Happy Birthday Dad

Have a great one dad!!!

Christmas

I have just added three new Coffehouse videos from tonight. Yes that is me playing the mandolin. The mandolin is the very high pitch string instrument. In Frosty I am actually the one picking out the tune with the individual notes. Needless to say it took some practice and I screwed up a couple times but was able to recover. In Grandma Got Run Over I was strumming chords but again you can definately hear my instrument. Finally in Mele Kalik.. whatever, all I did was something called scratching. I didn't play any notes, I just scratched to the beat.

Here is the link to my You Tube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/Richeychsapchem?feature=mhee

Still amazing

New videos to be made at tomorrow night's coffee house. In the mean time here is one of my all time fav. artists. regardless of any religious nonsence... the man can sing a tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJe6J1VD0EQ&feature=related

The wait is over.

After anxiously awaiting the results, I can officially let people know. I have been selected as Colchester High School's Teacher of the Year for 2011-2012. I will get to give a speech at Senior Class Awards night, as well as reading the names at the graduation ceremony.

So long, Farewell, Amen

Missed the news from this past Wed.. Harry Morgan, you will be missed.

Xmas

Well X-mas is on it's way. Most of our shopping is done, tree and decorations are up and I will be doing up the X-mas letter after the Pats game. Our tree is the smallest we have ever had and we cut back on the ornaments this year, but we still represented Garfield, drummer boy with the head off and of course Bambi. Reservations are set for x-mas. We'll try a new hotel this year. Fireside Inn and Suites in Auburn. Hopefully it'll be better. Request for a trip to LL Bean on Sat. Yeah X-mas eve I know but let's go anyway.

Saturday

Early (6:00 AM early)) foray to walmart, a trip to a craft fair then topped off with a movie. Oh silly silly Bella. What were you thinking?

Thanksgiving

Back home again after a very thankful Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time visiting with Beth's family this year. We started out a bit rough with getting hit by another car on the way to Stratford. It was scary seeing the other car coming across the median straight at us. We are luck that Beth was able to move into the snow bank some (on our side) to avoid the head on crash. Luckily Beth, Denali and I all made out okay. Our prayers are with the other driver, and hopefully she is recovering well and was able to enjoy her holidays.

After getting to Beth's folks I took care of the insurance stuff then ran over to the Lee's to make some copies of the accident report we have to fill out for NY laws. It was great getting to see Chris, Ma, and Don. After visiting I headed back to the house just in time to go for a walk with Beth behind her house and pond to bring back the 5-pointer her father had just nailed. We brought it back to the house and then enjoyed the fruits of the labor last night. Love fresh venison. (sorry Rudolph). On Thanksgiving we enjoyed the family visits. Then for Black Friday it was a trip up to Old Forge with Beth's mom. While we didn't purchase anything, the drive was well worth it.

Yesterday I went for a drive around Little Falls while Beth visited with her mom, I had one of the largest coyotes run right alongside my car for about a quarter mile then turn and cross the road in front of me. I know they are a nuisence (sp?) but this one was just gorgeous. The trip back went without incident and we are mentally preparing ourselves for the week ahead. We have a lot to do, and having to deal with the car issues is not something we were expecting, but hey. It's all good and that's why there is insurance.

Bear

Well, On the way to work today a saw the (a) bear. It was just to the right after turning onto route 7 past the McDonalds. It was a smaller bear but not a cub. It was dark out so I didn't get a good look. On an interesting side note, as Beth and I got home from work today, out in the back woods near where I saw the bear poop, a large pumpkin has appeared. I will get a picture tomorrow if I remember. This pumpkin is the size of most Jack o lanterns although it isn't carved. There is a crack across the top and some teeth marks in it, but the teeth marks don't look big or deep enough for something to have carried it there. Besides there are not enough marks. So we don't know if it was the neighbors disposing of a pumpkin? Anyways we'll see what hapens to it. Our jack o lanterns which we throw down the bank near where this is are slowly being eaten, but it looks like it is probably squirrels that are doing the job.

Poop

Somebody found a big old pile of Bear poop in the woods behind their house. :)

Watch out Denali!!!

Smart Start

Here is the video some students created for our first day of school. It was created as in introduction to the school by a couple of the Seniors.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AbBEPGcke8

Saturday

We completed some yardwork today followed by a picnic at Sandbar State Park. On our drive in the islands we saw champ, a patriotic display and a piece of property with the small, brightly colored birdhouses all over. It was absolutely gorgeous.

Saturday

Today was a nice "down-time" day for me. Beth was able to get a lot of school-work done so that we could enjoy a beautiful evening together. Hope you like the pics.

chuckle

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-26-2011/weathering-fights---science---what-s-it-up-to-?xrs=share_fb

cute factor 10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tgwrkk-B3k

Halloween

Had a great day today. We took a walk at Knight Point State Park and a great Halloween night. Lots of trick or treaters. Here are a couple pics. i also have a few new videos uploaded to my youtube channel at:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Richeychsapchem?feature=mhee

Campfire fun

So tonight Beth made some really good bean soup with cornbread. Absolutely wonderful, but we'll pay tomorrow :)

Then after it got dark I started a campfire and we enjoyed some good conversation and some mediocre guitar playing, but it was loads of fun. After playing I decided to do a few fake wolf howls for the neighbors benefit. To my surprise from down the hill by the water treatment plant I started getting some response from the local coyote pack. First a couple of yips and barks, followed by the clearest, most classic coyote howl I have ever heard. It was exactly dead on and it was pretty darn close. It was eerie, exciting, and made me shiver and smile at the same time.

We squeezed a bit closer to the fire, continued for a bit and let the fire burn down and then came in. We have begun to carve our pumpkins but will take a break to watch Amazing Race.

Beth and I have both taken personal days for tomorrow and have plans to go somewhere for a day hike. Nothing fancy just some time out in nature. It will be close by... no trips to NY for this.

Weekend

Did a lot this weekend including but not limited to Heading over Smuggler's notch, shopping in Stowe, then hitting the Haunted Forest in Williston last night. Today we relaxed, but made time to pick up our pumpkins. Needless to say puppy is tired.

Yes

Tentative Teacher Contract in place. Vote to accept tomorrow afternoon.

Yeah!!!! no strike this year.

Creepy

We drove past this right after it happened. Fire trucks were just getting there and the police were just getting the tarps out. We weren't sure what was going on, but predicted it wasn't good. We were heading to the Xmas tree shop.

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20111016/NEWS02/111016013/Waterville-man-kills-himself-outside-Williston-state-police-barracks

Lucky 13

13 More Meetings!!!!!!!!


YES

Now it's time to relax, get out and see some leaves, get a nice meal, and if the rain holds off have a nice campfire.

Powderpuff

Here are some pics from the spirit week powderpuff game. Me the coaches and the Senior Girls. Go Dirty Dozen.

Niquette Bay

Here are some pics from today. It was another great day. We took a walk down to the lake to let Denali swim. Then we headed to the orchard to get some more apples while they are still good and fresh.

In dealing with the issues around posting comments on my blog, I had to make a few changes. Hopefully it will work for you.

Thanks for the nice comment Sis about the playing. That was my Ibenez. It has nice sound. Very mellow and the strings really ring. Although unless it is amped in, it doesn't have much oomph to it. It is not very deep so the sound does not amplify well on its own. This is great for playing at home, and it's okay for on-stage and amp'd in, but it's tough when outside/campfire-ish playing. I guess that's why I have 3 other regular acoustics and a 12 string around. lol

1/2 way

So far so good.

We enjoyed a fantastic hike around floodwood pond on the Adirondack rails. We followed this up with lunch in Lake Placid and then caught the ferry home with the Bates College track and field team.

Now we get an hour or so of rest before the barn dance.

Coffeehouse

So Beth and I have been absolutely crazy busy and will probably contiue to be. Here's a recap:

1. My graduate work is progressing but the amount of work per time given to do it is getting increasingly insane.
2. Beth's graduate work... well if you see what I just wrote about mine, then you get the idea.
3. Spirit week was an absolute success. My seniors won every contest. The banner they made was awesome. Picture to come later.

Beth and I will be taking tomorrow off for ourselves. Heading out for a fall hike in the Adirondacks followed by a Lake Placid dinner. We need it.

Tonight I played in the first coffeehouse of the year. It was my choice for the song. Because of this I was actually supposed to sing as well (that's usually what is done) but I convinced them that this was not a good idea. Surprisingly this was harder to do than you would think. Anyway I had fun. The shoes I am wearing are my Ape slippers. It fit well. I was going to upload the video on the blog here but have decided to simply give the link to my youtube channel. I have a few other videos I am in linked there.

Have fun http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpvj4LJA3us&feature=channel_video_title

Another week

Man this year is already crankin on by. I'm getting ready for spirit week for week one of October. Very busy with grad class work both for my curriculum course as well as my action research. Looks like my lit review is taking a hit right now until it settles a bit.

I also had my second rehab gym. It went well, stretches appear to be helping. Added a couple more along with core stability exercises. Think Deep abdominal muscle building. Lots of squats, leg presses and yoga like balancing stretch outs with alternating arm and leg while kneeling while crunching the gut. Yikes.... it's a process. Good news is that because I am so awesome I get to go two weeks before returning.

I did find my true goal though. You can see it in this highly motivational video. Paula I am sure you will appreciate this.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DnGojEyYBmwc%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&h=IAQDTogtEAQD51oN4PMU6mwAAosl16iI1g7RzZBZkRgxN1A

On a more serious note we are going to have a motivational speaker come to school next week who looks pretty good. Here's a sample;
http://www.youtube.com/user/jeffyalden#p/a/u/0/Zm25yAd2C6E

Excited!?!?

Well I'm a bit excited and nervous. Today I visit the Rehab Gym to meet with my physical therapist Matt. I assume today is going to be all about finding out what kind of a mess I have created in my body. This is the bad news and I have to say I'm nervous about this. However on the bright side, it will be the first time I have a professional who will evaluate me and make specific instructions for the correct way to train and start feeling better. This primarily stems from the fall I took on the deck stairs this past winter as my back is still not even close to "normal".

In terms of my progress on getting in shape I did exactly what I said I wouldn't. I was doing great until school started then I tapered off tremendously. I guess this is the jump start kick for the school year I will need. (although it will be really hard this week since I have my next grad class starting)

On a different note, Beth is frantically checking her calender as she is taking classes Tues and Thursday nights all semester. Of course Friday when i got the mail she recieved a Jury Duty Summons for the Vermont Superior Court. We still aren't quite sure how this will play out. We certainly believe in doing our civic duty, and her teachers are required to be accomodating by law, however when reality hits, we are afraid that it might hurt her academically if she misses time from her classes. I think we would make a push to have the timing moved back, however she will be taking classes for the next couple of years. hmmm. we'll see how it goes.

Smiling

WOW!!!!

just WOW!!!

Marcy Dam

Not sure what the story is on this, but I assume it was destroyed in the hurricane. No idea what the plans are to fix/replace this iconic location. Feeling real sad seeing this.

Mr. Smith

http://newtownbee.com/2011-08-26__13-21-50

Fun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiMZa8flyYY&feature=topvideos_music

Aftermath

So here we go... as the pity hit me I started my afternoon with.......

And then got control again and followed up with some serious.....

Health

So at the request of my better half I had my first physical in like 6 years today.

good news: glad I'm exercising, iron numbers/anemia reduction looking better, blood sugar is great so no diabetes, and while I still need to do a fasting blood work, it looks like cholesterol and blood pressure are good, and the vericose veins on my ankles are probably just genetics and superficial.

not so good news: my weight... go figure, my wheezing (Dr. thinks it's a resurgence of my asthma while I think it's just a chest cold I picked up the past couple of days), my lower back mobility is all but non-existant, my throat might have some scarring issues which is causing some of the food/ choking issues.

Recommendations: continue with exercise, eat better, continue meds, next time I see my gastro doctor have him consider an upper GI inspection and check on the throat thing (easy fix if this is what it is), a dose of albuterol for the wheezing, and finally a scheduled therapy with REHAB GYM for working on my back (exercises, stretches etc...)

Final result? In some ways better than expected, in others not as well as I would like. I guess I am the most relieved about the diabetes thing as I don't want to go down that road if possible. The other piece that hits home is how many health aspects relate to the weight issues. I've gotta keep motivated. Beth and I have done absolutely great the last few weeks. The challenge now is to continue as school starts up.

Forked Lake

We had a nice time at Forked Lake the past couple of days. It was a bit nervy at first since we arrived with steady rain that lasted from Monday until Tuesday morning but it finally broke and the sun came out. It was very relaxing and fun hiking down to the Racquette River along the canoe carry. We passed by a crew of 6 scouts heading slowly through the carry. They were an absolute mess of hanging pots, grocery bags, and coolers with gear strewn across the entire carry. Somedays I miss being a guides.... and some days I don't :)

We did a little bit of canoeing and fishing although the fish didn't bite. It was great seeing the family of loons and listening to the owls at night. It was difficult to have to pack up and head home this morning but at the same time it is nice to be home. We did stop by Hoss's in Long Lake and it made me remember why I always went to Custard's Last Stand across the street. My hot fudge sunday was tiny. Hoss himself was actually there working at a sidewalk sale. I could see the miserly smirk in his obnoxious, whiskered face.

Hope you enjoy the pics.

Workout

Well boot camp week is over. 6 days of working out, Generally good eating. I can't believe I am not at my target weight yet :) . Now the goal is to keep going. We'll be camping until Wed. so hopefully we'll get the exercise out on Forked Lake. It feels good to be doing swim laps again. Can't quite get the same times for the 500 free as I used to but I can still hold my own in the pool.

I've been on triple dose iron supplements for the past two and a half months and I think it is really showing. I can crank out 30-45 minutes at a high level on the elliptical without getting out of breath. It's been a loooonnnnggg time since that was possible with my anemia. Hopefully I will be in the normal range for iron next time I test. (I hate taking those pills as they cause nausia.

Video

Caught

So.... after many glimpses and a lot of produce bitten into, we have finally caught the culprit. The groundhog had burrowed directly in the middle of Beth's garden. We used our Have a Heart trap with some apples to catch him. He is really small for a groundhog so we are hoping it was a juvenile that was kicked out of it's own burrow and transplanted here rather than a baby with a mom and siblings around. I will probably reset the trap tonight and tommorow to make sure. This little guy will be finding his home somewhere else this afternoon.

Denali doesn't know quite what to think and we don't really want her too close to it.

Relaxing

I swear Weed Patch Music is going to make me go broke!!!