Thursday, August 12, 2021

Started this yesterday, but forgot to post.....

Well, today has been a first day of school just like any other first day of school, with only a few exceptions. Those minor exceptions are:

1. MASKS! I realize that it is taking me longer to learn names than it normally does. I suppose I make a lot of associations with names and faces. I have one pair of boys and 2 pair of girls that look similar when wearing masks. Jack and Max, Alana and Alexis, Emilia and Jasmine. But masks are pretty second nature to the kids now, so at least that was not an issue. Personally, I still HATE that my glasses fog up!
2. It is August, so it's HOT on the playground. I mean really hot!
3. Kids are very out of practice being at school. It will take longer to build routine. However, it's clear that these little boys and girls are craving the routine of daily school life. The children's joy of being back in school is palpable.

All in all, I felt it was like a pretty regular first day of school.

GOAT v2.0 is coming soon. I posted a pic on TT.

As David used to say, more later!

Yeah for a school day that feels relatively normal. I too hate masks, it's unfortunate that we don't have other ways to protect children in areas of high transmission, but here we are. Some adults could take a lesson from the kids about how to cope.

We, so far, will be starting with the policy of masks strongly encouraged, but not required. I work with a group of students that has the option to vaccinate. In my mind, I don't need a mask. But then I think about, for example, my coworker who was diagnosed with lymphoma 3 years ago. He's cancer free, but who knows how well his immune system responds. Should I keep wearing a mask for him and others like him? I wish they would just say masks are required, or masks are not required, or, masks will be required again if transmission rates reach X number.

Today, eating will be even more focused on delicious, healthy food than even yesterday. I can do this, and I'll feel better!

I finished another book, Hamnet. Historical fiction about Shakespeare's family, who stayed back in Stratford on Avon, while he was in London, being the greatest writer in the English language. It's a shorter book, poetic, and caused me to well up with tears a few time. Today, I am reading something completely different, All Adults Here. A family comedy/drama. I like it so far.

The weather today is so different than the last few weeks. A cooler, dry front came through last night. There's a decidedly fresh breeze blowing, the airconditioner is turned off, and the windows opened wide. A little preview of fall.

Pros, what are the upgrades in Goat V2? Trying to learn about RV life, for future dreams.

Biggest difference is that this RV is a Diesel Pusher (330 horse power Cummins engine with a 6 speed Allison transmission) and has a huge 8000 watt generator. It also has a 2000 watt inverter. All of this adds up to much more power available when driving and when parked.

This one also has a bigger fridge and kitchen and two push out slides in the living area instead of one. The kitchen storage is much better and we have a larger kitchen counter work area. We will also now have a couch or two recliners to use for seating in addition to the dinette. The dinette also is a free standing with regular dining chairs instead of a bank dinette. The bathroom is an "open" bath. That means that the shower and sink are not closed off in the little room with the toilet. There is also a second sink in the toilet closet - so two bathroom sinks with two medicine cabinets. The bed is also a full length queen bed instead of a queen short like we have now. Another very big perk for me is pass through basement storage. I will be able to store much more easily the large tables and exercise pens I use at the dog shows. The storage doors are also side hinged instead of flip up (top hinged) which makes access far easier.

I'll post more pics on TT so you can see. Just know that the black cabinet will be gone as will the black recliners.

I like the idea of regular dining chairs too. I didn't realize some had shorter than normal queen beds, would not work well for my DH either.

If we get into the RV game, we will probably start with a used Class C, so much smaller. But we're used to tent camping (which I loved when we were young, but now, not so much) and camp stoves on picnic tables, so even a small RV would be luxury. I want: regular dining chairs, a love seat or similar for seating, a toilet, a comfortable mattress. I'm fine with the limited space (I think****il we see if we actually enjoy it. My parents have 3 camping trailers, a tiny Scamp, a 17 foot Flagstaff and a 30 ft Montana. My Dad always has a big pick up truck , so they prefer to pull a trailer. DH thinks he would prefer an RV, even a small one. I just want to hit the road :)

Class Cs are great starters. You have to remember my needs are pretty specific with the dogs and lugging equipment. I am not a camper, but the RV life at dog shows beats the heck out of schlepping dogs back and forth from a hotel and gives the dogs a nice sense of home away from home.

Motorhomes are much easier to navigate than a trailer, too - especially when backing up!!!!!