A fun part of Susan's job

If I could have a week like this past one every week, I wouldn't even think of retirement! This week was what I love to do on my job. Field trips. They're the best!

On Wednesday I took eight students out to Indiantown Gap for leadership training with the National Guard. They have an educational unit that works with all sorts of groups to train people to stand against the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Perfect for my SADD Club leaders.

We started with a nine station obstacle course requiring group participation. To demonstrate leadership, I started out strong - doing each station right along with the kids. There were three I couldn't do - two were physically challenging to me because of some back problems and one was just wet and dirty!

We had the perfect day, a wonderful group of students, a fun co-advisor, and great teachers. Here's some pics of the day...

First, everyone over the wall!

I always loved monkey bars - but couldn't do this one...

Line up on the log - then reverse positions without touching the ground.

Everyone through the swinging tire tunnel...


Then over the logs - all different heights.


We all made it - this was the last obstacle.

On Friday, another field trip. This time to Mission Central in Mechanicsburg where students in my Utopia Seminar (Man's Changing Views of Utopia) went to help make life a little brighter for others. Students packed flood buckets, rearranged boxes in the warehouse, prepared toothpaste to put into health kits, and helped clean up the area around the shipping dock. They had a blast - and worked really hard for 3 1/2 hours. Then we stopped for lunch at the new family restaurant in town. As one student said, I wish we could do this all the time! Me, too!

Easter Weekend

With Jason's help, we moved the part of the garden that was not on our property and enlarged the garden on our lot. That involved moving sod and tilling a new section of earth. Rich ran the roto-tiller and Jason lifted sod. Susan used the shovel to help where she could. It was a job well done, but tiring. We are really grateful for Jason's help!!

Kat and Jason spent a good part of the weekend with us, so we had some quality "Daniel time."

Kat and "Dapper Dan" on Easter Sunday with the newly tilled

garden in the background.





Rich got Daniel a fire engine push/ride toy for his birthday - then we decided we couldn't wait another month to give it to him. It was the right toy at the right time!!

Helping rearrange the end table and unfold the clothes...

Cherry Blossom Festival

We took advantage of a deal on "Travel Zoo" and scheduled a weekend in Washington, D.C., at the Virginian Suites. Without realizing it, we were in D.C. for the opening day of the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Kite Festival. Saturday was a gorgeous, bright, clear, sunny day. It was nice to get away for a brief time and just relax and enjoy.

Looking out of our hotel room window upon our arrival Friday evening.

Early Saturday morning we headed for the outdoor farmers market in Old Town Alexandria. Rich found fresh made pasta, a jar of home made tomato sauce with pancetta and leeks, a baguette, and some fruit from which to create our evening meal. The hotel suite was a bedroom, living room, and kitchen - perfect!

We returned our car to the hotel and then walked to the Metro to get to the National Mall. Once there we walked around the entire tidal basin, visiting memorials, watching people of all ages fly their kites, and taking in the beautiful cherry blossoms. We ate lunch at the Smithsonian Café and even spent a brief time in the National Museum of Art.

Along the walk to the Jefferson Memorial

Kites on the Mall

Inside the Jefferson Memorial

Rich at the World War II Memorial

Kites everywhere - and so pretty!

Before leaving for home on Sunday we stopped at the Iwo Jima Memorial
just around the corner from our hotel.

Birthday Weekend

Kat and Jason spent the weekend with us as we celebrated Kat's birthday. While Kat and Jason went out Saturday evening we enjoyed some fun time with Daniel. He's such a happy boy - and quite the little charmer!

Daniel has his own cupboard at Grandma's house. He was having fun getting things out until he saw the camera!

Saturday Project

Sharon gave us a picture collage frame for Christmas and I finally spent some time filling it - with each grandchild's picture, meaning of the name, and prayer for each one. A good Saturday project on a cold winter day. The text of the names, scripture verses, and prayers can be seen at http://richnsusan.blogspot.com/2009/12/whats-in-name.html.