One of these days I'll start a new thread so we don't hit the dreaded point of not being able to see the content (if they go over 700 in length.)

We're bearing down on Spring and my attention always turns to the out-of-doors, but I really do need to make time to sort and sell stuff and declutter in the house. I'm about 1/4 of the way to breaking in the new boots and have figured out the best sock combination to wear so there aren't seams or lumps that rub and cause tender spots. The boots do offer their own kind of workout because of them weighs a little over two pounds. Mowing with ankle weights.

Looking back at that blub from Ms. Ian, it reminds me that I was in the class in the Seattle School district that was part of an experiment for one year only (they immediately realized their mistake). They cut kindergarten for everyone and I went directly into first grade. As a result, everything was a huge puzzle, not knowing what to expect and not having had the socialization and guidance kindergarten teachers offer. Not knowing that a teacher wasn't a babysitter or an extra adult friend or relative. I remember sitting down in a small group and being given a book as we started learning the alphabet in preparation to reading. That guy was lucky to experience kindergarten.

I'd been read to since I could remember but when I asked my Mom to show me how to write or read she said that they'd teach that in school. That was a huge mistake for her to make and one I didn't repeat. Neither of us sat the kids down to teach, but it was an organic process; the way we read (running a finger along under the words on the page) and introduced words and letters (and thank dog for Sesame Street) both kids were good readers by the time they were in kindergarten.

I'll stop there. Memory Lane is studded with examples of things that are either best forgotten or, if one is famous, used to write a blockbuster tell-all book.