So here we are at the start of another summer....

.... and that brings so many thoughts back. Something about the last day of school/first day of vacation simply stirs memories. The summers of my childhood were so simple and so long. The neighborhood was filled with kids and we were allowed out all day and into early evening. Pleasures were simple: backyard pools; bike riding; trips to nearby playgrounds; catching lightning bugs.

As we got older, the games changed a bit but the fun remained. And many of the families took time away to go to the shore or the mountains. Luckily for me, my parents were seashore folks. A lifetime love with the ocean started early.

It took all day on a rainy Saturday to add a Prendie touch to the Bonner hallways.

What a surprise that not only did a forecast for a hurricane come true, it turned out to be a super storm! Many areas were without power for weeks. Our own neighborhood suffered in sections: part for the entire week; half for few days; then the part that kept power was out for a few days.

Our beloved shore took a lot of damage. South Jersey didn't do so badly compared to the shore towns farther north.

Coming back to this blog after a year's absence makes me feel that I haven't made much progress at all! Yet the year was certainly busy.

The school year started in less order than I prefer but we overcame: an messy move; crowded hallways; large classes; more demands; fewer resources.

Everyone talks about education and there are certainly enough experts around to offer opinions. But the lowly classroom teacher barely has time to sit and think and plan, let along fine time to evaluate and experiment. Too many bosses. Too many directives.

So why do I still love the job?

This picture doesn't have much to do with the topic, but it is related to work since I found it when I went to Panera's to ask for free food for the students. That Panera's in in a new shopping center and the Wiernermobile was there! What a laugh! I was actually laughing out loud. Guess that is one reason I do love the job - unexpected surprises that make you laugh!+