This Week at Iten's Acres: Gone and Back Again: July 25, 2014

I have returned from the tip---the very tip--of Ohio. George Washington and I both could have hurled a silver dollar across the river and into Kentucky. Shawnee State University was new to me. For a university, it's rather new as well--25 years old.
You missed your opportunity--at least for one week. The Homesteader is still here--and as demonstrative as ever. You will have at least one more chance to claim her as I will be on the road again for four days next weekend.
The Acres seem fine--phlox and rose of Sharon adding to the beauty. I do have some mowing to do. Feeding the Swallows later this afternoon; Feeding the Bluebirds tomorrow. Is it supposed to rain? Doesn't look as if it did while I was away. That has to be a miracle for this summer.
I survived my return to student days. The information was good and well-presented. Thirty plus hours of school in four days in one class was--different. Now, the tension sets in. And I hope it will be good tension. I have, as an old timer, an aversion to "teaching toward a standardized test"--even if it's an "elite" such test. And this is an entire year's course designed to focus on one standardized test. Strikes my soul as being very anti-education. And, of course, my prejudices lead me to believe that there is some literature and the ideas therein that the seniors should interact with and think critically about. I am not saying that the critical thinking lessons encouraged in the AP approach are negatives. They are certainly worthy approaches and writing techniques that all of our students need to confront. So the tension will be finding a way to allow my seniors--yes, I adopt each and every one of them as my own--to master the AP approach and still interact with literature that I deem important. Twill be another year of much planning! But I have some extremely useful tools to begin erecting a course to challenge the kids--and the old man.
Oh, loved the murals portraying the history of Portsmouth, Ohio, on the flood wall along the river. Fascinating. And I had a great reuben sandwich while I was there. I wonder where the name comes from?
Thanks for the prayers. The Acres and her feline boss both survived my absence. I am tired but enjoyed the brain work. Made the acquaintance of several fine educators and two fellow Christian educators from the Columbus area--one from London, one from Mansfield Christian. You never know who you will run into and where. Tried my best to convert WC fellow educator Trevor from the evils of science and mathematics to the joys and intrinsic goodness of literature. Alas, no conversion yet. Appreciate your prayers as I continue to prepare for the new school year--three weeks until start up. Egads! Did I just type "three weeks? Ah well. Off to the swallows I go!