Mirror Image

Mrs. T and  I took in the French Middle School of Topeka, Kansas thespian's spring production " Mirror Image, a Real Enchanted Musical" starring granddaughter Liz (shown front and center) last week.  I give it higher marks than the star did. The unfortunate rookie teacher shanghaied into directing the program repeatedly failed to live up to Liz's expectations or follow Liz's suggestions.  Teach's calls to mom came fast and furious.

Heaven knows why middle school teachers show up every day knowing they'll face tweens for the next 8 hours.  Verily, it's not for the money or lovely working conditions.  The second big news in the Topeka paper this week covers the state legislature's efforts to circumvent their constitutionally mandated state school funding payment.

Toad  

Let us give thanks

This may be one of those factoids that would cause Mrs T to say, they don't know that....  She can be a cynical woman.  However, learned researchers credit  Two Rivers, Wisconsin pharmacist, Edward Berner, with being the first to install chocolate syrup on the top of ice cream, on this date in 1881.  Prior to Berner's intervention, chocolate syrup had only been used as an ingredient in ice cream sodas.  Live and learn.

Granddaughter Liz has moved in for the week, so we have vowed to enjoy chocolate syrup enriched ice cream concoctions every day until we, Guinness book of records like, agree and affirm which purveyor makes the best of example in each of our self defined categories.  The sacrifices we make for science.

Toad



 

If I were younger...

It's near 95 degrees in Mayberry (35C) which is to be expected at this time of year. Humid too for good measure. Recess is over and I'm still piddling around the manse, painting, repairing and pitching, but I'm pacing myself. We've 10 more days to go.


Were I younger, I'd be ashamed of myself as I dodge in and out of the air conditioning while a crew of hard working younger guys work their butts off rebuilding a retaining wall.

Occasionally, I'll mosey over to watch them work, feigning interest in their progress, offering encouragement, water and ice to prod them along.

But my heart really isn't into it. Granddaughter Liz and her family are here and the pool beckons. I'm old. The kids working to beautify our home are professionals. They'd rather I shamelessly kept away.

Welcome Summer.

Toad

Annie

Good news came in pairs to Granddaughter Paige's house. While visiting this summer Paige informed all within listening range that she will become famous in time for her 13th birthday. Rock and Roll is her chosen vehicle to stardom and untold riches.

Music would lead to an acting career followed by veterinarian school. She got the order skewed. Monday she learned she would be lead in her middle school play. Liz will now be known, at least at school, as Annie, the role that propelled Sarah Jessica Parker to fame.


No sooner did she share her news with family, when the phone rang. A local theatre troupe called to announce she had been selected as the lead in Harriet and Walt, a children's series I am not yet up to speed on. Fortunately, rehearsals do not conflict.

Toad

On the Road Again

I know, but this time it's for fun. Mrs. T and I are leaving our kennel in the hands of her capable daughter and heading to Topeka, Kansas to pick up granddaughter Paige. Paige has shown up on these pages before, usually under the guise of some mischief. This time she is coming to stay with us, alas for only a few weeks. The best part of being a grandparent is having grandkids to spoil me all summer.

Do you recall the trauma that was 11? Starting middle school in the fall? Now that she is 11, and entering middle school, some changes are necessary. Paige informed her family that the name Paige is sooooo juvenile. From now on she will only answer to Liz.

Or in our house, "Liz, the girl formerly known as Paige." We'll be back in time for the storming of the Bastile.

Toad