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Homework assignment

 School is not like it used to be.  Well, not like it was for me anyway.  Here is a homework assignment our granddaughter brought home: In case it’s hard to read the scan, it says:  “Discover the value of each of the shapes.  The total weight is 180.  Each of the three arms is equal in weight.” It’s not a problem, it’s a puzzle.  It doesn’t say “solve”, it says “discover”.  It is encouraging the kid to think in shapes.  That’s interesting.  It doesn’t say anything about variables, unknowns, or solutions.  But I recognize what that is.  It’s algebra.  I remember how much I enjoyed Algebra…..IN HIGH SCHOOL! She’s 10 years old!  
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That was fun

 We had our deck-warming party.  At least a hundred people showed up.  Everyone brings lawn chairs to events, so our driveway and yard were filled with people.  The weather was warm, perfect fall weather, and a good time was had by all.  We did deck tours, cement work tours, and house tours. I like the way this works.  You invite everyone in the park, provide a little food and refreshments, they all talk to each other, then at the end we get credit for putting on a great party.  All these people just entertained each other for a couple hours and we get the credit.  Life is good, So the deck work is done.  All the fancy cement work is done.  It has all been properly celebrated.  Now we’re really done. Nothing else happening  before…..let’s see…..Thanksgiving. 
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Along the way

 This moth landed on our window screen. I looked it up.  (Thank you Google.)  It’s called a Black Witch Moth.  With a 6 inch wingspan, it’s the largest moth found in North America.  They’re tropical and migratory, but live in the Rio Grande Valley year round.  They’re nocturnal and can be mistaken for bats.  I wouldn’t have known any of that if this guy hadn’t visited our window screen and posed for a picture.  
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Okay

 Okay It wasn’t really a Scaup, it was a Ring-necked Duck.  “Scary, scary, scary Ring-necked Duck” doesn’t really work though, so I’m sticking with Lesser Scaup for the story. Nice day today; warm and windy.  Judy planted more flowers.  I’m sure I must have done something.  Brother Tom and Kathy spent the afternoon with us.  Judy tried out a couple fresh Mexican food recipes on them.  Real home-made Spanish rice and Charro beans to go along with her usual grungy tacos.  It worked. Me, I tried out the traditional holiday ice cream recipe in our new high tech ice cream maker from Cuisinart.  That didn’t suck either. I think we’re ready for Thanksgiving. In the meantime though, everyone is invited to our deck-warming party on Tuesday.  It’s official, the deck is done.  The cement is done.  So, show up at 4pm (remember, that’s Central Time), and stay until the food, beer, wine, water, pop, and conversation runs out.  The dress code is casual; wear whatever you happen to have on.  
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Saturday

 Last Saturday, Anzalduas County Park  This Saturday, Estero Llano Grande State Park   American White Pelicans. Sleeping Pauraque. And a scary, scary, scary, Scaup!