Mulberries!

Last year, Charlene and I discovered what we called a blackberry tree. I finally learned it is a mulberry tree. This picture shows what it looks like. I've read they are totally edible. so tomorrow, I will go eat one.

Maybe I ought to explain...

Sometimes, I might use this blog to show how much I enjoy vampires. Please understand that this love for those who are conflicted and not neccessarily evil, is more common than you think. But I'm much more into the fiction which shows a "good" vampire, not an evil one.

YES! The more I talk to people about what they read, the more I realize there are many of us out there who enjoy the lit and the anime that exists. Simply...is it yet another way to enjoy the bad boy image we love most: Vampire?!

I like bad boys......yep! It's been an on going thing with me. My first one was Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights. I was 12 and ready to learn the meaning of my name. My name was Sandra, 'helper of mankind'...so there they were, those poor sad little bad boys..........I was 12!!!!! What did I know? Taken in by those who seemed to need understanding. My career path chosen! ('course I was pretty hell bent on being a doctor at age 12..........why mom and dad, did you not feed me to that fire)?

Flash forward, and Sandi discovers two things: Vampires (lovely conflicicted souls... ) & Teaching special eduction. I won't mention marrying the bad boy, DUH, that does not work at all.

I've found my calling in life. I love the kids I work with and believe that it is the duty of a special educator to believe in, protect, and advance the population we work with.

But when I need time to indulge in the fantasy world....I'll take Edward or any other lovely vampire anyday! :)

School's out for summer...school's out forever!

Yep! Another summer vacation begins. This one was touched with the sadness of having to say bye to my friend Mike who just retired this year. I really don't think I know how I even feel yet, but I know I'll feel a huge void in September. Bon Chance Mike! You know how to enjoy retirement. I wish you many years of health!

I really hate change, but I endeavor to embrace it. Today was such a mixed day.

Teaching is an odd carreer in that you have a fixed timeline. You get two new years in a way. September and January.

Teachers really need the time off...trust me, we do!

The Demon Rose

Redemption even exists in the natural world. I present to you, the "Demon Rose". Every year for three years in a row she would make only a few buds which would dry and whither before ever blooming. And then just today I happened to walk to that side of the house (I rarely go on that side) and I couldn't believe my eyes!!!! Isn't she a beauty?!?!?!? This weekend I have quite a lot of weeding in store after all the rain and humidity we've had!

It's been a great year for roses. Look at the other pictures I've added. I just dug up one at Mom's. She's an old-fashioned double pink with a great scent. She was so extensive underground that I hope I got enough of the root. She was traumatized, but it was cool today which should help her bounce back.

Staying Peaceful Amid Stress

This kitten seems to be meditating. It's found its inner peace.

Today wasn't too bad. It was the first day of final exams. Teaching 6th grade means we have to be the first to initiate the students to the wonders of final exams.

The kids worked hard. A few minor "melt-downs" but all in all good. Only 4 more days to go!

I think I'm still doing a good job remaining really calm and keeping them calm too. Of course feeding them Twizzlers to chew on seemed to help too! :)

the garden...of course

wow! This weekend went really slowly! How many times can u say that? REally! I accomplished so much! I cleaned fiendishly and spent a huge amount of time on my garden. I have a bunch of pictures to show off the work. Most of them are the flower display in the front. The blueberries are on the northeast side and the yams and nastursiums are in the backyard.

Finnish Pie Recipe

This is someone's recipe. I haven't tried it yet, but there is nothing like a Finnish pie....nothing at all! :)

Blueberry Yogurt Pie (Finnish Pie)

Unless you are really adventurous, buy a premade pie shell for this recipe.

Filling
2 egg
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup plain yogurt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups blueberry, fresh or frozen

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Filling: Mix all the filling ingredients, except the blueberries until smooth.

Put the berries into the pie shell and gently pour in the filling so the berries are coated and evenly distributed.

Bake for 50-60 minutes until the crust is browned and the custard has set.
Chill well.

Obviously you can use other berries as well.