SAVING WATER

The story is told of the woman visiting in Las Vegas who gushed to her hostess that she couldn’t wait to fill the tub and just soak. Aghast, her hostess exclaimed, “Oh, no, my dear!! Out here you can’t spend water like money!!”

My students might remember learning ways to save water when we studied conservation of the environment. Now I teach a Master Gardener class on Water and Soil Conservation. And then, this winter, they raised our local water rates AGAIN! Today in our Lake Health Education meeting, we decided it was a relevant topic to communicate to our residents. So… to remind those who have heard this before and educate those who have not, here are some tips!

Being an RV camper, saving water (and sewer) has become an art. We have all heard that we should get low flow toilets and water saving showerheads and faucet aerators. Here are some more water saving tips to go with them:

* Put a clean bucket in the shower to collect the initial wait for hot water as well as happenstance water that goes in it. I put it in the washer for the next load. (Or use it for a flush! It works at the kitchen sink, too.)

* Get a rain barrel or cistern hooked up to your gutters. We've had several workshops here at the lake to build and install them for use watering plants and washing cars. My husband got an inexpensive pump to put into ours (2 hooked together) for better pressure.

* Use a dishpan when washing fruits and vegetables and use that water to water plants (or to flush).

* Wash the "by hand" dishes first starting with just a little water and soap on a rag or sponge. Rinse them over that same sink adding to the wash water. THEN put the dishwasher dishes in that water instead of rinsing them in running water. It will save a lot of water (and in winter, that heat stays in the house longer instead of running down the drain).

* Don't forget, when buying plants look for varieties that are
drought resistant so you don't HAVE to water them. Plants native to Virginia typically require less watering and tend to be more deer resistant.

* Only wash full loads in the dishwasher or washing machine. It takes the same amount of water, but you get more done.

*When buying plants look for varieties that are
drought resistant so you don't HAVE to water them. Plants native to Virinia
typically require less watering and tend to be more deer resistant.

For more ideas, these websites might be helpful:
"Simple Steps for Saving Water" from the EPA http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/simplesteps.ht

Many useful water saving tips for indoor and outdoor from the city of
Charlottesville.
http://www.charlottesville.org/Index.aspx?page=640


Every drop counts!!!

MORTALITY

A dear friend is dying. It is sudden. One minute she's playing golf as she did 95% of the year, and the next she is dizzy, confused, and very ill. Too quick. Another friend dies after two days of illness. And Dad wakes up with a cold, coughs hard, says "That feels better." and is gone. I know with my family history I am a cardiovascular incident waiting to happen. This brings real urgency to bear on a number of things.

Today I made a new album on facebook - - "Nieces and Nephews". It revved up more communications with them, and I realized that there is a lot about family history they may not know. Someday I want them to share in the family treasures (Paul and Kaylene really don't want all of them), but those treasures need to be identified for them, and the memories associated with them recorded. So, another big item on my "to do" list. I am glad that I made hand embroidered (by me) pillowcases for each of them a goal, and I have 13 of the 18 finished. And it is a highlight of my life to communicate with them. I confess to having favorites... in fact my favorites happen to be whichever ones have communicated most recently. I hope they will always know and remember that I love them.

All of this comes back to the New Year Resolutions. Now if I could just do the blogging, and recording the memories instead of playing those dumb computer games!

New Year's Resolutions

Once again, we look at ourselves as the old year passes and new year begins. "How fat am I?" "How lazy" "Where is God in my life?" And so, as it is my habit, I made my New Year's Resolutions. I have copied them below and you will notice that one of them is to write more on my blog. I began it thinking that it would be a good way to leave some of me for my grandchildren and hopefully great-grandchildren (Hello to you! I hope I had a chance to meet you.) And I realize that one of God's good gifts to me is my writing ability. It may not be much, but as His gift, I know that I should use it and I have neglected it. So, later into the year than I had planned, but here nevertheless, is my first of the New Year blogs: My New Year Resolutions. Enjoy.

Oh- - - and feel free to ask me on occasion how my resolutions are going this year.

IDA

PS. #1 is going great!
#2 was delayed by the vertigo treatment I had last week, but is okay otherwise.
#3 the kiss is out - John is sick - so I am substituting good hugs.
#4 It's Jan. 11 and this is my first entry.. you judge.
#5 I am doing really crummy on this one.


NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS 2009

1. For spiritual health, I will read the Bible through this year.
2. For physical health, I will go to the gym or walk at least 3 times a week.
3. For emotional health, I will kiss and hug John every day.
4. For mental health, I will write in my blog at least once a week.
5. Because it is a complete waste of time, I will avoid playing computer games.

Reflections on Retirement

Well, I finally am back. I started this with great intentions, but the frustrations of trying to upload pictures wore me out. And the press of life didn't help a bit!! A lot has gone on in the past few months - - a new grandbaby on the way, vacation Bible School, lots of local politics, a successful campaign to get a dues increase passed here, company, trips to North Carolina, and lots of time on facebook. To say nothing of the active social life here at the lake. What do you think of our kind of party?? Six to twelve boats lashed together in the middle of the lake with everyone bringing food and drinks - and stories- to share. And none of that accomplishing my original goal of leaving a trace of what I've been up to since retirement.

It's interesting about retirement. We retired folks never seem to get a vacation. Things like stock market crashes suddenly become much more important. And it makes it a lot more difficult to say no to good things that need to be done. There does not seem to be a good excuse to ignore the lawn anymore. And inertia can take over and keep us stuck in a rut of staying home, avoiding new acquaintances and adventures, and losing the luster of creativity. Sure we can take the occasional snow day ("The roads are too bad, I can't drive into Charlottesville for the meeting." "If the school is closed, the clubhouse is closed. Stay home and sew instead of going to quilters.") There are times I miss teaching a GREAT deal. Mostly I miss the interactions with the kids and the creativity of planning cool things to do. And of course, there are always the experiments. They kept life in the classroom very interesting. The students never seemed to catch on that a lot of the things we were doing to enhance their learning were experiments on my part. I was always experimenting to see what would work best, what would crash and burn (sometimes literally), and how to manipulate my students.

Manipulate my students? Shock!! Horror!! And not just manipulate the students, but also the other teacher, the student teachers and the administrators. SAY WHAT?!?! Yep! I admit it. I have been manipulating all kinds of people in my adult life. I was not very good at it in elementary and high school, but now I realize that I am excellent at doing it in adulthood. For example, did you know you can make someone else smile 85% of the time by giving them a big, sincere smile? Yessiree. And if someone is grouchy, a little knee jerk gushy kindness is enough to turn them around. If you ask a student what college they are planning to attend, suddenly something they may never have thought about before becomes part of their thought process. And if you tell them kindly they need to be respectful, it is taken far more seriously than yelling at them. My favorite is asking a disruptive student to see me after class ("No stealing class time discussing it now, see me later.") and then when we are alone, asking the student what I am doing wrong. "You aren't doing anything wrong!" "Well, I must be doing something wrong because you are giving me a hard time. Maybe the lesson is too boring?" "No." (usually reluctantly). "Hmm. If I'm not doing anything wrong, maybe you are having a bad day. Will tomorrow be better? I'll try to do better, too." And usually that was all it took. I guess they didn't have to be in my classroom for very long to know that I loved them just the way they were and wanted ALL of my students to enjoy science class. I sure miss those mind games in retirement.

And I SO miss the creativity. I was at the all day quilt in today working on a patchwork skirt made out of fabric from my trip to Africa. I have the idea in my head - - but not a clue if it will work or look anything but 'doofy' when I am finished. And it involves a bunch of patches sewn together - not usually my best thing - the intersections are the pits! But I have a lot of pieces and I want to put them together in a way to show the variety of fabrics I got - - without putting the lime green and red together. Eeeeuw. It's the creativity thing. When I was teaching, I was always inventing a new lab, or game or song. Some of my favorites were the spit lab (enzyme action - a great invention!), the garbage lab (brings reduce/reuse/recycle to a whole new level), and of course every year a new crime scene (microscopes) involving all the teachers in our team. It all was high drama. There were the clothes and jewelry that earned me the nickname of "the Friz". Every day was something that had to do with the lesson - microscope earrings, a protist sweater, the periodic table T-shirt, etc., etc. And the classroom had to be covered with posters, specimens, etc, that all taught in their own way. If you daydreamed in my class, it always took you back to biology in some way. And of course, there were the magic school bus rides around the world. We loved the unit on biomes, because we went all around the world and looked at plants, animals and climate in the different places. And no lumping prairie grasslands in with African grasslands, either. It was wonderful! Now I teach Sunday School most Sundays and I use the creativity with that somewhat. But an hour a week is limiting, and there is a curriculum which must be obeyed. However, they never reviewed the Bible playing Cranium before. I'll do another blog on Vacation Bible Schools past and present.

I've been blessed in the past few years being able to teach watershed issues in some of the schools. Probably not as much as I would like. I help at a day camp for the Albemarle County and Charlottesville City School fourth graders. When I am really fortunate, I get to do the class in the stream where we net bugs and learn how to assess stream quality. Sometimes I teach the class on the effects of man on our water or lead a nature hike. And sometimes we just play games from Project Wet - - with a Swenson twist, of course. This spring I was thrilled to be asked to visit a sixth grade classroom in the city to play "Macroinvertebrate Mayhem" with a friend's classes. And I enjoyed teaching a class for the local HS and governor's school last fall. In the spring, I taught a 15 minute class on caring for the watershed at Fluvanna County Fourth Graders' "Farm Day". Now I figured that since my competition was sheep, goats, rabbits, a pony, etc, that the kids would never take back much from my little class. So that week I went to get a manicure, and the manicurist mentioned that her daughter had been there and all she talked about was the class about the watershed. In fact, the Mom didn't even know that there had been animals there. Humph! Never in a million years......

Retirement. Hours and hours to.... play Spider Solitaire, or read a book, or sew, or watch TV. Good thing I have occasional trips, sewing projects, teaching gigs, and of course keeping up with everyone on facebook to let get me out. And another time, I'll blog on politics and life as a committee junkee. Meanwhile, I hope you are having a great day, and that you are looking for your own ways to express your creativity - retired or not.

I Won!!! I WON!!!

I am so excited. I won a contest. It wasn't even a drawing, but a contest with 24 entries. A writing contest in the land of John Grisham, David Baldacci, Jan Karon, Rita Mae Brown, Edgar Allen Poe, William Faulkner, Sneaky Pie Brown.... who knew??!!

Anyway, it was just a small contest, with a relatively small prize, but isn't it amazing how the small things can really polish up your day (or week)?? It's given me a small, if glitzy, glow, and pumped up my often deflated self esteem. I may even spend one of the coupons I won!! That is if I ever get over to the contest office to pick up my prize. I know I should do more writing. I have two plays and a book begun, but there they sit. This blog has been a little boost to my "get up and write", and maybe now the contest will give it a further kick in the rear.

So anyway, if you want to see the rest of the entries, go to http://vabook.wordpress.com/2009/01/14/name-a-great-place-to-read-a-book/ , but here for your reading pleasure is my winning entry to the "Name a great place to read a book" contest:

• Ida Swenson
  January 19, 2009 at 10:10 pm

  A mossy green log, preferably over a shady stream - not too far from the March Hare’s hole preferably- with dragonflies zooming by to carry away any mosquitoes - THAT’s the place to read. A place where civil war battles and hoop skirts seem not too far. Or knights in shining armor searching for medieval castles could step out of the woods at any minute. The dampness of the log would ease any pain from staying in one position too long, and the drowsy hum of the bees in the meadow nearby would would soon bring the dreams of the book into the reality of slumber.

And in case you are wondering.... I haven't heard from any publishers ....yet!

25 Things About Me

You know how it is when you go to your email (or facebook) and there's a "If you don't do this you'll get 25 years bad luck!" chain letter?? You really don't want to bother, you know you're not superstitious, and you don't have the time anyway. Now what. Does it mean you don't love the person who sent it to you? Does it mean you'll get 25 years of bad luck? Is it a for real story, or an internet scam? If you respond yes, will you really bug the friends you send it to because you've just cluttered up their mailbox and given them the gift of guilt? It doesn't matter how you answer the questions, tatters of guilt cling to you however you may respond.

My daughter-in-law, whom I love dearly for lots of reasons besides the gift of love she's given us in Abram and time with him, sent me such a message. All I had to do was write 25 things about me and send them to 25 of my nearest and dearest. 25??!!??

I am not the introspective type. Like many folks, I am afraid to look deep into my heart and see the filth that is really there. And yet, the message came on Sunday, after praying the confessional prayer in church and asking Christ to forgive me - - AGAIN! What matter if I confess aloud some of the things that are vain, sinful, and not quite as lovely within me? And if someone would take the egocentric step of starting a blog, why wouldn't they be willing to bare at least some of their soul? And besides some of the 25 things aren't BAD things.

And then there is the gift of introspection given to me by my daughter-in-law. She had shown me some deep things about herself. It would only be fair to return the favor - although I confess I could have just sent the 25 things back to only her.

And so here is my Ponzi scheme type confession that went out to 25 of you, my nearest and dearest. I apologize and absolve each and everyone from any and all guilt it may have brought to you. And I ask your forgiveness and continued love where you find true things which are less than beautiful.

25 things about me 8:52pm

RULES: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs (+) on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

1. I wrote this out, was up to #26 and on a roll, and lost EVERYTHING except the tag list.
2. I love technology, I love technology, I love technology.....tired of that?? It's my mantra when my 'stuff' goes to that great computer in the sky.
3. I love Facebook - I have had so much fun reconnecting with my students, family, friends, house guests, etc, etc, etc. I'm addicted!!!
4. I love living at Lake Monticello!! Greene was great, but I've never looked back.
5. SURPRISE! I love to teach - not just kids, not just science, but EVERYTHING!
6. I love to perform - need an actress? singer? playwright? song and dance man? comedienne? I'm there.
7. I love to write! If I had self discipline, I'd finish one of the plays or books I've started.
8. If I had self-discipline, the thin person inside of me would finally make it out again.
9. I have planned my funeral, donated my body to medical science (but still haven't figured out how to get that final science lesson inside or on me for the medical students that dissect me), and written my epitaph: "Here lies Ida Baumgarth Swenson. Her hands are folded and eyes are shut, It hasn't been often she's stayed put. But if she now could send you greeting, She'd say, "I'm only asleep at another meeting."
10. I love Abram. He just amazes me. That mind just whirs, but that smile- - it just sends me through the ceiling.
11. I write poetry occasionally. Mom gave me a blank book and sometimes I stick my verse into it, in a file folder in my drawer.
12. Nature is poetry to me - sunsets, mountains and hills in mist, the deep dark woods, trilling streams darting with life, mmmmmmm.
13. I miss my grandma B. more than I miss my folks.
14. I wish I were closer to my son - and I don't mean distance. I'm relieved whenever we are on a friendly basis.
15. I love people, and I really love my nieces and nephews, my students, my friends, the out of sorts clerk at Sam's Club, the inlaws of my inlaws, ..... have I told you lately that I love you??
16. I love it when someone asks me how I can be in such a good mood, or love even the unlovely, cause it gives me a chance to tell them about Jesus.
17. I am really a control freak, but sometimes I learn to hide it.....mostly not.
18. I love Jesus, and really wish I were a better disciple.
19. I love to travel - really love it. I want to go to Arkansas, China, Ghana again and again, South America, Italy, Alps, back to Alaska to fish a few more times, ....or wherever God gives me opportunity.
20. Too much of my self-worth is tied up in awards, contests (did I tell you I won a contest this week?), points, making money, etc, etc.
21. I get pretty depressed sometimes.
22. I don't expect people to love me back as much as I love them, but I do get my feelings hurt sometimes.
23. In spite of my huge "to do" pile, I can't wait to see Jesus.
24. I'm not nearly afraid enough of some things.
25. I'll be happy when Kaylene gets her dog - but happier when Abram has more siblings.

Glaciers

In 2007, John and I girded our loins, packed the fifth wheel and took off for Alaska. There are tons of things I could write about that trip! The frigid cold weather this week reminds me that even though we are cold, the overall climate is warming quickly.

We drove past a lot of glacial valleys, but most of them no longer had glaciers. In Jasper National Park in British Columbia, we actually went out on a glacier that has shrunk considerably since the first explorers reported on it in the 1800's. The picture is from a glacier in Alaska.

Glaciers are astounding in terms of the amount of water that are stored in them. Few people realize that much of the world's fresh water is stored in glaciers. As they melt, the water goes into the ocean and you have probably heard the estimates of how fast the coastlines are raising, which cities will be under the ocean and when, etc. As we walked on the glaciers, the amount of dirt on them was also astounding. Some glaciers we saw only from the ocean looked blue and pristine, but up close layers of dirt were obvious. These glaciers were far from the nearest roads or other civilization, yet evidence of human interference was obvious.

As you are turning up the heat to battle the cold this week, don't forget where it is coming from. Is your energy heating the planet or contributing to the dirt?