There's a Tomato Tale in Here Somewhere

OK, first of all this is one of those trick pictures that Picassa let's you do called a multiple exposure. There are two pictures blended into one. There's a close up picture of a tomato plant and a wide angle picture of a curved, arc structure.

Here's the story. A lot of years ago, I thought it would be neat to have a hammock in the back yard. I could lie in the hammock in the evening and read my book and enjoy the balmy breezes..or I could lie in the hammock at night and watch the stars come out. Good idea, right? Not really as it turns out. The sun is still to bright when it's light enough to read and the skeeters get you when the stars come out. If I sit in my recliner chair by the widows with the door open to create a cross draft, I get the same effect. And I just lie on the porch to watch the stars come out. Well, after years of putting the hammock up each year after school lets out and putting it back in Andrew's room under the bed or in the closet or somewhere before the first snow flies, I mentioned to Bill that we might as well take the hammock to the dump. It was in the car before the next sun set. All that remains in the yard is a metal arc that is very well made and has sturdy construction and will outlast our house, I think.

Now to the tomato part.

At either end of the hammock frame are round rings on which to hook the hammock. (Please notice that the preceding sentences does not end with a prepostion) I had a notion that a hanging pot of flowers might brighten up the yard and could be hung from one of the hooks. As luck would have it, the grocery store in town frequently gets plants and cut flowers delivered and they had a nice big pot of flowers with petunias, alyseum, pansies and a few other unidentified flowers. I brought it home and hung it from the hammock frame, but then it looked unbalanced. You can kinda see the pink petunias in the picture. So on Mother's Day weekend when we went to Miles City, I was looking for a pot to balance out the arc. I saw a nice, bushy looking pot with these puny, yellow flowers. I read the little stick they put in the pots to tell you what the name of the plant is and it was a . . . . have you guessed by now? A Tomato plant! And today, I picked my first tomatoes!!!!!!

PS. Does anyone know how to format these pictures in the blog so you can have the text surrounding the pictures?

PPS. I just added a second picture to the blog without using PIcass!

Aunties and Uncles at the Battlefield

Another beautiful summer's afternoon was spent at the Little Bighorn Battlefield. We'll have to make Uncle Lee and Aunt Irene stay the summer to make sure we don't get the hot weather that's coming. I drove out to the Battlefield to meet up with my aunties and uncles and spent the afternoon taking the tour. I've been several times already but one can always learn a little more each time. Our museum lecture was presented by a Ranger from the Crow tribe, which was a first for me. It gave the story a slightly different slant than the one I've heard in my Cheyenne history classes. We went to the Trading Post shop across the highway and I was in for another suprise. I've only been to the shop in the off season and it was quite crowed on a June afternoon so close to the anniversary of the Battle. I stopped by the Kentucky Fried Chicken at the gas station stop to bring home supper and got home just in time to put it on the table. 

Family Fotos

If you look closely you'll see that the people in this picture are looking at pictures of people in pictures. They are my family looking at pictures of their family. On Father's Day we spent a wonderful evening at my cousin's house visiting with family that we don't get to see very often. My aunt and uncle came in from "back East" and dad brought along a few family albums to share. We ate good food, way too much dessert and talked 'til the skeeters came out. Hope everyone had as good a day as we had. 

Workshops and Laptops

I've been attending a workshop at Lame Deer this week and I brought my laptop to take notes. I bought it last year and I haven't used it enough to get really comfortable with it. Now I'm at my desktop computer and I'm having trouble with this keyboard.....yesh who woudda thought it would happen like that?


Anyway, this workshop is about developing a curriculum to teach the history and culture of the Northern Cheyenne to our students and students around the state. In 1972 the Montana Constitution was revised and contained a provision to have all students educated about the native people of the state, Indian Education for All, and now in 2006, the money has been budgeted and the schools are actually expected to implement the law. Of course it took a few years of litigation to make it happen but it is necessary if people are going to stop being ignorant of special nature of the tribes in Montana. I have been working on or near the Northern Cheyenne Reservation for 26 years now and I have learned a few things about the history and culture, but sadly, no language. I do encounter racist attitudes from people when I mention that I work at Lame Deer. When I read comments in the Billings Gazette, I realize that most people really don't understand the special nature of treaty rights and sovereignty; I barely understand them myself and I've been trying for a few years now. Anyway, I think that if the study of Montana tribes will help educate the general populace and help the bad feelings between the tribes and the "white" population.

I'm not sure why I was invited to participate since all the other members are Northern Cheyenne. I guess I'm the "token." Kind of a new feeling for me, but not a bad feeling, I don't think anyone resents my presence, at least I hope not.

Kitchen Makeovered

Well, it's officially painted. I'll get to deocorating it after I can get to one of the "MART" stores and find something colorful to add. It's quite bland compared to what it has been for the last several years, but I'll think of it as a blank canvass just waiting for some color. Right now I gotta think of some way to celebrate it's completion, definitly not cooking in it though. Then I'd have to clean it again! 

Waterworks

Every summer I move the fridge out and dust behind it and since I was painting, I had to move it anyway. So this summer when I move it and dusted I must have jostled something I shouldn't have or the fridge is just plain old, but we had a minor leak for a few hours. There is a hose leading into the fridge to the ice cube maker. We've never used it since we don't even drink the water without filtering it. Anyway that was the hose that leaked. Bill just turned the water off under the house and cut the ice maker hose and capped it. No more leak! Not a very dramatic story, but I just had to tell it in light of the other leaky pipe stories.

Kitchen Makeover

Last summer I debated and debated whether or not to paint my kitchen. By the time I'd made up my mind to do it, it was August already and too hot to paint. I painted once in August and the paint steamed on the walls, not the best way for paint to dry. So this summer, once I'd returned from Dickenson, I told myself that if I didn't paint right away, I would let it go another summer. I wish I hadn't listened to myself. Once you start painting, you can't stop until it's all done, at least I can't. I'd forgotten how tedious cabinet doors are to paint, and I'm only doing the outside, the inside can wait! This is a picture of what the cupboards looked like "before." Next week, or when ever I get it finished, I'll post the "after" picture.

I'm painting everything the same neutral "golden biscuit" color. I figure that I can get colorful curtains and dodads for the walls and when I get tired of that color, I just have to get new curtains instead of painting the whole shebang, 'cause I doubt seriously that I will feel like painting again any time in the near or distant future. 

Grad's Weekend

This is the 3rd time I've tried this posting. The first time I published it on the Lame Deer Morning Stars Blog. Then I fell asleep for a few hours and tried again when I awoke. After messing up yet again I accidentally pushed the wrong buttons. If this doesn't work, I'll just send the picture via email and write the posting without pix.

Anyway, the graduation weekend started when dad came over to Ashland on Friday night. We left Saturday morning to attend Jon's graduation on Sunday. Saturday we had supper at a Mexican restaurant with hats all over the walls. I think it was called the sombrero. Sunday afternoon we attended Jon's graduation ceremony. It started with a Rose Mass and at the end of the service the graduates presented roses to their parents. (notice that Jon is wearing a red grad gown? Geoff was wearing a red grad gown too. Coincidence??? or not????) I didn't get very many good pictures of the ceremony as I didn't move from my seat and the stage was too far away. I know I've taken pictures of cows in fields farther away than that stage was, must be the difference between stagelight and sunligh. I'll have to figure out how to set my camera better. I got a few good pictures of the family at the house afterwards. I'll post those on the Yahoo site or just email them if my luck doesn't get any better.

We had a good time at the open house meeting and getting reaquainted with Jon's Hellman relatives. Cec and Natalie had set up a buffet of food to snack and chat with and it was good. In fact I had such a good time, I think I'll ask Natalie to reserve me a seat at her graduation. We headed back early Monday morning and the traffic was still light for the first "vacation" day of the year so we made good time getting home.

PS. For those who haven't heard yet, Jon is going to Rome next week for his "senior trip." I tease him that since he didn't speak much Italian, his job would be to translate for the German tourists.

Old Pictures

I was cleaning out my closet; it seemed like a good idea at the time. I basically transferred stuff from old cardboard boxed into nice, clean plastic boxes with lids. Anyway I found this old picture. I think it was taken at Templed Hills, maybe the year I was the assistant cook. I'm in the first row near the top and David and Janet are in the second row near the bottom. I think that's Win Seitz behind David, but I don't recognize any one else. Maybe I need a magnifying glass or something, eh?

Marcell Moo So

For 25 years I've been meaning to take this picture so I could call it Marcell Moo So and today I finally remembered to take my camera with me. So here it finally is. We took a drive up to Miles City today. Yesterday I spent the day trying to get the yard mowed. I managed to get the area around the house mowed and the rest can wait till next weekend, maybe. I knew it was time to mow finally when the dandelions all turned to puf f balls and the cat disapeared in the lawn and could only be spotted by his tail moving in and out of the tall grass. So anyway, I was ready to get out of the yard for a while and decided to take the scenic route up to Miles City and maybe take a few pictures along the way. It is so green this spring! I wanted to enjoy it before it all turns brown. Anyway, we started off up the dirt road behind our house and didn't get very far before the ruts threatened to swallow up my little car. I took a few picutures and turned around and took the almost scenic route on the highway to Broadus and then north to Miles City. It was a beautiful day for a drive, sunny and not too hot. I had second thoughts about it, considering the price of gas, but I will say it was cheaper to come home than to get there. Gas was $.20 cheaper in Miles City. Now that's not right. . . I don't pay $.20 more for a loaf of bread or a can of soda. Why should the price of gas be so different from place to place????? 

Mother's Day

It has been a melancholy and teary week for me. All the adds for Mother's Day gifts reminding me that I have no one to send gifts to this year. I always enjoyed looking around and trying to find a gift that mom would enjoy.

Dancing with Meth = Death

I was part of the Lame Deer Rally Against Meth yesterday. All in all it was a good experience for me, and for the students as well, but probably not for the same reasons. We marched (walked) from the Indian Health Clinic to the Tribal Building all wearing T shirts that said "Don't Meth With ME." The shirts had been handed out at the clinic, as were some banners and placards. I was walking behind a student carrying a poster that was reinforced with a strip of card board that had writing on the backside. It said "Tauscher, Jr. HI." For those of you who don't know, Tauscher retired a few years ago, but her name lives on. It was a pleasant day, with sun and a nice breeze every now and then, but it was too many hours in the sun for me. I sort of zoned out after lunch. I had worn my hat and was carrying a large umbrella for shade, so I didn't get sunburned much at all. The kids either took off for town or stuck around, but most didn't listen to the speeches. I really think that the kids will learn their lessons about drugs from the examples set before them, not from speeches. We adults could get inspired to set good examples, but for the kids it was a "free day."

Two weeks and counting down!!!!!

To Mow or Not?

  

This is the 3rd time I've tried to post this, so you're getting the abbrieviated version. The reason my yard looks like a pasture instead of a lawn is because I don't want to kill the little flowers that are part of the greenery. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. When the flowers are past full bloom, then I'll start thinking about mowing.

Confessions of a Lipitor Eater

I was reading the newspaper today,the dead tree version, when I skimmed over the advice from a doctor collumn. The first letter was from a woman who said she was taking Lipitor and she knew that it could cause problems with short term memory. She'd stopped taking it, but her colestrol levels went up. What should she do? The doctor said that he knew about the problem of short term memory being affected by Lipitor. How come my doctors never knew? Lots of times when I was having a regular checkup I would mention to the doctor that I was having trouble remembering things. Just getting older he would say. It wasn't until I was having a conversation with other Lipitor eaters in the family that one of them mentioned that Lipitor was causing some negative side affects involving memeory. At least that's what I think he said..... Well, it was almost time to get my lipids checked so I told my doctor I wanted to change my medication and I started taking Lopid again. My memory has cleared up and so have most of joint related aches and pains. Now if I can just remember . . . .

The Mercenary Librarian

Ok, I confess. I'm a mercenary. I sell my skills to the highest bidder; I've no loyalty at all. I ended up recieving offers for a library position from both Ashland Public School and Lame Deer High School and I took the job that paid the most. With the difference in salary between the two schools I could easily buy myself a new car in case I wear mine out driving back and forth to Lame Deer. Plus I have tenure at Lame Deer and I'd have to start over again at Ashland. Maybe when I can retire in 4-5 years, I can work part time at Ashland.

Vacation Blues

Not really blue, it's just that it's been so dreary weatherwise, first rain, then snow, then both. And cold too. I was going to put away the heavy blankets, but it's too cold. Maybe next month. The ISP was down most of yesterday and I spent most of my first official day of vacation sulky and pouting because I couldn't get online. I spent this morning cleaning out my dresser drawers and closet so I could take the afternoon and do as I please ie. take a nap, read a book, watch how to clean your dresser drawers and clean your closet home improvement shows on TLC, an play a few hours on my Playstation. All the while of course trying to decide where to work next year. I've pretty much decided to return to Lame Deer, since I've been told they will be offering me the high school library. If I went back to Ashland I would be losing tenure and about $15,000. BTW, I think there's definitly something wrong when teachers in the same county can have such a difference in salary. I haven't seen an actual contract yet, but since the respective school boards passed a motion to hire me,the contract is a formality.

Good thing I got a new car when I did. Even with 30-35 MPG I'll still have to find something else to do when I get the urge to drive to Billings or MIles City on a whim. Gas in Ashland was 2.79 last Thursday. I haven't been brave enough to check it out recently. Maybe I'll drive by tomorrow and see if it's up to 3.00 yet. Maybe not!

Happy Birthday to Me

All in all I had a lovely birthday. Bill brought me some tulips that were such a delicate pink that they almost look white, but you know at their heart they are pink. We had dinner at the local cafe and that's always a plus 'cause someone else gets the clean-up duty. My name was mentioned on the birthday announcements at school so all day I was greated with "Happy Birthday Ms. Taylor" from good hearted students. And at the end of the day I treated myself to an hour of video games, an almost unheard of event for a "school night."

MONDAYS!

Now one might expect that an article titled Monday would be nothing but bad news. But this Monday has been a good news day for me, so I thought I'd share it. It started off with me finding a box on my desk when I got to work. I'd been gone last Thurs. & Fri., so I'm not sure when it arrived. Anyway it was a box of chess software I'd won in an essay contest,for my school. I wish I could find a copy of the essay, but I got the software, so who cares? Only one essay was chosen from each state and I know that there were at least 2 essays from Montana, mine and Bill's, so it wasn't a total given that I'd win.

Then there was my evaluation. I'd kinda been worrying about it all weekend, not much,just wanted it over with. I haven't been evaluated as a classroom teacher for many, many years. It was to have been this morning during 1st period. So I started my class,and 4 out of 15 students were there. I asked them if maybe the rest of the class got the dates wrong for our vacation, which is next week. One of the girls shrugged her shoulder and said, "It's Monday." Whatever. Anyway the two principals show up; I'd only been expecting one, and one of them says. "You know I was suppose to be evaluating you this morning?"
"Well, yeah."
"Well the office scheduled all those meeting for students who missed more than 18 days this semester for this morning. So I won't be able to evaluate you this morning."
"Whatever." I actually expected this. Not the specifics, just that my evaluation would be cancelled. That's one reason I didn't plan a big song and dance like usual. It's normal for everything to not go as it is expected. Our students are actually very good students. They learn from our example. Why should they bother to come to class on time or be prepared? The staff isn't. Well, the good news is that I was prepared to present a lesson to my students and class continued. The principal can just drop in whenever he doesn't have something more important to do.

So I give the assignment and all the students are busy writing when the phone rings. It's the principal from Ashland Public School. He called to tell me that tomorrow night,in all probability, the Ashland School Board will offer me a contract for next year as a librarian/Eng teacher. The Lame Deer School Board meets on 13 April and I'm tenured so they have to give me a contract. This may be the only time in my life when I have two schools offering me a contract. Ain't it nice to be wanted?

The Taxman

The Taxman cometh and the Taxman taketh away. Even as I write, my printer is busy churning out our tax returns. I started doing our taxes last weekend but gave up in disgust at how complicated it all is.(Taxes are complicated, children are complex). So Saturday, I broke down and decided to download Turbo Tax. Mind you we fill a 1040A, standard deductions, as simple as it can get, but I was so blinded by the unfairness of it all that I just looked for an easy way out. It took from about 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 at night to download the program, so I watched movies and played my new video game. Yesterday I filled in the little boxes and calculated our returns. (Bill deals with taxes every day with his job, so he gets the day off when it comes to our taxes)

Now ordinarily I look for the easiest explaination for things, but there is nothing easy about taxes, remember they are complicated not complex. TAXES have spawned an entire self sustaining industry. Tax lawyers,tax accountants,(no offense to my bro the tax accountant),tax preparation sofware,tax preparation franchises, and a whole other nonprofit business for people who can't afford to pay the tax lawyers. Why does it have to be so complicated? Who writes the tax laws? Could it be the same people who charge you fill out your returns? On the other hand, if ordinary people could pay their taxes without any help, that would put a whole industry our of business and our taxes would go up to pay for the unemployment TAXES.

Well, the returns are printed. So you don't have to read any more ranting. Now I need either to do some mending or bash some boogy men in my video game.

Toolips

No tulips for me this year I guess. I went out in the yard today; it was sunny and warm and I thought I'd check and see if the tulips were leafing out yet. It seems they were, cause some critter decided to crop them to the ground! Only half of them so far though. I guess I'll get my cheap entertainment seeing how long it takes them to eat them all. A lady at the store in town says the deer eat them, but I'm putting my money on the rabbits. I haven't seen too many deer in the yard this year, but I have seen lots of rabbits, and here I thought they were cute! Come to think of it, when we first moved out here I tried to put in gardens, flower gardens and vegetable gardens. I quit when I realized all the work I was going through just to feed the wildlife. Let them forage like the other animals is what I say. Nowadays I just hope for a wet spring and enjoy the wildflowers that bloom au natural, cause the tulips were the last of my efforts to domesticate my yard.