Sunday, February 16, 2025

Sunday, February 16, 2025 

   I set my alarm for 5:45.  I arranged to catch a ride to church with Judy and come home with Paulette.  I had to make sure I was ready. I didn't have the luxury of running late.  Nonetheless, I rolled over and got up close to 6:15.  I immediately went for my morning walk instead of doing my usual morning exercises. When I got home, I smeared an exfoliant on my face. While I waited the recommended fifteen minutes for it to do its thing, I did my seated and floor exercises. Then, I jumped in the shower. While I air-dried, I ate some of my breakfast. I dressed and ate the rest when I realized Joseph was leaving. He usually left close to 8 am. Today, he was leaving around 8:20 when Judy planned to pick me up.  I called Judy and told her I could catch a ride with Joseph. That relieved her of some pressure. 

   When we got to church, we sat in the car and talked while he finished his breakfast, some canned drink that looked like a soda to me.  Joseph's diet does not look very good to me.  Of course, mine doesn't look very healthy to me since it's mostly frozen meals. 

  After Mass, I caught a ride home with Paulette. We socialized for a few minutes after Mass and took off.

   I had a session with fourth-grade MH.   I had her reread the passage from last week and tell me what it was about while I typed it.  She made a great opening statement. "It's apartments for eels and octopuses, and what it's for," answering my question, "What's the passage about?"  I had to push for more details.  She had all the information in mind but didn't put it into words.  She may feel putting it into words is unnecessary. She knows what she means; how come I don't?  It wasn't particularly difficult getting information out of her.  "The apartments are built from hollow blocks on the sea floor to slow currents to improve the  breeding grounds and feeding grounds."  I will do this more with the kids. It's a good writing exercise. 

    We started on the following passage with Phase III of The Phonics Discovery System.  She has trouble remembering more than three dictated words. Today, she could do a bit more. Moreover, she triggered her recall by repeating the words she knew.  I saw tremendous progress. She made a conscious effort to use recall skills. I asked her if she was using the left side of her brain. She said yes. I also asked her if she was seeing a difference in class. She said yes to that, too.  I applauded her.  She gave a great big smile.