GOOD MORNING TO ALL!
It's about 25 degrees cooler than it was last night when I went to bed. I guess fall is back!
The alarm system guy seems really knowledgeable, and went through my house with me planning a system that will work to detect breakins, temperature drops in the event the power goes out, and a water sensor on the floor of the cellar near my hot water tank, in case of leaks. He has planned to cover my three entrance doors, and have three motion sensors set to go off if someone comes in through a window and tries to move around. His system will work on battery backup during a power outage for at least 24 hours, will call up to 5 people to notify in case of power outages, will call the police and/or fire department in the event of a break-in, and more. I was very pleased with his plan. It will cost me 1200 dollars up front to buy and have the system installed, and then I will own it----guaranteed for a year----and can buy monitoring from him quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly. If I pay for a year, I get one month of monitoring for free, and I will probably go for this option for at least this first year. It's 19.99 per month for monitoring. A siren goes off which he says usually scares any would-be break-iners even before the cops get here. His monitoring service is through a company called Emergency 24 from Chicago, and he says they have been wonderful for the years he has used them. So I am going with his plan which he will install the week after this coming one.
ADT would install the stuff for a good deal less money, but then you are obligated to pay upwards of 40.00 permonth to them for 3 to 5 years.....by contract.
As soon as I got into my 'work/staining/firewood carrying' clothes yesterday, after releasing our mouse, I got called for an emergencyfill-in substitute teaching job at the elementary school in Bloomingdale. I guess the sub for the third grade got a call and had to leave immediately, so I quickly changed into teaching clothes for the afternoon. I had forgotten just how much fun it is to teach kids with some hope for actually being able to learn things! They didn't tell me, but I guess the class I had is a real problem one for the school----many kids in there with so-called 'uncontrolable' behavior problems, and several with severe emotional problems. To me, although I immediately became aware of all the 'problems' it was a piece of cake. I think we all had a good time and got in some important math lessons and behavior lessons. There are two kids in there who really need to learn to like themselves in order to be able to function----their hatred for themselves broke my heart. Funny how the one deals with the self-hatred with silliness, and the other has horrid temper tantrums. I have taught in that school years ago, and I love it as it is small, friendly, bright, faculty is like a family, and the kids can feel safe there. My kids were lucky enough to be able to attend the first 5 years there, and I've always been so thankful for that.
After school, Molly and I went for a walk in the summer-like 80 degree weather! Then went over to Issy's for a visit later. She is having a going-away party for Dick today, which I will attend, after I go grocery shopping. I guess she's planning to stay up here for the winter this year, rather than returning to FL with Dick. But time will tell.
So off I go now to read my email and then shop and then party for a bit this afternoon. I am making baked artichoke dip to serve with veggies and crackers.
As of last night, Mema was still in the hospital, trying to get her heart under control.
Those who were in Branson for that GTG will be off on the road now, and on to new fun times. Be careful out there in RV land, and stay in touch with us all as you move along! Liz, happy travels to pick up your new vehicle!
Happy Saturday!