I’m frantically trying to get my students’ research papers marked so that I can hand them back at their exams this evening and tomorrow morning.
At which point, I will be exchanging my sets of marked papers for a whole new set of unmarked exams.
I don’t like that math much!
While I am thus occupied, I thought perhaps you might like to look at some recent Views from Our Beach. . .
There are often sailing races on Sundays here — this one took place a few weekends ago. Can you spot the blue heron in the top photos? (if you have a minute, try clicking on the photos to enlarge. . . )
Now a change of mood . . .
A bit like mine, as I switch from the triumph of completing a set of marking . . .
to the invitation to glower that my new stack of exams will provide . . .
Ah well, you can see that those thick bands of rain falling on the horizon are somewhat mitigated by some sunshine bouncing of the clouds and onto the water . . .
To amplify the sunshine’s effect (sneaky segue, no?)
I’ll finish with a view On the Beach rather than From the Beach . . .
A certain little girl searching for beach glass with her Granddad. . .
He said he didn’t really need his photo taken (although somehow he kept being right in the way!), so she jumped up and said, “You can take my picture, Nana. Cheeeeeeese!”
And what do you think? Can that girl pattern-mix or what?
For now, though, while others can lounge around on the beach, this Nana has to go mark some papers. . . . I’ll emerge in a few days . . . see you then. . . .
Sorry to hear you're in marking hell. It's that time of year! Though the beautiful views from your beach and spending time with your granddaughter must help soothe matters.
Yes, the view helps put it all in perspective (although it also makes me wish I could just kick back and sit on the beach . . . )
She is so adorable, and that rainbow dress seems to suit her personality perfectly. The water is so *calm* in those first shots…here the ocean is never still, never that flat.
We do often get these days when the water's almost glassy, although it doesn't stay like that too long. Don't s'pose the sailors like it much.
But just think what you have to look forward to once all that marking is over! Your trip!
When it all gets to be too much, look up, take a deep breath and drink in some of that wonderful view! (Of either the ocean, or your sweet Nola)
Yes, the trip is a big carrot to move toward right now. And the view is a calming respite, for sure, as is a cuddle from a little girl . . .
Gorgeous and adorable all in one post!
Good luck with the marking.
Thanks, Susan, and thanks for your e-mail which I hope to answer soon. You must be excited about this weekend!
From clouds, to rainbows. What a lovely pair they are.
Ah, I missed that meteorological connection!
I made myself complete a set of exams (modernism in American Literature) BEFORE I could even read blogs this evening…but I have a MONTH of this torture to go. What a darling little dress that beach sprite is wearing.
I should have my grades all filed by next week, so the complaining is almost at an end. 😉
The dress has been fun to watch, over the past two years since I made it — originally, it almost swamped her, but her mom is wonderful at making sure that gifts I make get worn. And then she grew into it being a good fit, and now it may even serve as a tunic for awhile. It's washable wool, so useful as a warming layer.
What lovely memories you two are making for her! What do they do with the beach glass?
Generally, it fills containers that we store here . . . I think we're going to need to add another room for it eventually, along with the pretty rocks and all the shells . . .
All of these photos are phenomenal, but I do love the ones of your husband with Nola. I see an adorable family resemblance. Though, in truth, his fashion taste just can't compete with hers. 🙂
Yeah, I would have made him a rainbow dress, too, if he'd only asked. . . 😉
Good luck with all that marking!
I was in your nearby city for two days this week organising some volunteer appreciation. So glad to be home now, although it was lovely and sunny up that way!
One of these days, when you're in my city and you have a bit of time, we'll have to meet for coffee . . .
I have often lusted after a diamond headed drill bit to drill holes in beach combed glass so I can make a necklace, I am sure it would look lovely. Like you I have marking very much on my horizon but mine will not be completed until the last day of May, at which point I will need to start planning for the following year. It is the cyclical nature of teaching that makes time fly, but recently I have wanted to just stand and stare more often.
I know what you mean! As soon as I get my marks done, I have to get thinking about the conference paper I'll present in July, not to mention preparing next term's courses and taking care of committee work. The wheel keeps turning, right? And really, I guess that's a good thing. . .