Twelve weeks...

January 31, 2013 Photo of the day:
"Twelve More Weeks..."


This afternoon, I attended the first meeting of Southeastern Wisconsin Technology and Innovation Coaches and Specialists at South Milwaukee High School. It was great to network with like-minded educators, to share ideas, and to plan for future collaboration. On the way home, as I drove over the Hoan Bridge, I decided to check on our boat at the Sailing Center. She is safely tucked away for the winter, but just being at the lakefront made me dream of warmer days. Today, the lake is frozen and the wind is howling; the temperature is 7°F, but sailing season starts in twelve weeks!

Il pleut

January 29, 2013 Photo of the day: "Il pleut"


 Ô bruit doux de la pluie
Par terre et sur les toits!
Pour un coeur qui s'ennuie,
Ô le chant de la pluie!
 - Paul Verlaine

It has been raining all day. In fact, thunder woke me at 3:00 am. 
Tonight the rain will turn to snow with 4-6 inches expected tomorrow, but for now, Il pleut...

January Thaw

January 28, 2013 Photo of the day: "January Thaw"

When I started my Project 365, I resolved to post a photo each day of something that inspired me to slow down and take a closer look. I never promised that every photo would be beautiful.  Some days are harder than others to capture beauty, and January Mondays are particularly difficult. Yet, today brought the annual "January Thaw" to Southeastern Wisconsin. I don't know why, but we always have a few days of unseasonably warm temperatures near the end of January when everything turns dull and soggy. Despite the warmer weather, I actually prefer the beauty of the clean white snow. Besides, I know that the climbing temperatures are only a tease, a clearing of the old snow to make way for February, often our coldest and snowiest month. Tomorrow, the forecast is for 55° and thunderstorms, followed by a low of -6° on Thursday! Winter in Wisconsin is far from over, yet if I squint my eyes at this icy slush on the sidewalk, I can almost see foamy waves breaking on a sandy beach.

Rock 2 Remember

January 27, 2013 Photo of the day:  "Rock 2 Remember"

I cannot begin to express how proud I am to work with so many talented and generous students and educators at Pewaukee High School. PHS English teacher, Mike Callies, organized a phenomenal benefit concert for the families and victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy. Mike's two bands, Fat Andy and Rocky Mountain Beaver Pond, and PHS Science teacher Jenny Klemme's My So Called Band were among eight student and local bands that performed for over four hours. Despite the icy weather this afternoon, much of the new PHS auditorium was filled with students, faculty, and PHS families. Pewaukee students and staff recognize how fortunate we are. Students have also organized fundraisers for victims of Superstorm Sandy and the Azana spa shooting. Our Global Solidarity Club runs a coffee house to raise money for our sister school in Uganda, and our French and Spanish Current Issues class also raised $1000 to support Doctors Without Borders.  At Pewaukee High School, we acknowledge that "To whom much is given, much is expected." - Luke 12:48