Etcetera

So, what in the world goes on around here besides sewing and quilting? Well, here is a verbal snapshot highlighting the last few days. Trouble is, I don't take pictures of this stuff, so this will be word-heavy and picture-light.

Over the past 10 days or so, I have been collecting, grading, and collecting again rough drafts from my two Freshman Comp classes at OU-C. Providing feedback on 35-40 essays is a time-consuming endeavor, and it is one that I take seriously. Sometimes, it feels as if I care more about my students' improvement as writers than they do themselves. The balance between helping them along and knowing where and when to let them do the work is tricky, but I do try really hard to provide ample feedback on drafts, and then see how they apply those lessons as they submit second rough drafts and finals. The work is mentally challenging, for sure. My old brain gets a definite workout!

Did you know that all compositions are submitted electronically? Gone are the days where teachers collect a stack of essays and mark comments on paper. Digital is today's reality. The logo above stands for Blackboard, the digital program used by Ohio University and its regional campuses. It took some getting used to, and I balked at this drastic change to a certain extent. Over a few years' time I have become comfortable with this digital method, and in the process it has given me new insights on how to edit and instruct student writers.

Saturday morning, I met Mom in Hillsboro at the Appalachian Artisans' fair called Cabin Fever. Crafters and makers of all sorts were represented, and we really enjoyed the variety - woodworkers, soap makers, quilters, herbalists, makers of jewelry, birdhouses, toy tractors, carvings, paintings - even musicians were represented. It was a good morning for getting out and seeing all the creative ways people express themselves.

Saturday night, Kevin and I joined a group of friends in Greenfield for 'Winter Brews and Stews,' a fundraising event sponsored by 3G (Grow Greater Greenfield). We tasted a wide variety of chili made by locals who were competing for bragging rights to the best recipe in town. We also had a few "brews" and listened to some great music. Except for the incredible amount of rain that evening, it was a great time. The rain squelched attendance, no doubt, but the evening was still enjoyable.


Sunday (yesterday) was the best part of the weekend, as all the kids were home for Sunday Dinner. With the time change, we set a 1pm meal time and everyone came. Emma and Geoffrey, Erin and Jeff and Adam all sat down to dinner and what a wonderful afternoon - no pictures to commemorate the event, but with Adam planning soon to head back out west, we needed to have a family get-together before his departure.

The menu? Family favorites - meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, salad, crusty bread. Dessert was a long-time favorite called Striped Delight (found in a women's magazine over 20 years ago, featuring layers of graham cracker crust, cream cheese/whipped topping, chocolate pudding, whipped topping and nuts). Mmmm.

Tomorrow, I will try to get back to sharing some pictures and quilting-related material. Happy Monday - and...
Happy Quilting, Friends!