Wonders never cease....

I hope Mia doesn't mind if I borrow this pic. Of course us Grandmas are all alike. Their grandkids are always the cutest.

Arwen,she is one of my November grandaughters. She's beautiful like her mom, Charlene, and seems so wise and thoughtful- like her dad, Tim. She's soon to be 5. She's in Romania.

A few pics from some relaxing time in a friend's beach house in Galveston.

The pic of the flower is actually from a Papaya tree that grew in our back yard. The fruit grew quite large. We made an interesting little discovery (at least for us) the other day. We made a papayas /soy smoothie and put the left overs in the fridge. After a few hours it resembled creamy jello. With a dab of whipped creme we could see a kid's healthy delight! We looked up a bit about papaya and it has a special enzyme (the only plant that does) that aids people with cystic fibrosis and pancreas problems. I suggested to Maya that they put in a green house up there in Joplin and start a few for Valorie! I just successfully transplanted a 3 ft. tree here so I can make the first tree donation!
A cheerful note from Houston. It was actually cool last night! Autumn is finally showing itself.

New School Year

Well, I am once again a High School Teacher and Teresa is my new student. Of course we will do the required core subjects but we are all set to have fun with electives. That is the big deal right now. This is our rough draft. This is what happens when there is only 1 teen in the house.


Art Drawing ( James started this with her but we haven't yet found a new teacher or course)

Pets and care( I thought of calling this Pre-Vet Science) We have access to books but her first hand experience so far has included hands on experience with emergency care, administering vaccinations, treating and diagnosing common diseases and ailments (dogs, small animals) mostly. We also volunteer at Cypress Stables where we help care for 50 Arabian horses. It is very close by our home.

Nutrition: She is currently in charge of the kitchen and has taken charge- Michelle is helping her to research diets and foods for healthier living as well as menus for people with special needs. This also includes developing exercise plans.


Carpentry: First project- constructing a bow and arrows. We googled this but haven't gotten far on this although it sounds like a lot of work and fun and perhaps useful if we do any wilderness camping in Canada. It's a hereditary interest.

Computer graphic and upkeep: Any ideas on this?

Writing short stories (creative writing courses)
Mail Ministry: Organization and letter writing

Instrument; Flute ( She is doing well but needs a teacher to make more progress. There are on line classes. Her teacher moved to Iceland!

Landscaping: This is starting tomorrow. We are visiting a Stone Supplier and starting with making pathways. We live right by the Arboretum and they give classes.

Language; Japanese (Okotteru!) Having Michelle here is a definite plus. She is not only fluent but a good teacher- having been born and raised in Japan.

Disaster preparations: CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard training as well as planning for a variety of possible emergency situations.

Dancing (Ballroom and other forms)

Dog grooming: We have our own kit for this and she has done Poodles, Schnauzers and Maltese. It is quite a challenge and fun. There are on line classes as well.

Home Economics:

Electronics: She fixes things! We will probably need to get a tutor for this so our house doesn't fall apart.

Typing: She really does type well but she wants to get faster.

Therapeutic Massage: Michelle is teaching her this.

Digital Photography: She has a new camera and already has a small portfolio.

Home schooling is the greatest!
Well, this is just a few beginning ideas> As you can see- we are both excited about the coming year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDDO

Happy birthday kid.
Hope it's tons of fun.


PS.
To tell you the truth, this isn't claire at all.
This is teresa and you are out of luck.
(Muahaha)
Never mind that, Have a happy birthday anyhow.
:)