Middle College Update

I have almost finished a whole quarter at the Middle College. I continue to really enjoy my students. But, I'm tired all the time. This week I crashed every evening before I could start working on lesson plans. I really paid for not working harder over the weekend. I cleaned the house and got the various stacks of Middle College books and papers organized! Yeah!

Last Sunday, I went to the junior Bach Festival Recital in Columbia. Two of my current students were performing. They were spectacular! Sydney sang

"L'hoperduta, me meschina" from The Marriage of Figaro. She has an incredible voice, and she is a very sweet individual. Emily played Concerto No.1 "Allegro assai" on the violin. What a performance! She, too, is a lovely young woman. Both girls are top academic students. I have pictures, but I don't think I should risk posting a picture of students online - Boo! One of my students from last year performed, too. Josh played Corelli's Sonata VIII on the trumpet. It was a wonderful afternoon! One of my seniors came to listen and support his classmates. Derrick is a wonderful young man. He is bright and kind. He plays the guitar and enjoys music of all types.

Meanwhile, I needed to complete more preparation in the evening this week. I also met with all of my students individually to discuss their essays. They are rewriting them in time to get their revised grade posted before quarter grades are due.

It has been raining here this week. My morning walk to class has been lovely along the pond and through the wet pines trees to my classroom. It is a very pleasant way to start the day.

Tomorrow morning, several of my students are meeting at 7:30 at the Senior Center in Sonora to help the Catholic Charities with an outreach program to senior citizens. We will be doing some yard work and light house cleaning.

Today, we had two individuals from Habitat for Humanity give a presentation. Several students are going to work with this organization. I'm excited about these community service opportunities and my students' positive respponses!

Here it is! Isn't Bret Harte's new pool beautiful!!! Joan and I tried it out right before she left for Italy. I have been back a couple of times since. It is clean, spacious, and warm! Late afternoon lap times are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We feel so much better with a place to swim most of the year.

The bad news is that the pool is two inches too short to meet the Olympic standards. This means Bret Harte won't be able to host meets - really unfortunate. But, the pool will probably be open to the public more consistently this way.

There is also a full locker room! Yeah!

In addition to attending the wedding, I was fortunate to be able to visit with Robin. Robin and I taught English together for several years. She is now back in Santa Cruz with his husband, Dennis - he's in the background - and her son, who is the organic gardener. Robin is continuing to teach at San Jose State University and she is writing a new mystery. It was wonderful to re-connect with Robin. Thank you for the lovely vegetables!

The first picture shows Diane's daughter, Kristin, and Diane's best friend from high school, Ruth. In the second picture are Jessie, the proud grandmother, with Brett and Tenley! The celebration included all close friends and family. We had a wonderful time wishing Brandon and Sophie much happiness!

Here is my good friend of thirty-six years - we started teaching at Newbury Park High School the same year - surrounded by her sons, Brandon, the groom on the right, and Brett, the best man, on her left.

The sentiment that each of us came away with was that Brandon and Sophie are truly in love. They know each other well and find happiness within their relationship! This picture, taken just before the private Jewish ceremony, captures that feeling!

Brandon and Sophie chose a beautiful spot for their elegant wedding. We drove to the summit of Highway 17 and then dropped down to the site. As you can see, the setting was exquisite!

They were married in a semi-traditional Jewish ceremony. The canopy was created by Sophie's mother and grandmother. Sophie and a friend of hers created a lovely brochure for the attendees, so we could understand not only who was participating in the ceremony, but the significance of the various segments. The one that was new to me and was very significant was the bride and groom circling each other to create their own space as a couple and new family. The rabbi had known Sophie since her birth. The music was traditional and lovely. Sophie and Brandon wrote their own vows, too, which were representative of them as a committed couple.