End of Summer

I know that it isn't technically the end of summer, but since I start teaching my class tonight it kind of feels like the end. Well, I started teaching my online course on Monday, but since that all happens on the internet it feels kind of imaginary.

I will get my books, notes, syllabus, etc. in order today and this evening it is off to start a new school year. I will meet my students. I will let class out a bit early, to ease us all back into the semester. The sun will still be out when I leave the classroom and get into the car, but I know that by the end of the semester there will be darkness and snow and we will have slipped through the end of summer, through fall and right into the heart of winter.

I hate to say goodbye to summer (well not the 97 F we expect today) and all of the green growing things, but I am so excited about fall and our first Christmas in our new home.

I still have some veggies to harvest in my garden before the season officially ends. Most of our summer plans have been completed. We traveled to Montana, South Dakota, through Wyoming, Colorado and North Carolina. We have had plenty of company from all around the United States.

So, now I am saying goodbye to summer as I break out my teacher clothes and get back to reality. What a lovely summer this has been!

How do you gauge the end of summer?

Class is in Session

Well, I am back to teaching this semester. Last night I had my first night back after the winter break. Going in this time I felt a lot more confident than I did with my first class. I went in a bit early to make some copies and planned to have enough time to comfortably settle in.

Well, I had on some boots (Eric calls it my equestrian look) and when I stepped out the door I had to grab the handrail to prevent myself from a full face plant--I have a startling gift for amazing wipe-outs. I had to do a quick run inside to adjust my wardrobe and then I was back out the door with plenty of time.

I got to the school, unlocked the classroom door for a few waiting students and headed off to make some copies.I walked into the mail/copy room and walked straight to the copy machine and it was all jammed, someone had just left it (BOO!). Thankfully I am good at fixing those confounded machines and I got it all printed before class started.

I ran into the classroom, slightly frazzled, but mostly in tact. My students all looked up at me expectantly and I just dove in. I have a mixed bag of students, a few talkers, your garden variety class. I was just happy when a few of them snorted appreciatively at my bad art history jokes.

When I let them out a few came up to ask questions or to say how excited they were for the semester I breathed a sigh of relief. Who knew that I would feel so comfortable as a teacher?!Oh, and in case you are wondering I am definitely an absent minded professor!