Kelly in Kansas

February is going almost as fast as January did. We have a dusting of snow this morning and definitely cold temps.

Last week we took our TAH grant teachers to the National Archives in Kansas City. Based on their reflection papers, they seemed to really enjoy the experience. It's also a learning experience for me because I went over some of the material during our first meeting last spring. I'm wondering if it's as simple as the continual repetition to help them understand how ARC works? I hope they'll tell me more as we progress in the grant.

I also now know to emphasize more the "Our Documents" and the "Document of the Day" at the site.

I'm working away on grant proposals and also picked up my new vehicle last week.

An alumnus is coming to speak to my teaching methods class - it's a great way to help them better understand the real world. I'm not sure either of them currently knows where that is but maybe today will help.

Labels: National Archives, TAH, Tahoe

I arrived back from DC last night and ran into large snowflakes about 30 miles from home. Some folks were being too cautious given the semis that could come up behind us at any time but that was the only real challenge. Not having freezing rain coming down was a definite plus. I think the Tahoe made all the difference - it's heavier than my Explorers were. If I had been driving an Explorer, I'm thinking I probably would have slipped off the road.

I need to finish grading work from this semester. I finished up an OAH newsletter article this morning and then went to Joplin to pick up a Fed Ex package from Santa Fe that required a signature.

Also, a dear friend who is only 40 has been diagnosed with cancer. Luckily, it's small and early . . . . .

More later . . .

Labels: DC, Explorer, snow, Tahoe, weather

I drove through Oklahoma's worst ice storm in a century yesterday without even realizing it. I thought I would drive out of it but my information was old. Mom had let me know they were also expecting the storm but my cell didn't register that message or call until I arrived at the farm last night. I talked to Mom Saturday to let her know I'd made it to Amarillo but she apparently didn't realize I didn't get her message or I would have driven further that night.

Someone was looking out for me because I didn't even slide on any of the overpasses or bridges. This was the first time I had driven the Tahoe in bad weather and, if yesterday as any indication, it is much more stable than the Explorer - even if I still envy those who have the new burgundy colored Explorers.

My town's electricity was still partly out and I was pleasantly surprised to see that I had electricity at the farm - even if it meant I couldn't see if the generator had kicked on given that last year I didn't have it operating properly. I may be back out here tonight if the electricity isn't restored in town. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's almost all back on in Carthage so that I can not only check on Mom and Dad but get my hair taken care of. This ice storm wasn't in the schedule!

Labels: driving, generator, ice storm, Oklahoma, Tahoe