Fox, vultures and dragonflies

     This morning I went up to the lake to do my 6.5 mile hike. I really enjoy these walks, either with or without companionship. So far, I've worn out my father and my son--both have been with me once and both were so tired afterwards that they didn't want to go back. Their loss. I don't mind going by myself and so far don't even listen to music because it is so beautiful to look at the trees, the animals and listen to the wild sounds. I see plenty of fisherman and some outdoors people running, biking or motorcycling.
     Today, I was lucky enough to see a vulture take off from a tree about 10 feet away from where I was walking. I'd seen two of them circling and thought they might be really big hawks, but then I startled this big fellow and he took off from the tree, flying over my head. Definitely a vulture. They are truly big birds and impressive in their own way. Lots better looking in flight than close-up though!
     As I walked I also saw plenty of dragonflies, many of them engaged in vigorous mating. When joined, they look like jeweled bi-planes, one atop the other, flying in unison. They're not really concentrating well on where they're going, but the fact that they can fly and mate at the same time is pretty impressive.
      Finally, I was privileged to see a fox sunning himself on a rock around mile four of my walk. He was a handsome fellow and seemed completely unruffled by either myself or the car that stopped to watch. Foxes are smaller than you would think--about the size of a large cat. The bushy tail was absolutely gorgeous, though I wish I had brought my camera.
    

Several times now, on my walks down by the college, I've been able to see a heron that looks a lot like the picture at left. He's flown past me once so I got to view the incredible wingspan and grace of the creature. Other times he just stands by the water of the little pond they have, perhaps looking for fish. I've seen one at the park as well, same type as at left but I've only seen that one once. The first time I saw it, I couldn't stop smiling. I probably looked like I was crazy, but who cares! 

Teaching, Gardening, Start of Summer

      I've been itching to get out in the garden all school year and actually had a little time to do so with my new job. I've been laterally moved to Targeted Literacy Instructor, which just means that I have two very small sections (no more than 15 students) of kids who read below grade level. My other responsibility is to test each child individually several times per year and then to collaborate with their teachers in other classes such as social studies and science where there is grade-level reading and writing that they might need help with. I really enjoyed this last year--one of the lowest stress years in my teaching career thus far. However, I was ready to add to it which is why I'm glad to have a new class this next year.
      For the 2015-2106 school year, I'll have two sections of targeted literacy, one semester section of 21st Century Journalism (fun!) and one year section of Teaching as a Career. For the teaching class, I will be the fourth instructor and four years, but I hope to hang on to it for a while. I really enjoy teaching the journalism class, but never get enough kids to sign up for it to have two sections--a whole year worth. I'm hoping the teaching class will keep me busy but not overwhelmed and I'm really looking forward to it.
     As to gardening, I've been working on weeding and clearing the fenceline. For some reason, our chain link fence attracts birds who love to "plant" all sorts of unwanted crap. My dog is not a great birder, though she did catch a rabbit the other day, and may or may not have caught a squirrel. So, the birds come and while I enjoy their song and plumage I really hate clearing the fence every single year. Plus, I'm really allergic to poison ivy and I pick it up every year, without fail because it will be hidden in amongst the other foliage and by the time I see it, it's far too late.

      I'll take some pictures if it every stops raining to post here because my front garden is starting to shape up really nicely. My kids are really helping out this year which is a true joy. When they are little, they "help" but you end up doing most of the work. My son (14) is old enough to use the crosscut saw and has more upper-body strength than me so has been hacking away at some old stumps on the fence, really making it look so much better. Like someone cares. And I do!