On Any Given Day

It's been very interesting to see the changes in weather as we go along. Two days ago a cold front moved in and the temps dropped 30 degrees.

But what is really interesting is looking to see how people are dressed on any given day.

For example, last week when the temp was 68-70 during the day. Temps do drop rapidly once the sun starts going down. But during the day, it was hot if you were in the sun.

So, if you stood in front of the Target (or any other store) and watched the people as they entered, you could not tell the temp from what they were wearing. Here is what you might see as people entered the store.

• shorts and t-shirt
• shorts and sweatshirt
• jeans and t-shirt
• jeans and sweatshirt
• jeans and sweatshirt and coat
• jeans and coat
• capris
• sandals
• boots (some fur-lined)

Even now that the day-time temp has dropped to 50's, you still see the same thing. My computer lab has a window that faces the ball parks and football field for MB High School and someone walked by today in shorts and jacket.

As far as me...I was still wearing capris to work last week. This week I had on all long pants and even broke out a sweater yesterday. Every day I watch the weather report and listen for the temps so I know how to dress. Layers are definitely good for the cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon situations. Definitely not like PA where all "summer" clothes are packed away once the cold weather arrives.

At any rate, it's a free for all as far as dressing/clothing .....on any given day in MB SC.

Friday, November 24 (day after Thanksgiving) - Black Friday

No shopping for the Knaubs. We were off on an adventure to Bulls Island, an uninhabited island which is part of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. We knew we were in for a day of walking, but had no idea how much. The ferry takes off at 9 and comes back to pick you up at either 1 pm or 4 pm. On the way out, it was high tide and you could only see a foot or so of the grass. On the way back, the grass was fully exposed and you could see the dirt and mussels at the bottom. There is about a 6 foot difference in the depth of the water depending on high or low tide (in the estuary).

We drove South on 17 almost to Mt Pleasant (Charleston) area. There was probably a half mile walk to the end of the pier to board the ferry.

We had to carry in all food and drink since there is nothing on the island. In fact, there is only one bathroom and that is about 1/2 mile inland after you get off the ferry. So, if you aren't close to it, well you know...

We were told there were alligators, otters, bobcat, squirrels, deer, lots of birds (over 275 species recorded here) in this jungle-like atmosphere. There are many ponds and trails, observation towers, birding platforms. It also has Moccasin Pond and Alligator Alley. It lies 3 miles off the mainland. We were told that the alligators would run from us, just jump up and down and make yourself "large". The gators will be scared and run toward the water. However, if you encounter one that won't run away, then you need to go the other way. We were also told that this was the cleanest air around.

The walking began. It was about 2 miles to get to the beach. From there we probably walked another 2 miles to get to Boneyard Beach. We were also warned that we should pay attention to where we entered the beach (through the sand dunes) because there was only one 2 x 4 marker standing in a sand dune and it's easy to miss. I also left a folding chair there so we could easily see it on the way back.

As we walked towards the boneyard we found over 50 sand dollars and many other shells. It was a beautiful sunny day with a bright blue sky. The Boneyard Beach is a 3-mile stretch of beach where hundreds of oaks, cedars, and pines are strewn along the beach, the result of an ever-changing beach which is in constant battle with the in-coming surf. The trees have been bleached by the sun and salt water ultimately resembling a grave yard of bones.

After we got to the graveyard I went back to the lawn chair and Harry and Cam went inland to alligator alley. They saw about 5 alligators. They also saw live starfish in the tidal pools on the beach. Cam found 3 large whelks.

I walked back to the starting point and waited for the guys to return. We were all physically exhausted. Cam revived quickly and was running around. Harry said he thinks this is the first day in a long time where he expended more calories then he took in.

On the ferry ride back a naturalist answered questions and showed us alligator skulls, shells, etc. and explained how they eat. It was pretty fascinating.

http://www.fws.gov/caperomain/bullsisland.html

I can't believe I haven't been on here since Sept. 3. The days just fly by. I'm enjoying my new job and learning so much. Harry has been back and forth between SC and PA several times. He finally came back home this week and now hopefully life will return to some sense of normal. We are working on getting the second house setup. We almost have everything put away and Harry has painted the entire insides. Cameron is adjusting well. He has made friends in the neighborhood and at school. He is on the MB Marlins Swim Team. Last week at his first meet at North Myrtle Beach he had 2 first places and 1 second. He is also learning to play the bells at school.

Here are some pictures of where I work. This is the entrance to my office. My office is in the Media Center. I have a large work area and plenty of shelves and file cabinets and a work table, sink, mini fridge, and microwave.

This is a picture of the entrance to one of the computer labs. We have two labs that I work in. I'm in this lab most mornings.

We have 11 laptops with Office 2007 and 8 desktops with Office 2003. My desk is at the window in this picture. The other day a blue jay with a big red berry in his mouth came and sat on a fence right outside my window. I wish I could have been quick enough to get his picture.

This is the front of the building at 3101 Oak Street, Myrtle Beach. MBFLC - Myrtle Beach Family Learning Center. I takes me about 5 minutes to get to work. The Center is located very close to Broadway at the Beach. It was a former elementary school. Cameron goes to Middle School and it is in the same complex so he can walk to my car after school.

Right now on this sign out front it says Jewelry classes. Hopefully I will get some sign up for four jewelry classes I am going to offer in November.

Right now I am teaching Computer Literacy Classes and GED Fast Track Essay Writing. I also maintain the website for adult ed as well as FB pages for Ed the Turtle and TLC at the Beach (Technology Literacy Conference). I also maintain various online learning sites for our students. Check out the website at www.edtheturtle.com. Also check out the Facebook pages for Ed and TLC. Tomorrow the school is closed and we are having

This weekend we plan to go to a fishing outfitters and buy some fishing "stuff" to go fishing on the piers. Flounder are running now and I would like to have some fresh fish. I'll let you know how it works out.

Next weekend we are going to Charleston there is a bead show in Mt. Pleasant which is immediately north of Charleston.

Life is great at the beach!

Labor Day Weekend

I think we are off to a good start for the school year.

Cameron is getting adjusted. He likes his teachers and classes. The only thing he doesn't like is the cafeteria lunches, but they seem to be getting better. They had been running out of food and that was really annoying him. He is in the band at school. He also joined the City of Myrtle Beach Marlins swim team which practices at the Pepper Geddings Recreation Center (which is the building right beside the one where I work). He can walk to PG right after school for his swim practice since there is a group that walks from the middle school to the Center for after school care. He got the phone numbers of two kids in his class and one is coming this afternoon to visit. One kid is from NYC and the other kid from Orlando, FL--so they are both new to the area also. Cameron is continuing with surf clinic lessons on Saturday mornings at 8 am. I'm told they continue into October or as long as the water is warm enough. He had a great morning today at surf clinic and caught many waves and rode them in.

This week was the first class week for students in the adult education program. Last week they did testing to determine their placement. I have been getting the computer lab ready to go and learning many new software programs and how the system works at HCS (Horry County Schools). I'm also working on writing curriculum for a fast track GED writing class and a computer literacy class. Plus the AE (Adult Education) program is planning a conference, TLC (Technology Literacy Conference) at the Beach. It will be held the end of March, 2012. For more details, go to www.edtheturtle.com and click on TLC at the Beach.

I now have two relatives working at West York Area High School--my sister, Judy, in the cafeteria, and my sister-in-law, Kate in Alternative Education. Say hi to them when you see them.

Harry was in PA for a couple of days, but today he and my nephew, John, arrived with a 16 foot truck of stuff. So, we will have fun trying to figure out where to go with it. If we can't use it, I think the school where I work will be able to use it. Harry will take John home on Monday. I'm not sure how long Harry will be in PA. I know he has a job to finish and he wants to work on 110 Pine Springs Boulevard. If you know of anyone looking to buy or rent, let us know.

This afternoon I am taking Cameron and his friend to the beach. Tonight we are going to see the MB Pelicans (the local baseball team). It is bobble head night. I think tomorrow we are going to Boogie and Barbeque at the Beach (at MB Commons). Of course, in between all this we have to unload a truck.

So, it should be a busy weekend.

Hurricane Irene Cometh

Cam finished his first week of school. Things seem to be going well, except for the fact that he eats last lunch period, and they ran out of some of the food the first couple of days. He thinks all his teachers are pretty nice and he is looking forward to learning Spanish.

Next week the students come for adult education classes. I'll see my students at 8 am on Monday. I will be in the computer lab and they will be working on various programs.

Cam and I went to the beach about 4 pm. I posted some pictures and videos on FB. There were some crazy surfers, swimmers, and of course, those of just on the beach and taking pictures. The waves were crazy.

We are supposed to get the worst of the storm between midnight and 8 a.m. (when Irene goes by about 200 miles out) with the rain tapering off by noon time. It's actually supposed to be sunny and 90 degrees on Sunday. Right now it's 6:40 pm and it's really not doing too much out there--light rain. There was heavier rain about 5 pm. It's a little windy but there are occasional gusts. Just hope we don't lose electricity. You know I can't live without my computer.

I'll let you know how the night went.

Missing Irene

Well, hopefully Irene is on a track far away from the Carolinas. At least that is the latest report.

It's been a little strange wondering if we were going to have to evacuate.

Cam and I were on the beach today after school/work. The waves were humongous (sp) for MB and the tide was very high (only about 1/2 of the beach was dry). Some waves were between 6-10 feet tall. Many surfers were out. Some were struggling with the big waves and we saw some good wipeouts.

The sounds of the waves crashing sounded like the roar of a jet in the sky. They were very noisy. Cam and I got in the ocean--but didn't go in very far. They are saying Sat. will be a great day for very experienced surfers.

We came home for dinner and then we went back down about 8 pm and I took the above pictures and video. Cam is keeping a journal of what the ocean looks like each day as hurricane Irene passes by. Hopefully it will pass by.

Cam is working on his first homework assignment (math of course).

Very busy at work getting ready for students to start next week. I'm learning a lot about GED and Virtual Schools and many other adult education topics.

Harry is busy working on 07 painting. He'll go back to PA next week to get the final load.

If you know anyone looking for a house to buy or rent, send them our way.

First Day of School + Hurricane?????

Well, Cam had his first day of school today. I know he was a little nervous, but also excited. It is a large school, well over 800 students in middle school. He is now on a scheduled day. He will have Spanish which he is looking forward to. He is also looking forward to gym tomorrow. Even though he didn't have a schedule last night for the open house, we actually met his homeroom and science teacher, Mr. Williams. The school is multiculturally diverse and that is something he is not accustomed to coming from Spring Grove. He doesn't eat lunch until 1 pm and that is a long time for him. He was starving when he came home from school today, because he didn't know where to pick up all of his lunch so he only had chicken nuggets and french fries. He told me he wants to get a Guy Harvey t-shirt because many of the kids are wearing them.

My first day with the registration of students went well. I was a greeter at the front door and then I helped take money and write receipts. We had over 30 students register today and take the test to determine their placement. They can also register Tues. and Wed. After that I worked in my office and learned about the Adept program. Since I am a first year teacher in SC I must go through the mentoring program and write a plan and goals, etc.

Harry made a great dinner - baked enchiladas and rice. Then Cam wanted to go to the beach so we went and played bocci ball and Harry and Cam went for a swim. I need to remember to take my camera wherever I go. Someone had built a shark out of sand. It would have been neat to get pictures. Now we are getting ready to play golf (the card game).

We also have been following the information about the hurricane Irene and actually printed out a list of what supplies we should have on hand. Hmmm....something new to deal with.

Day Before School

Beautiful day here in MB. Harry, Cam, and I went to the beach this morning. The waves were great and we all were out jumping them. There were a lot of surfers today and the waves were great for them, too. We saw a Dad and his two sons surfing. The sons were about 6 and 9. They all looked so cute together.

Then I went to the store to get a network adaptor for the PC so it could receive the wireless signal. I finally got all my clothes put away (except for the ones still in PA).

Harry cooked a spaghetti dinner and then we went to MB MS for the open house so Cam could see where he was going tomorrow. However, the computers went down and they were unable to finish all the schedules for new 6th graders. So Cam still doesn't know his classes. We walked around the 6th grade wing so he has an idea where he is going. He'll get his schedule at the school tomorrow morning. He catches the bus at 7:30 am at the corner which is very close to our townhouse.

I have to be at work at 7:30 am for the next three days because this week we test and register the adult education and ESL students. Adult Ed classes start next week.

All is well in MB.

First Full Week of School

Well, Harry and Cam finally arrived on Wednesday evening. It's been great since they arrived. I missed them both.

I finished my first full week of school (staff development and meetings) for Horry County Schools. My co-workers are very welcoming and I really enjoyed it. Next week is a week of testing students so they can register for adult education or ESL classes. I also started to work on the Adult Education website www.edtheturtle.com I now have my code for the security system so hopefully I won't set off the alarm any more.

Harry and Cam came to visit me today at work and then Cam and I went to the ocean for a swim before dinner. Tomorrow morning Cam has surfing lessons by Island Inspired (local surf shop). They hold them at MB State Park. Harry and Cam went to the driving range this morning.

At home we are switching the bedrooms. So, we moved our king bed to Cam's former room and we moved his queen bed to our former room. We took the twin bed out of Cam's former room and took it to 07 (the other house). Trying to put clothing away but there is not enough room. I need to downsize (again).

Trying to decide what to call the other house at 6307 Wildwood Trail. Suggestions are welcome. I have come up with 07, hobby house, and guest house. I usually say oh-seven. Comment below with your suggestions.

Also, I saw a hummingbird out back today. My neighbor has some feeders. I'm going to have to get one, too.

Guess that's all for now - nothing exciting going on.

Life is Good at the Beach and Hard Shell Crabs

Well, today was the day that we listened to the superintendent's message at school. I have to say it was quite exciting. Since there are so many employees the superintendent actually has to go to several schools to give the message. We were greeted outside of MB High School with a band playing and a line-up of about 20 cheerleaders. We walked down the middle of the cheerleaders and they cheered us into the building. Someone opened the door for us and welcomed us in. I was really impressed. When we walked into the lobby there was a huge sign that said "Life is good at the beach". When we got into the auditorium the orchestra was playing. The girls were in long black dresses and the boys in white tuxedo shirts with black tuxedo ties. The teacher leading the orchestra was actually playing a violin as she led the orchestra. New teachers and teachers of the year were introduced from each building or department. The Superintendent gave a lovely talk about the school and told us the "blueberry" story. She also said everyone would get a 1% cost of living raise in addition to their step raise.

Then some of us went to lunch at a Mexican restaurant and back at school I got more organized in my office and worked on my list of things to do. I have more training this week--SmartBoards, Teacher Web pages, Ipads and Ipod usage in the classroom, web site administrator training so I have a very busy week.

Harry called. He and Cam were supposed to arrive today, but they would have gotten too late of a start, so they will come tomorrow. I can't wait to see my men. I cooked up a big batch of chicken corn soup yesterday and I'm going to make a pineapple upside down cake tonight.

After school I had to go pay for the truck we are leasing for our final shipment of things to MB SC on the Labor Day weekend. My niece's husband, Dave, and my nephew, John, are going to drive it down and stay here for the weekend.

At any rate, close to where I had to go pay for the truck is a restaurant called Shiver Me Pinchers. A couple, formerly from Baltimore, own it and it's one of the only places you can get "real" Baltimore style steamed hardshell crabs. So, I decided to treat myself to hardshells tonight for dinner. They were sooooo good!

Well, I better get started on that pineapple upside down cake.

Life is great at the beach!

Jane

Alarm System and MB Police

Well, it's been an exciting morning here in MB for my boss, myself, and 2 of MB finest policemen. I forgot to bring my school laptop home on Friday and I have a meeting in Conway Monday morning so I thought I would go into school and pick it up. However, I didn't know there was an alarm and so I set it off. It was unbelievably loud. I immediately called 911 and told them what I did. Then I went outside to await the arrival of the police and then I called my boss. She gave me her code. The police and I tried to turn it off, but it would only go off for a few moments and then start ringing again. It was so loud, the police and I were sticking our fingers in our ears to block the noise. The two policemen were very nice but ultimately they left since they couldn't do anything. So Ginny (my boss) had to call Maintenance and then ultimately she had to come to the center to meet them and get it shut off. Nice beginning impression, eh....ruining your boss's quiet Sunday morning.

I seem to have a problem with alarms since I also did that at West York Area High School. I think that was on a Sunday, too. I had to pay WY because I set it off. Don't know if I have to pay anything here - nothing was mentioned...yet.

So, after that exciting start I went for breakfast to a place I've been wanting to try--Eggs Up Grill. I went to the one on 38th St. It was packed so that was a good sign. I have to say it was one of the best breakfasts I have ever had. The over-easy eggs were full of yolk, there were great home fries (although they called them Farmland fries), toast, and bacon ($5.89). Not the least expensive, but certainly an excellent breakfast. They also had Earl Grey tea. The wait staff was super friendly and they didn't just write the order on a notepad, they actually keyed it into what looked like an Ipod. I forgot to ask what they were using. I joined the email list so I can can discounts emailed to me since they did not give locals or teachers a discount. I have been told to ask everywhere if there is a local or teacher discount. Many places give 10% off. The Ripley's Aquarium lets teachers in for free and people with them 1/2 price.

Then I went to Office Max and Office Depot and the grocery store. I have been told that the metal thing you push--which we call a cart--is called a buggy in SC. So, I heard that expression today when someone said something about getting their buggy. At least I was prepared. Otherwise I would have thought I was in Amish country.

When I unloaded the groceries, I found out by accident that the sugar bag had a hole in it. I now have sugar everywhere--including down my bra. So when someone says, give me sugar, I can actually reach in and hand them some.

Well, I think I'll make a bunch of deviled eggs for the meeting tomorrow. A little "I'm sorry" for the faux pas today.

Tried a new thing today - Colgate Wisp. They are little mini toothbrushes (about 3 inches long). You don't need water. It has a little freshening bead in the toothbrush head. Just brush on your teeth and feel refreshed and then dispose of them. The one end has a pick. They are quite cute and handy to take with you. They were only a couple of dollars (4 in a pack).

Bye for now.

August 13, 2011

My cousin, Donna Robertson, and her friend, Jean Smith, stopped over. They are visiting my cousins, Skip and Denise Robertson, who live in Longs, SC. We went out for dinner at Sakura Hibachi Buffet in North Myrtle Beach. It was the same type thing as the Empire of Fire Mongolian Grill except they had even more buffet offerings. It was great. It just opened this week. P.S. - Jean doesn't like her picture taken so she scurried out of the way.

View from top of MB Skywheel (10 stories high)

Broadway at the Beach

Shopping at Tanger Outlets, N. Myrtle Beach

August 11, 2011

What a wonderful week - it started when I met my friend Robin Smith and her husband, Michael, and son, Neal, at Sticky Fingers for dinner. After dinner Robin and I got to spend the evening together while husband and son went to Magiquest at Broadway. Great company and great dessert from Croissants.

Today - had a great first day of work for HCS. Learned about SC Virtual Schools and the Adult Education website. I'm excited. I think I love my new job.

Dena Irwin who I met in St. Louis, Missouri (when we were doing consulting work for Pearson Publishers) arrived on Tuesday with her Mom, Margie Hutcheson and her good friend, Rita Brodnax. We have had a wonderful time. They are leaving tomorrow morning. They have been wonderful guests and wined and dined me every night. We ate at Mr. Fish, Empire of Fire Mongolian Grill, and Liberty Steakhouse at Broadway. We did a lot of shopping and beaching, talking, and laughing--and I made two more friends - Rita and Margie. Seems like I've known them all my life. Looking forward to their return visit.

For my educator friends - Rita has a great website www.brodnaxsbetterbrains.com. Check it out. She is available to come to your school.

Life is great! Loving MB SC. Looking forward to Cam and Harry arriving.

If you want to comment, choose Comments and Anonymous, but sign your name on the comment so I know who you are.

August 7, 2011

Cameron, Sierra, Chase, and Connor at MB last week. They all love the ocean and sand and they had a great time. I miss them already.

August 7, 2011

Well, as my friend, Mary Ann, was packing to leave for York, PA, we talked about a sign she got for my home, "I hope our ship comes in before our dock rots." Not sure that will happen, but oh, well, life is good. At any rate, I decided I would start a blog so that my friends in PA and other places could keep up with what's happening with Harry, Cam, and I and so I didn't have to send constantly repeating emails. Facebook is fine, but you don't get enough space to write. So, then Mary Ann and I decided that perhaps it could be like the blog for the recipes in the Julia Child cookbook and perhaps in a year some famous producer would want to come and make a movie out of my blog. Wishful thinking...., but always think and dream big.

My friend, Dena, who I met in St. Louis when we were doing consulting work for Pearson, will arrive on Tuesday with her Mother and a friend.

I officially start work at Horry County Schools on Thursday. I'm really looking forward to it and all the changes that will ensue. I think we all need to change it up periodically to keep us energized. I also saw a quote n the paper today from Martha Stewart--"When you're through changing, your through."

But my most recent favorite quote is "There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day."

This weekend is tax free weekend in South Carolina, so I'm off to go shopping.

At any rate, this is going to be my on-line journal of thoughts. Hope it doesn't bore you too much.