Flu Blues

Friday, I came down with a hacking cough and by Saturday I was wiped out. Fevers, shivers, sweats, coughing, coughing, coughing...Sunday night I got up feeling nauseated and headed for the bathroom. About halfway down the hall, I thought, "I need to sit down" and down I went just like there was supposed to be a chair behind me. Luckily, I missed the door jambs etc. I've stayed home the last two days from school. I don't remember the last time I've done that. I'm going back tomorrow--we'll see if I make it all day.

On the radio

Grace called on the way to work today-all excited.
G: Grandma, you're on the radio!!
Me: Really? What did they say?
G: They said, "Terry S." ( my name).

They were doing a little spot with the superintendent on my retirement..

Funeral Part II

Okay, so we get Mom and take her to the funeral home. I made her put on lipstick. The woman does not wear makeup any more. She signed the guest book, "Helen H. sister in law". We walked up to the chapel door where cousin K was standing. I hugged her, gave my condolences, then Mom walks up. The walker is between them, so no hugging. Mom leans in and says, "I'm your Aunt Helen." K says, "I know." Mom: I'm still alive. K: (puzzled). Mom: I've been telling everyone I'm a non-person. K: (getting it now) I'm sorry. It's just been so hard...Mom: I'm just being nasty.
She sat down. Afterwards she went up front and looked at the pictures and spoke to her nephew who didn't know who she was. I don't think she ever talked to the daughter.

And have you heard about the dogs?? There were dozens of perfectly behaved dogs there. We had three golden retrievers in front of us. Some wore hats. One lady led her dog through some kind of ring exercise where they run and heel, and said tearfully that it was for Irene. Another introduced her new dog as Summer Irene. During the last song, one of the dogs in front of us started howling, which made everyone laugh. Susie loved them and introduced herself to all of the dogs, who obliged by licking her. It was a very unusual service!

Feb. 12

We're going to Aunt Irene's funeral today, picking up the "snubbed sister-in-law", (Mom). I told her she had to behave. I'll fill you all in on how it goes. See: kcstar.com, obituaries, click on Feb. 8 on the calendar.

The Big One

Gary Lezak of Channel 41 has been promising that we hadn't seen the "big one" yet. Well last night I think we got it. We have about 10 inches of snow. Got the "no school" call at 4:30 a.m. so I called my people and got back into bed. At 5:00 another call--the supt. wanted me to know I shouldn't try to drive out there. Okay. I won't. It's a snow day.

BTW, an update on my car. Looks like a radiator and some painting will take care of the damage. Oh, and my cute little windshield wiper on my headlight.

Obama Mama

Rain, sleet, snow did not deter us from our first caucus! Held at A-High, about 274 folks showed up. Last time they caucused, about 15 were there. A prof from BC did a good-humored job of leading it. When we went to our respective corners, 70% were for Obama and 30% for Hilary. One guy who was in need of attention, was uncommitted. He was courted by both sides and joined the Barack crowd. The professor told us to figure out a way to count ourselves, and someone yelled, "lines of 10". It was amazing how quickly we did it! We then elected delegates. If you wanted to be a delegate, you got in line, took the mike, stated your name and gave a little speech. Some of them were quite passionate and were definitely better than the speakers who started off the evening. For some reason, Mike was not on the polls. However, Sean and Kevin were! When's the last time they voted in Atchison??

Friends Bob and Connie were among the 3000 who showed up at 75th and Nall in KC for a room that would hold 400. They stood in the freezing drizzle for over an hour before an additional location was found for the overflow crowd. Bob said the line at the church wound around through the building, out into the parking lot and down several blocks. They closed 75th street and the fire marshall closed the building to any more occupants. Trouble was, only one set of voter registration books and about 400 sets of materials were available. Evidently the Secretary of State did not anticipate that the Democrats would come out. Bob says 1500 people total caucused in Kansas four years ago. They had double that at just his location last night.

Is 37 years enough??

Well, I did it. Taking the lead for my boomer brothers and sisters. I handed in my resignation Thursday, effective the end of the school year. RETIREMENT!! ...Or maybe not. I am retiring from the principalship, and then we'll see what happens. I'm 61 this spring so the government won't quite be ready to support me yet. So if any of you have some great job prospects, let me know.