Greetings on another dry and brittle day! It’s great for the kids because it’s warm and it’s dry, but it’s killing the garden! This weekend I watered our poor grape vine, our cherry tree, the strawberries and the herb garden and what’s left of the vegetables and vines. I think next year there will be a soaker out there. I don’t want to talk about what’s going on at home – even with daily watering. I even had to water my pond!

Today is a GREAT day! Lots to see and do. We’re going out to the farm early – about 8:45, so we’ll make sure we call all our stragglers at about 8:15. We’re going out to Mayse farm for a tour, a hay ride, a run through several mazes and the hay castle. Every child will get to pick a pumpkin. Then it’s off to Newburgh for a romp at our favorite park and a picnic lunch. We will have such a discovery day. I can’t wait!

Then tonight, after a 12 hour day, the teachers are going to drive up to Indianapolis for a conference. I was quite interested in the vote positioned in the side bar here on the blog. Two people voted they preferred that teachers do professional development on the weekends. We usually do, but most really good workshops are during the week. Professional development is usually not an add on but part of the work week. Glad to know four of our parents are glad we are doing this. It does give us a boost as teachers to perform better with new ideas.

I am giving a workshop for the local branch of the National Association for the Education of Young Children in October. My workshop will be “The importance of Family Dining.” I’ve offered workshops nearly every year for years. I’m not crazy about public speaking, but I think these local workshops are important. If you have an anecdote for my workshop, please let me know.

Report cards will be out next Monday.

We want to thank all the parents and grandparents who brought such a nice array of sweets and salty treats to school on Friday. Your support helps us so much. Many left over goodies will go on our picnic today. The kids will be thrilled.

Next party is Halloween.