out, had great fun doing anything I wanted. Played with my zoo residents and did nothing when I wanted and the best part is I got to run around naked when I wanted.
WHAT DID YOU DO ON YOUR SUMMER VACATION?
Written by Captain Mary on Monday, September 01, 2008What and where was your summer vacation? I would love to hear your story of adventure or turmoil. Tell your story here or read the responses in the comments.