Journal: February 14
February 14, 2006
I hope the SOWER ladies feel a little special and very loved tonight. The men made a sincere effort to make today really special. Early last week we got together to make a plan and it was fun to see it working. Each man was planning to write a love letter and place it on his sweetheart’s pillow along with a rose so she would find it when she went to bed. We did this on the day before Valentines Day and included and invitation to diner on Valentines Day. Tonight each man pinned a corsage on his lady and we traveled caravan style across town to Sweet Tomatoes, a restaurant one of the guys suggested. There were lots of smiles and great laughter this evening and that’s a nice atmosphere.
Unknown to us, the women were planning a few surprises of their own. Before devotions this morning, each of the ladies stood before her spouse and they all sang "You, You, You," a romantic song from the distant past. They couldn’t keep straight faces and there was as nearly much laughter as singing. Later, at break time, we were surprised again as we entered the SOWER room to find tables beautifully decorated and laden with homemade treats and coffee. Life in a group like this is never dull.
Another nice Valentines treat for Anitarae was hearing from and talking to all three sons.
Harry and Darlene are with us now and today Anitarae and Darlene had a close up look at the education system in place here because they were tutors in the school. Our two professional teachers are feeling a little skeptical about the quality of teaching here. Because the program is all independent learning via computer lessons, some naturally have a hard time and there are very few actual teachers to help them. These are kids with special needs which is not surprising considering their back grounds.
I find it enjoyable to have the Olympic coverage to look forward to each night. Their skill never ceases to amaze me.
I am tired tonight. Being in charge all day, keeping everyone supplied with projects and materials and overseeing as well as working myself is quite taxing. Then having charge of the Valentine’s surprises and doing all the footwork for that has taken its toll. I’m hoping for a little less stress in the next few days. Friday I have to play golf with three of the guys. Oh, well.
I hope the SOWER ladies feel a little special and very loved tonight. The men made a sincere effort to make today really special. Early last week we got together to make a plan and it was fun to see it working. Each man was planning to write a love letter and place it on his sweetheart’s pillow along with a rose so she would find it when she went to bed. We did this on the day before Valentines Day and included and invitation to diner on Valentines Day. Tonight each man pinned a corsage on his lady and we traveled caravan style across town to Sweet Tomatoes, a restaurant one of the guys suggested. There were lots of smiles and great laughter this evening and that’s a nice atmosphere.
Unknown to us, the women were planning a few surprises of their own. Before devotions this morning, each of the ladies stood before her spouse and they all sang "You, You, You," a romantic song from the distant past. They couldn’t keep straight faces and there was as nearly much laughter as singing. Later, at break time, we were surprised again as we entered the SOWER room to find tables beautifully decorated and laden with homemade treats and coffee. Life in a group like this is never dull.
Another nice Valentines treat for Anitarae was hearing from and talking to all three sons.
Harry and Darlene are with us now and today Anitarae and Darlene had a close up look at the education system in place here because they were tutors in the school. Our two professional teachers are feeling a little skeptical about the quality of teaching here. Because the program is all independent learning via computer lessons, some naturally have a hard time and there are very few actual teachers to help them. These are kids with special needs which is not surprising considering their back grounds.
I find it enjoyable to have the Olympic coverage to look forward to each night. Their skill never ceases to amaze me.
I am tired tonight. Being in charge all day, keeping everyone supplied with projects and materials and overseeing as well as working myself is quite taxing. Then having charge of the Valentine’s surprises and doing all the footwork for that has taken its toll. I’m hoping for a little less stress in the next few days. Friday I have to play golf with three of the guys. Oh, well.
Comments
Stephanie and I went to Lost Dog -- they got one in Binghamton, too -- and I was disappointed because they said my steak was supposed to come with asparagus but they substituted brocolli without giving me a free dessert or anything. So don't go there. Or the one in Ithaca.
Sorry we weren't home when you called back, Mom.
we had tacos with red tomatoes to commemorate V-day. i also fell asleep on the couch watching the olympics again. i love sleeping during the olympics.
i honestly could not have picked a better ending to the day.