In my last entry, I wrote about the things that make being in a small high school in the Alaskan Bush so different. I want to follow that up with the events of today as an illustration.
Our volleyball team was playing in a tournament, which was hosted at another school here on Prince of Wales Island. One of the games was scheduled for 8:00 this morning. Last night, our principal sent out an email to all staff announcing that we were going to take attendance for 1st period, then load the buses and go to the game to cheer the team on.
When I arrived at school, there was a large crowd of students in the hall. People were busy painting each other's faces and decorating banners. The cheerleading coach had some kids go up to the 2nd floor storage and get the old uniforms, which were distributed to the students who were waiting. One student even put on the mascot uniform, a large black panther.
The athletic director spoke to all the students before we boarded the two buses. He told them what the expectations were for their behavior, and emphasized the need for them to return to school ready to work if they wanted to have this opportunity again. Then we all got on the buses.
15 minutes later, or thereabouts, and we were at Klawock High School, home of the Chieftains. The first game was well underway when we entered the gym. Our girls, in green and gold, were winning against the Petersburg Vikings, dressed in black. Maybe you already know, but I didn't, that the girls were playing for best out of 5 games.
Our cheerleading season hasn't started yet, so there wasn't any formal cheering. Our students did just fine without leaders. They had made all kinds of posters to hold up, cheering on their favorite players. They were enthusiastic when we scored, sympathetic when we missed, and polite when the other team scored. They were also incredibly loud!
The Panthers won the first two games, then the Vikings won the next two. It looked to me like the players were tiring during the 4th game, and I really doubted we would win. Amazingly, the Panthers rallied and won the last game. Yay, Panthers!
We arrived back at school in what would normally have been near the end of 3rd period. Instead, the students were told to have their break time, and when the bell rang, report to 1st period. We ran 1st and 2nd period, then lunch, and then 3rd and 4th periods.
I can't imagine a large school doing that at all, and especially not with only 12 hours notice. Our kids handled it well, even including the schedule changes. I love that we can be flexible and responsive to the moment as a school, and everyone handles it just fine.
Way to go Panthers!
Friday, October 21, 2016
Saturday, October 15, 2016
The Uniqueness of a Small School
Craig High School serves around 80 students in grades 9-12. Most are white; some are Alaska Native. They have the same hopes and fears as any other students of that age. They have fewer opportunities because of where we are, but like teens everywhere, some make the most of the opportunities available and some don't. Some want to live here forever, and some can't wait to leave. In short, they're pretty average.
What's really different here is the school. Seven full-time teachers offer all the core subjects and some electives. Then a handful of shared or part-time teachers offer electives. I don't know the average class size, but 20 is considered a large class. Our course offerings include digital photography, ceramics, yearbook, drawing and painting, home economics, marine technology (boating), robotics, drama, Academic Decathlon, construction, welding, Native carving, Native Arts, and Spanish. Our students compete in several sports. We have teams in Cross-Country, Volleyball, Wrestling, Swimming, and Girls' and Boys' Basketball. That's pretty good, given the number of people on staff.
With seven teachers, everyone teaches all the same students. We don't all eat lunch together everyday, but everyone eats in the workroom at some point. We rarely have to use kids' last names because very few kids share a first name with anyone else. When that one kid is going bonkers, we're able to problem solve. Someone will know that kid's family outside of school. The kid's said something to someone that might be relevant. The kid is falling asleep in class lately. It's nothing formal, but we try to come up with ideas to help whatever teacher needs it, but also to see if we all need to be consistent in dealing with that student or situation. What a wonderful asset!
Then there's the school building. The lobby or commons is large enough to set up the tables and create a cafeteria, though the tables are only down from breakfast to lunch. When you walk in the front door into the commons, the auditorium is straight ahead and the gym is to the right. To the left is the single hallway with all eight classrooms and the library. There's an unfinished second floor that's used for storage.
There's only one set of restrooms, and they're up at the start of the hallway. They're also opposite the office. Students can't skip class unless they completely leave the campus. No hiding in the bathroom! There's also only one hall. If you're late to class, you stand out like a sore thumb! All the lockers are on that one hall. None of that "I had to go all the way there for my locker, and my class is here, so that's why I'm late." Juniors and Seniors get two lockers, side by side. The Freshmen and Sophomores get one locker each, at the far ends of the halls. Still not a long walk. Our kids don't even lock their lockers. If someone stole something, everyone would know within an hour whose it was and who stole it.
The kids have known each other their whole lives. They have a lifetime (their lifetime!) of memories of each other. Everyone already knows the embarrassing story from elementary school because they were there. Kids don't have to pretend to be someone they're not. Even if the person they're talking to is new and doesn't know anything, after they're seen talking together, all their classmates will be filling the new kid in!
Our athletes normally miss two days of school when they travel to away games. That's why they have to qualify by grades before every away game. If their grades drop temporarily, they can't play until they're back up. It's also not unusual for a student to be away for a week. Sometimes it's for a medical appointment off-island that takes a bit of time in travel. Or sometimes the whole family is traveling "down south" to shop and/or visit. The absences are always excused because that's how life runs here. Athletes and traveling students have to be pretty dedicated to make up all the work they miss. In fact, they usually do it before leaving.
The biggest difference between CHS and a larger school is the sense of caring that fills the hallways. The teachers are few in number, so we've created a mutual support system. There aren't that many kids, either, so while some can be a little mean to each other, the bottom line is that they know they can't be really mean. They have to attend school together, and there's usually only one section of a course. They can't avoid anyone. They have to learn to coexist relatively peacefully. They've done a decent job of it. There are the same cliques as elsewhere, but there's not a competition among them. They're just groups of kids who share some interests.
I recognize that larger schools have advantages. And I know that small schools struggle to offer their kids an education that equals that found in even a small city. I also know that, for me, relationships between my students and me are the most important part of teaching. If they don't know and trust me, they're not going to learn. As much as I loved my students last year, and all the students from all the years, I've never been in a school that felt as nurturing as this one. It's how we take care of one another that makes this school truly unique.
What's really different here is the school. Seven full-time teachers offer all the core subjects and some electives. Then a handful of shared or part-time teachers offer electives. I don't know the average class size, but 20 is considered a large class. Our course offerings include digital photography, ceramics, yearbook, drawing and painting, home economics, marine technology (boating), robotics, drama, Academic Decathlon, construction, welding, Native carving, Native Arts, and Spanish. Our students compete in several sports. We have teams in Cross-Country, Volleyball, Wrestling, Swimming, and Girls' and Boys' Basketball. That's pretty good, given the number of people on staff.
With seven teachers, everyone teaches all the same students. We don't all eat lunch together everyday, but everyone eats in the workroom at some point. We rarely have to use kids' last names because very few kids share a first name with anyone else. When that one kid is going bonkers, we're able to problem solve. Someone will know that kid's family outside of school. The kid's said something to someone that might be relevant. The kid is falling asleep in class lately. It's nothing formal, but we try to come up with ideas to help whatever teacher needs it, but also to see if we all need to be consistent in dealing with that student or situation. What a wonderful asset!
Then there's the school building. The lobby or commons is large enough to set up the tables and create a cafeteria, though the tables are only down from breakfast to lunch. When you walk in the front door into the commons, the auditorium is straight ahead and the gym is to the right. To the left is the single hallway with all eight classrooms and the library. There's an unfinished second floor that's used for storage.
There's only one set of restrooms, and they're up at the start of the hallway. They're also opposite the office. Students can't skip class unless they completely leave the campus. No hiding in the bathroom! There's also only one hall. If you're late to class, you stand out like a sore thumb! All the lockers are on that one hall. None of that "I had to go all the way there for my locker, and my class is here, so that's why I'm late." Juniors and Seniors get two lockers, side by side. The Freshmen and Sophomores get one locker each, at the far ends of the halls. Still not a long walk. Our kids don't even lock their lockers. If someone stole something, everyone would know within an hour whose it was and who stole it.
The kids have known each other their whole lives. They have a lifetime (their lifetime!) of memories of each other. Everyone already knows the embarrassing story from elementary school because they were there. Kids don't have to pretend to be someone they're not. Even if the person they're talking to is new and doesn't know anything, after they're seen talking together, all their classmates will be filling the new kid in!
Our athletes normally miss two days of school when they travel to away games. That's why they have to qualify by grades before every away game. If their grades drop temporarily, they can't play until they're back up. It's also not unusual for a student to be away for a week. Sometimes it's for a medical appointment off-island that takes a bit of time in travel. Or sometimes the whole family is traveling "down south" to shop and/or visit. The absences are always excused because that's how life runs here. Athletes and traveling students have to be pretty dedicated to make up all the work they miss. In fact, they usually do it before leaving.
The biggest difference between CHS and a larger school is the sense of caring that fills the hallways. The teachers are few in number, so we've created a mutual support system. There aren't that many kids, either, so while some can be a little mean to each other, the bottom line is that they know they can't be really mean. They have to attend school together, and there's usually only one section of a course. They can't avoid anyone. They have to learn to coexist relatively peacefully. They've done a decent job of it. There are the same cliques as elsewhere, but there's not a competition among them. They're just groups of kids who share some interests.
I recognize that larger schools have advantages. And I know that small schools struggle to offer their kids an education that equals that found in even a small city. I also know that, for me, relationships between my students and me are the most important part of teaching. If they don't know and trust me, they're not going to learn. As much as I loved my students last year, and all the students from all the years, I've never been in a school that felt as nurturing as this one. It's how we take care of one another that makes this school truly unique.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Home Sweet Home
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| The view from my deck, high tide. At low tide, a lot of land becomes visible, and it's harder to see the water. |
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| Scamp is playing with her best friend, Lily. See the peeling sofa behind them? The area rug isn't too bad, but the carpet beneath adds nothing to the room. |
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| The fence and deck are beautiful! Makes the trailer look shabbier--if that's even possible! |
I've been sidelined this week with a nasty bout of bronchitis, but I'll be back working on my little home--or, rather, paying other people to install my vision of my home!
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Back to School
The students have been back in school for a little over two weeks now. My case load is 21 students in special ed, though I don't actually teach all the students on my case load, and I teach students who aren't on my case load. It seems to even out. The take-away from that is that I will have 21 IEP meetings this year--at least.
I teach one section of Pre-Algebra to 9th graders with special needs. It's my biggest class, with 9 students. I have 4 sections of Study Skills that range from 2 students to 5. It's essentially a resource support program for the kids. I keep in touch with their teachers to make sure they're getting the work turned in and guide the students in completing their assignments. I also have a couple of students who take online courses in my room. I don't really have to do anything for those kids except be available if they need help.
Our school has about 85 students. That's up from the 62 they had last year. The graduating class last year had 13 students; we have 22 new freshmen. For some odd reason, we also got a bunch of transfers.
There are 7 full time teachers. The rest of the faculty is shared with the elementary and middle schools. That includes the two Native Arts teachers, the Music teacher, and two Vocational Arts teachers. The full time teachers offer electives such as Drama, Ceramics, Home Ec, and Spanish. I haven't found my "elective" niche yet, since the things I would normally teach are already covered. I'm considering starting an Italian Language and Culture club; if it goes well, I could teach Italian I next year. Or possibly an AP Art History course.
Every teacher in the district and every student in grades 6-12 gets their own Mac laptop, plus a carrying case so it can go home. We have a full-time instructional technology specialist at the high school and another specialist at the elementary/middle school campus. Their primary job is to maintain all those computers. It makes teaching and learning in the school vastly different from any place I've ever been. Most of the differences are good, but all of it is taking some getting used to.
Faculty meetings are truly collaborative. I love that we are able to share concerns about specific kids or situations and work together to solve problems. It's unlike any other place I've ever worked. We really offer a great variety of courses and extra-curricular activities. The atmosphere reminds me of bigger schools, but with a warmer, more personal touch.
I'm very happy here. It's not the kind of teaching I prefer, since it's more re-active than pro-active; I have to respond to what the students bring in each period rather than plan activities for them. On the other hand, I don't do very much lesson planning except for the math class. And the kids are generally sweet and polite. Even the ones who can't help being obnoxious. The universal verdict, from students and colleagues, is that they like me. That feels pretty good, too!
I teach one section of Pre-Algebra to 9th graders with special needs. It's my biggest class, with 9 students. I have 4 sections of Study Skills that range from 2 students to 5. It's essentially a resource support program for the kids. I keep in touch with their teachers to make sure they're getting the work turned in and guide the students in completing their assignments. I also have a couple of students who take online courses in my room. I don't really have to do anything for those kids except be available if they need help.
Our school has about 85 students. That's up from the 62 they had last year. The graduating class last year had 13 students; we have 22 new freshmen. For some odd reason, we also got a bunch of transfers.
There are 7 full time teachers. The rest of the faculty is shared with the elementary and middle schools. That includes the two Native Arts teachers, the Music teacher, and two Vocational Arts teachers. The full time teachers offer electives such as Drama, Ceramics, Home Ec, and Spanish. I haven't found my "elective" niche yet, since the things I would normally teach are already covered. I'm considering starting an Italian Language and Culture club; if it goes well, I could teach Italian I next year. Or possibly an AP Art History course.
Every teacher in the district and every student in grades 6-12 gets their own Mac laptop, plus a carrying case so it can go home. We have a full-time instructional technology specialist at the high school and another specialist at the elementary/middle school campus. Their primary job is to maintain all those computers. It makes teaching and learning in the school vastly different from any place I've ever been. Most of the differences are good, but all of it is taking some getting used to.
Faculty meetings are truly collaborative. I love that we are able to share concerns about specific kids or situations and work together to solve problems. It's unlike any other place I've ever worked. We really offer a great variety of courses and extra-curricular activities. The atmosphere reminds me of bigger schools, but with a warmer, more personal touch.
I'm very happy here. It's not the kind of teaching I prefer, since it's more re-active than pro-active; I have to respond to what the students bring in each period rather than plan activities for them. On the other hand, I don't do very much lesson planning except for the math class. And the kids are generally sweet and polite. Even the ones who can't help being obnoxious. The universal verdict, from students and colleagues, is that they like me. That feels pretty good, too!
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Greetings from Craig!
After a summer that was anything but restful, I finally arrived in Craig a little over 2 weeks ago. I bought a very old, very used trailer before I left Atka, and a new-to-me used car in Oregon while in transit, so I have a place to live and a way to get around. The dogs and I were very happy to finally stop traveling and unpack.
Craig seems huge after Atka, with about 1200 residents. It's the largest town on Prince of Wales Island, though there are several other communities here. There's a grocery store and a handful of restaurants. There are 3 pizza places. I know 2 will deliver, but I'm not sure about the 3rd. Mail isn't delivered to homes here, so everyone has a post office box. If you want to run into friends and colleagues, the post office just after 4 in the afternoon is the place to be!
The school district serves Craig only. I think there are 200-250 students split among the elementary, middle, and high schools; I know the high school has about 70-80 students. The entire district has about 70 employees, from the superintendent to the bus drivers; 35 are certified teachers. A dozen teachers work at the high school either full or part time. I will be teaching special education, with a case load of about 20, which is more than I expected to have.
For such a small school, we offer a pretty good program for the kids. The full-time teachers all wear two hats. For example, one teacher has English and Art classes, while another teaches social studies and Spanish, and a third teaches History, Remedial Language Arts, Drama, and Home Ec. I won't have anything but my "study skills" classes for at least the first semester. That may be true for the whole year, but the principal and I are talking about my teaching either a Humanities course or AP Art History at some future date. Oddly enough, the state of Alaska gave me an endorsement in Humanities, so I'm actually certified to teach those courses.
My home is in decent shape for being a 43 year old trailer. Some things have been very well taken care of. Within the last 2-3 years, a new heater has been installed, a new roof was put on, the space beneath the trailer was insulated, and a new kitchen with stainless steel appliances was installed. However, the people who've lived here in the past have obviously had more skill than money. The curtains are cheap panels or cut up sheets, hanging on lengths of pipe that are mounted on blocks of wood nailed to the wall. I've started changing things to improve comfort or function. For example, the closets have a single shelf with a rod all the way across. I've ordered 3 wire units, one for each bedroom closet. The units plus the handyman to install them won't be more than $300, but it will make the closets much more usable. Of course, then I have to buy closet doors and get them installed, too, but that has more to do with aesthetics. I'll buy some vertical blinds for the living room window that's currently uncovered, but I can wait on replacing the ugly pipe-hanging curtains. Little by little, it'll all get done.
I haven't taken any pictures yet, at least not with my good camera. I'll probably come back to this entry and add some pictures once I take them. One set of pictures I hope to take is the view from my back deck, every day before school. Then I can put them together in a quick video to show how the seasons change. Who knows, I may even get pictures of some of the wildlife--bears, wolves, and black tail deer. I've seen the last in my yard a couple of times. I also watched a bald eagle fly by one morning.
I think I'll like it here, both the school and my house. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. I may have finally found my home.
Craig seems huge after Atka, with about 1200 residents. It's the largest town on Prince of Wales Island, though there are several other communities here. There's a grocery store and a handful of restaurants. There are 3 pizza places. I know 2 will deliver, but I'm not sure about the 3rd. Mail isn't delivered to homes here, so everyone has a post office box. If you want to run into friends and colleagues, the post office just after 4 in the afternoon is the place to be!
The school district serves Craig only. I think there are 200-250 students split among the elementary, middle, and high schools; I know the high school has about 70-80 students. The entire district has about 70 employees, from the superintendent to the bus drivers; 35 are certified teachers. A dozen teachers work at the high school either full or part time. I will be teaching special education, with a case load of about 20, which is more than I expected to have.
For such a small school, we offer a pretty good program for the kids. The full-time teachers all wear two hats. For example, one teacher has English and Art classes, while another teaches social studies and Spanish, and a third teaches History, Remedial Language Arts, Drama, and Home Ec. I won't have anything but my "study skills" classes for at least the first semester. That may be true for the whole year, but the principal and I are talking about my teaching either a Humanities course or AP Art History at some future date. Oddly enough, the state of Alaska gave me an endorsement in Humanities, so I'm actually certified to teach those courses.
My home is in decent shape for being a 43 year old trailer. Some things have been very well taken care of. Within the last 2-3 years, a new heater has been installed, a new roof was put on, the space beneath the trailer was insulated, and a new kitchen with stainless steel appliances was installed. However, the people who've lived here in the past have obviously had more skill than money. The curtains are cheap panels or cut up sheets, hanging on lengths of pipe that are mounted on blocks of wood nailed to the wall. I've started changing things to improve comfort or function. For example, the closets have a single shelf with a rod all the way across. I've ordered 3 wire units, one for each bedroom closet. The units plus the handyman to install them won't be more than $300, but it will make the closets much more usable. Of course, then I have to buy closet doors and get them installed, too, but that has more to do with aesthetics. I'll buy some vertical blinds for the living room window that's currently uncovered, but I can wait on replacing the ugly pipe-hanging curtains. Little by little, it'll all get done.
I haven't taken any pictures yet, at least not with my good camera. I'll probably come back to this entry and add some pictures once I take them. One set of pictures I hope to take is the view from my back deck, every day before school. Then I can put them together in a quick video to show how the seasons change. Who knows, I may even get pictures of some of the wildlife--bears, wolves, and black tail deer. I've seen the last in my yard a couple of times. I also watched a bald eagle fly by one morning.
I think I'll like it here, both the school and my house. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. I may have finally found my home.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
All the News that Barks!
My life is generally quiet and uneventful. If it weren't for the three dogs who live with me, it would be downright boring. No chance of that happening!
Cody loves his life here in Atka. He's been quite sad since my teaching partner left for the summer; her dog Sam is Cody's best friend. Sam is spending the summer up in the village proper, and rarely comes down to visit. Cody goes over to their old house and searches for Sam, whimpering as he does. I tell him that Sam is gone, but Cody knows he's still around, just not "here." However, Cody is a busy dog with things to do. He shakes off his sadness and starts his rounds of exploration. As long as he doesn't go into the village, he's free to go wherever he likes; the village itself has a leash law. I'm not sure how Cody knows that, but he never goes into the village. Or, rather, if he has ever gone there, no one's told me so.
Shadow also has a lot of freedom. The fact that he's roughly 1/6th Cody's size doesn't seem to inhibit him in any way. The only danger he faces is from the eagles. About 2 weeks ago, a friend showed up at my door with Shadow under his arm. He'd found the little guy a half mile down the road, toward the village. He wouldn't have noticed Shadow, except there were eagles circling him overhead. He grabbed Shadow and brought him home before the eagles could snatch him. It's early in the season yet; the salmon aren't running, and the eagles are hungry. For a few days after that, I walked Shadow on his leash. When I let him wander free again, I kept him in sight. As long as he returns when I call him, I can let him be free. If he doesn't respond to my voice commands, I put him back on the leash for a walk or two. It's amazing how obedient he becomes when he again has freedom. I sure hope the salmon hurry up!
Scamp is now an adolescent pup. She hasn't been well-socialized to humans, mostly because there are few humans or opportunities for socialization in Atka. There is now a group of scientists living in the empty houses around us and working at the school. Scamp has been barking at the strangers. Then she started barking at their numerous vehicles. And then she started chasing the vehicles. I had to walk her on leash just to keep her safe. I kept her on leash in the house, too, because she wasn't responding to me anymore when we were outside.
Keeping Scamp on her leash all the time was exactly what she needed. The strategy is that being under my control at all times teaches her that all good things come from me. All bad things come from me, too. Her life is better when she behaves in a way that pleases me, so she learns to behave the way I want her to. Now when we go outside, she willingly approaches the scientists, tail wagging. She ignores their vehicles, except to get out of the way if they're moving toward her. Inside, she initiates play with me. We play Tug and Fetch. When I tried to teach her Fetch a few weeks ago, she wasn't interested. Now she brings me Ellie, her hot pink stuffed elephant, over and over for me to toss in the air.
When I take all the dogs out for a walk, with Scamp on her leash, we set off single file, with Cody in the lead. He knows where he wants to go. If I don't head in the direction Cody is "suggesting," he turns around and follows us. He eventually ends up in front again, since Scamp wants to sniff everything and thus slows us down. Shadow trots along behind, keeping me in sight. It's an odd canine version of Follow the Leader.
I've been undecided about whether or not I was going to keep Scamp. Our relocation to Craig is logistically rather difficult. I considered putting her up for adoption in Anchorage, after I got her to a vet for shots and spaying. The biggest problem was - and is - getting Scamp, in her crate, Cody, in his service dog harness, Shadow, in his carry-on shoulder bag, a suitcase, a backpack, and me all onto the plane to Oregon and then from the plane to the car. The trip from Oregon to Craig isn't as bad because we'll be taking the ferry. I finally decided that Scamp is coming with us no matter what. Dogs aren't disposable; the decision to adopt a dog is a lifelong commitment unless something truly monumental happens. Moving isn't that monumental, no matter how difficult the logistics are!
So, my little family will move together in about 3 weeks. We'll have 2-3 weeks of staying in hotels and kennels. That is to say I'll be staying in hotels, while Scamp and Shadow stay in kennels. Cody will spend time in both. We'll be in our new home late on July 31. No more free run of the island; they'll all be on leashes until I can get a fence put in. Not only is there a leash law, but there are black bears and wolves on the island. There are some places they'll be able to run and play, like on the beach. I think they'll be happy there. I think we'll all be happy there!
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| Cody checks to make sure I'm still following him. |
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| Shadow has to check, too! |
Shadow also has a lot of freedom. The fact that he's roughly 1/6th Cody's size doesn't seem to inhibit him in any way. The only danger he faces is from the eagles. About 2 weeks ago, a friend showed up at my door with Shadow under his arm. He'd found the little guy a half mile down the road, toward the village. He wouldn't have noticed Shadow, except there were eagles circling him overhead. He grabbed Shadow and brought him home before the eagles could snatch him. It's early in the season yet; the salmon aren't running, and the eagles are hungry. For a few days after that, I walked Shadow on his leash. When I let him wander free again, I kept him in sight. As long as he returns when I call him, I can let him be free. If he doesn't respond to my voice commands, I put him back on the leash for a walk or two. It's amazing how obedient he becomes when he again has freedom. I sure hope the salmon hurry up!
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| What a sweet face! I think she looks like a miniature golden retriever with a curly tail. |
Keeping Scamp on her leash all the time was exactly what she needed. The strategy is that being under my control at all times teaches her that all good things come from me. All bad things come from me, too. Her life is better when she behaves in a way that pleases me, so she learns to behave the way I want her to. Now when we go outside, she willingly approaches the scientists, tail wagging. She ignores their vehicles, except to get out of the way if they're moving toward her. Inside, she initiates play with me. We play Tug and Fetch. When I tried to teach her Fetch a few weeks ago, she wasn't interested. Now she brings me Ellie, her hot pink stuffed elephant, over and over for me to toss in the air.
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| Cody and Scamp play rough! |
I've been undecided about whether or not I was going to keep Scamp. Our relocation to Craig is logistically rather difficult. I considered putting her up for adoption in Anchorage, after I got her to a vet for shots and spaying. The biggest problem was - and is - getting Scamp, in her crate, Cody, in his service dog harness, Shadow, in his carry-on shoulder bag, a suitcase, a backpack, and me all onto the plane to Oregon and then from the plane to the car. The trip from Oregon to Craig isn't as bad because we'll be taking the ferry. I finally decided that Scamp is coming with us no matter what. Dogs aren't disposable; the decision to adopt a dog is a lifelong commitment unless something truly monumental happens. Moving isn't that monumental, no matter how difficult the logistics are!
So, my little family will move together in about 3 weeks. We'll have 2-3 weeks of staying in hotels and kennels. That is to say I'll be staying in hotels, while Scamp and Shadow stay in kennels. Cody will spend time in both. We'll be in our new home late on July 31. No more free run of the island; they'll all be on leashes until I can get a fence put in. Not only is there a leash law, but there are black bears and wolves on the island. There are some places they'll be able to run and play, like on the beach. I think they'll be happy there. I think we'll all be happy there!
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Spring!
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| Landscaping by Mother Nature |
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| Even dandelions are pretty when allowed to grow freely! |
One of the first things I noticed was bird song. The eagles and ravens are here all winter, but the small birds that chirp and chatter were absent. Then, one morning, I heard them. I never noticed their absence, but I was happy to welcome them back.
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| Beautiful purple spikes stand above the grasses |
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| These tiny white flowers remind me of chamomile, but I don't know what they are. |
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| I love the way the silvery-green foliage contrasts with the brighter greens of other plants! |
As spring continues, the temperature may creep up a bit, but most days will have highs in the 60's. Shirtsleeve weather for me, but I guess most people will continue to wear light jackets.Cody seems to love the change. Every time we go outside, he rolls in the grass. Such a silly dog!
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