project 52: week 5

What is Project 52? It's a little like Project 365, but instead of the goal of posting a photo each day, I'll post a photo or two each week along with a short update. Really I just need a little push to post something every week. Since I like to keep this space positive, posting every week forces me to look back and find something shiny to talk about (ten points if you get that reference). Some weeks that's a piece of cake. Other weeks it's more of a challenge, and those weeks give this task true meaning.

Sunshine & kitties

What's New?
Well, I didn't make it to the Northwest Tea Festival. But I did find time to read this article about tea & science. My favorite part:

As an aside, having been to America and sampling the weak tea made there, it must be stressed that the teabag should either be in a pot or the mug itself; it is not sufficient just for it to be in the same room.

It's all about whether or not you should add milk first, or last. According to the article, not adding milk is not an option.

I'm heading into the Olympic Peninsula next week for outdoor school with my 8th graders, and I've already packed many bags of tea. It's going to be rainy and cold, for sure, as autumn has finally arrived to Western Washington. So this weekend I'm heading to Goodwill to see what kind of warm clothing I can find for cheap.

Currently Reading
I finished The Midwife's Tale and The Origin of Satan late last week, and I've been spending most of my reading time in The Fifth Sacred Thing. I imagine that next week while I'm in the woods I'll lean more towards Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds.

• The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk

• Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds by Lyanda Lynn Haupt

On the Needles
I finished my legwarmers! Last night they came off the needles. I still need to weave in ends before I pack them in my bag for this week's outdoor adventure. They fit perfectly from my ankles to my knees, so I anticipate having warm legs (at least the lower portion).

Looking Forward To

1. spending time outdoors next week with 3 awesome teachers and a whole bunch of 8th graders
2. coming home to my warm comfy bed at the end of the above-mentioned adventure

sun tea

What's New?
We had some beautiful, warm and sunny days earlier this week, which led me to make my first sun tea of the season. Then yesterday it rained. That's Seattle for you.

I've been accepted to two summer programs for science teachers! Which is great, but there's one problem: they overlap. So after much thought and deliberation, I've decided to attend the week-long Living With a Volcano In Your Backyard program at Mt Rainier, since it will directly impact my teaching next year. I'll reapply for the DIG School next year.

I'm almost finished with my ProTeach work. Just need to scan and attach two artifacts, and get feedback on two textboxes. I can see the finish line!

Currently Reading

• The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb

On the Needles

My Leaflet cardigan is coming along quite smoothly. I almost finished two repeats of the leaf pattern down the back with the first skein of yarn. I think I'll have quite enough yarn left over from this project to make another sweater. Maybe another February Lady? Maybe something new.

Looking Forward To

1. heading off for a weekend with friends

farewell summer

Ice cream, blue skies, sun tea, adventures at the shore, roasting marshmallows, picking berries... I will miss the lazy days of summer.

Yesterday was our 48th consecutive day without rain in Seattle (the record is 51). Today is overcast but no rain yet. I think I'm ready for autumn: colored leaves, crisp air, apples, rain storms, soup, and sweaters. 

Yes, I am ready.

a quiet evening

After an exhausting day, it's good to remember to slow down and enjoy the little things. 

In my case - candlelight and some tea in my 'fancy' cup.