summer’s ending and things left unfinished

This summer is ending. Though I’m enjoying my last few days of *not working*, being a teacher, I am starting to think “classes” and preparation. So much for not having to set an alarm. It’s been great.

My summers off tell me that if I win the lottery, I will DEFINITELY quit my job. I am so busy in summer, while not working, that I go back to work to rest. Without having to worry about the cost of gas, I would drive– no, fly– all over the place to see places I’ve never been & be at each of my grandkids’ birthdays as they occur. I wouldn’t gain any weight because I could actually afford to join a gym and have a personal trainer. Wouldn’t that be the life. I would have my own personal swimming pool and swim laps without anyone else invading my space or peeing in the pool water.

My grandson & I have still never gone panning for gold. That’s been a goal for 2 years now. I never quite have the additional money for a trip north to North Carolina, where the best places are. We made it to the zoo, which left me broke for a week. The Columbia zoo is WAY expensive! Ridiculous. You almost have to win the lottery to get into the zoo, let alone climb the climbing wall, go to the top of the big climbing tower, buy a drink and snacks, all of which cost extra, and the new ZIP LINE?? Forget it. It takes 4-6 hours of your day and $45.00 per person. Sorry, ain’t happenin’.

I never had time to work again on family history this summer. Maybe I would have resolved the mystery of my ancestors who left absolutely NO trail I can find as to their parents and who the hell immigrated from Scotland. It is dang irritating. Did someone get adopted? Where did they come from to arrive in Cincinnati Ohio in the 1840s?? Darned if I know. And where are my husband’s ancestors buried– the one who immigrated from Ireland, married his great grandmother for his 2nd marriage who is said to have been Indian? Can’t find a gravesite for either of them. They just disappeared, and died within 4-5 years of one another. We even did the big family *DNA TEST* which led to: NOWHERE. Nothing worth noting, nothing that solved any mysteries.

So, family vacation over, grandson’s visit from 5 states away over, trips to the north & back– over, children’s class with 40 kids for the summer– over. I’m enjoying a few days of quiet before the chaos sets in! I even have a new job to begin. And we’re flat broke this week, awaiting next payday which contains overtime and extra summer pay. Until then, I’m watching where I drive so I have enough to get here & there until Fri. payday, & planning out our meals so we’re not having eggs & oatmeal for dinner on Thurs night. Lord help us.

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