Camping

I have always loved to camp. I love sleeping in a tent, although I will admit that now I insist on an air mattress. I love cooking on an open fire or the camping stove, but especially a dutch oven. I love the donuts we make for breakfast. I love the time away from the crazy world; no TV, phone, or traffic. I love the time around the campfire, looking up at the stars and listening to the fire crackle. I love spending time with family and friends in the out-of-doors.

I came across this picture and it reminded me that my first camping experience was with Grandma Busby. We were on our way up to Salmon, Idaho to visit Grandpa and his carnival. We only had one night of camping and it rained on us, but it must have hit a nerve, because I've always loved it since.

Summer 1961---Grandma cooking with Mel and me watching

Ode to Summer

Well, it's over!!! Summer, I mean. This has been a wonderful, relaxing summer and I hated to see it come to an end. But end it did. I had school meetings last Tuesday and Wednesday and my new class of 5th graders showed up on Thursday. Oh boy! This may be a very long year. Usually the first few days, the kids are on their best behavior, trying to impress their new teacher. Not this group. We weren't in the classroom for 5 minutes before I hear a kid say, "I can't sit by him!" with the response of, "Oh no, not her!" I was really happy for Friday to roll around. As I said, this may be a very long year. I really miss summer.