Last year when the kids went back to school, it was the first time all three of my children actually attended. My husband was still working a normal schedule so he left for work in the morning, and I wondered what mothers do when their kids are gone if they aren't working. I didn't have any classes that day, so I spent the hours cleaning the house. It seemed like a renewal kind of thing.
Yesterday, the kids headed back to school again. I'd spent hundreds of dollars on school supplies and clothes, and I got up at 5 to get to the grocery store to buy the requisite boxes of tissues for the teachers.
I had to teach a few hours and I took along my gym bag, planning to work out, but when I walked out of the building a little before noon, the sky was so blue and the air was crisp.
I called my husband, who is now on the crazy schedule with days off on Monday and Tuesday (?) and said, "Let's go for a bike ride."
So we did.
The bike trail is about a mile from our house and it winds along the Olentangy River. It has some definite flaws especially as it goes through Ohio State. It's under construction and the path goes up a hill right by the old student union where people are trying to walk.
But the air felt fresh, like the harbinger of fall. I loved the sound of the few crisp leave crunching under the tires, mixed with the steady chirp of the crickets. The buzz of cicadas in the trees seemed to herald the end of summer.
Along the river I saw an egret glide in for a landing, its white wings cocked above the greenish brown of the water. A great blue heron stood placidly in the water at another spot, ignoring the squawking of the geese.
My bike is smaller than my husband's and my legs are much shorter, so it seems like I pedal constantly but can't keep up with him. That was okay because I loved the whoosh of the wind in my ears.
We got home in time to take a nap before picking up the kids from school. And, although we had to ferry them to a nuber of places, like to the doctor to remove stitches, they were all enthusiastic about their first day, and about the milkshakes my husband had ready when they came in the door from that first day of school.
4 comments:
that sounds like a great way to welcome in the new school year. We're still in summer mode, trying to get all the last minute chores done before we think about school. Today is Dr. appt in Indiana, tomorrow I get to "babysit" Melissa's baby while she gets her hair done (I'm just the holder so she can nurse when he wants.) Maybe by next week I'll be ready to put together a plan for the school year, or maybe not, who knows?
It sounds to hear that they went back so early, but I guess it varies between Canada and the States, and probably even within the States itself.
I used to be a highschool teacher, but left this last June to pursue writing and public speaking on topics I am passionate about, so I have to say it is a nice sort of feeling knowing I have no where to go this September :)
Nice picture.
What a handsome threesome, all together in one picture is very nice. It really shows how grown up Tucker is. Spencer is looking alot like Earl these days. And of course the beauty of Grace !
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