Photo #104/365: What Are the Chances?

We use these ten sided die for math. This week we were using them to practice multiplication of multiples of ten. They're kind of interesting looking compared to a boring old cube.

Photo #103/365: The Magnolia Trees Are In Bloom

The Magnolia Trees are in bloom again. I love the beauty of these trees. You have to enjoy the blooms while you can, because they don't last long. This tree stands in front of school. Right now, because of wear and tear on the school lawn, it is surrounded by a fence, so you can't get very close. This tree was my subject almost exactly one year ago today.

Photo #102/365: When In Doubt, Photograph the Dog!

Bailey was my companion for the day. We did all his favorite things, mainly sleep.

Photo #101/365: For the Love of Mickey

I am still struggling with a respiratory infection, so I stayed home sick today, therefore, my photos had to be taken close to home.

My next door neighbor is a big fan of Mickey Mouse. She has lots of Mickey items that they display through out the year. My favorite is this sculpture that was carved from the tree that stood in their yard. You can see the full figure in this photo I took last year. Mickey Liberty

Photo #100/365: Grade In

In response to all the teacher bashing that's been going on, the Des Moines Education Association held a "Grade In" today to illustrate the time that teachers spend working weekends and evenings. I took my cart, filled with all the things I brought home to work on, and headed out to Merle Hay Mall to grade papers in the food court.

Education in Iowa is facing serious cuts again this year. A rally will be held on Wednesday at the state capital asking for 2% allowable growth in funding. Our governor wants to give us 0.

Photo #99/365: Wind Advisory

We've had unusually hot weather this weekend. Unfortunately, in Iowa that often means violent thunderstorms. There were a number of tornadoes in the northern part of the state, and we have wind advisories today. The flags are flying at half mast because of the shooting death of a deputy in a neighboring county.

Photo #98/365: Fever

My fever is gone now, but I've spent the past few days with another respiratory infection. The temperature outside was 89 today, so you don't expect to be dealing with a cold.