distance learning

 I was overwhelmed with birthday wishes yesterday. Facebook informed me that 73 people had written on my timeline. I am amazed, didn't think I knew 73 people. and for those folks to take the time to send a greeting and or a gif means a lot. I got a phone call from my Mom, my grandson, and two of my oldest and dearest friends. I don't figure a man could expect much more than that. Fact is, it was unexpected. I spent the day indoors as a heat advisory was in effect, but that was just fine. It was a relaxing day. 

 The local news centered around the heat wave. I have to say it was a welcome change from covid, covid, covid. There are times if I think if I hear that one more time I might become a liberal and start screaming at the sky! Of course I could say the same about the heat advisory, stay cool, stay hydrated, don't do anything strenuous outdoors. The cooling centers are open. They were showing folks where they could go and get a free fan. Reminded me of when I was growing up. That's all we had was a fan, no air conditioning at my house. Of course when I was a kid most people didn't have a/c nor did most businesses. Dad did have a used Cadillac that had a/c and that was pretty darned luxurious! Gas was close to 25 cents a gallon though and that caddy used a lot of it. We would go for a drive a half hour or so and get cooled off. And the news would say, it's gonna be hot today. That was about all they said about that. 

 I do question the emotional fortitude of people today. Sure seems like folks get all upset and excited about things these days, especially ones that can't do anything about. I hear shelter in place used a lot as good advice. Just cower in the corner is what I hear them saying. I did hear call the authorities, now the call is to defund the authorities. Then I wonder, who is supposed to respond? I don't know, seems like everyone is afraid of everything these days. And if they aren't afraid, they're offended. Then those folks are offended that I'm offended by them offending me. I'm offended that you're offended! I'm going to shelter in place.

 But here we are in the middle of summer already. The various school districts are making their plans. Distance learning, virtual classrooms, in person, hybrids, who knows. I'm certain this will affect the bus drivers. Here in Caroline county the school buses are individually owned and a contract with the school signed every year. I see a lot of them on the farms around here and so assume the farmers or their wives are the primary source for this service. I'm betting it will have an impact on them. It isn't cheap to own and operate a bus. My granddaughter tells me the high school will have classes, in person, four days a week. Two days for half the students and the other two days for the other half. Teachers professional days will be on Wednesday. Well, it'll be a different school year that much is certain. I had heard that heat kills this virus, but I guess that ain't so. Now I'm hearing maybe the cold will, but in the cold months we have flu season, and covid is a strain of flu so why would anyone think it will go away? 

 Well whatever happens will happen. I feel bad for the kids, especially the younger ones. They need structure and routine. I realize we have these child behavioral specialists that do something, not sure what that would be but, they agree with me on that much anyway. Of course I have seen the result of baby doctors, like Dr. Benjamin Spock and his child rearing advice. I'm not impressed with those results, nor do I think much of this " time out " generation. I was raised in a different way, the time was now, right now, instantly corrected no matter where or when. If the application of the hand or belt was required, I would be dragged out of the room, or store, or wherever and the corrective measure administered! There was no time out! It did teach you about cause and effect, I'll say that much for it. Gave a body pause to think before acting. The results of your actions would be immediate, might want to insure it was going to be a positive one. Yes, taught to not only not cry over spilled milk, taught not to spill the milk in the first place. By doing so you avoided that emotional response that made you want to shelter in place. Well a lesson learned in person sure beats any distance learning. The length of a belt was about as far away as I got and that belt was doubled over.