My Opera19 July, 2006
Wednesday, July 19, 2006 9:00:50 AM
Not much to report I'm afraid. Started in to a project at the house to paint the small "closet room" on the ground floor white--currently kind of a dingy grey with hideous flower wallpaper borders around the door and on a built-in closet. Needless to say, the wallpaper didn't come off, and after spending close to a hundred US dollars for necessary tools (scrapers, power sander, etc.)--by the way, hardware and such is very, very expensive here--it finally came off, along with the two layers below it. Apparently Norwegians put up a basic neutral wallpaper, then paint over it. Now I'm well into damage control. Next stop, white paint. Hard to pick the right stuff if you don't read Norwegian.
Some good news in the mail yesterday--the kids' Iowa Test of Basic Skills results came back. What exceptional kids God has blessed us with. Don't want their large brains to swell more with pride, but needless to say they scored superbly--mostly in the 99th percentile. This is very encouraging for us, and validates Elizabeth's dedication and hard work in home-schooling. I had to laugh though, Samuel scored low (46th percentile) in one area--the categories of Library Card Catalog and Encyclopedia--both would be used a lot in a public school, but of course are basically not used much in a home school setting. Also, I think most libraries are now using electronic reference systems vice the cards--so it might be a subject overcome by technology. Very proud of my kids. Just think what God has in store for such gifted people.
Managed to figure out (kind of) how to wash my clothes in our tiny washer--and got the dryer going, but not sure whether it was on a timed program or not, so turned it off in case it ran all night. We actually have a booklet on the dryer as it is brand new, but no booklet on the washer, fridge, or stove.
Am thinking about asking the landlord to buy us a new stove and fridge. The stove is pretty well-used and kind of filthy. The fridge doesn't get very cold, and has no freezer section (though there is a chest freezer in the basement). Given that we'll be giving him over 100,000 dollars worth of rent over the next 3 years, maybe he'll see it as an upgrade to his house that in the scope of things won't cost him too much?
I'm afraid flower boxes and plants are dying here at the house. I need my Becca here to resurrect them. She is such a soul-mate in some ways to my Mom--green thumb is one of those areas she shares with her.
All for now . . .
Some good news in the mail yesterday--the kids' Iowa Test of Basic Skills results came back. What exceptional kids God has blessed us with. Don't want their large brains to swell more with pride, but needless to say they scored superbly--mostly in the 99th percentile. This is very encouraging for us, and validates Elizabeth's dedication and hard work in home-schooling. I had to laugh though, Samuel scored low (46th percentile) in one area--the categories of Library Card Catalog and Encyclopedia--both would be used a lot in a public school, but of course are basically not used much in a home school setting. Also, I think most libraries are now using electronic reference systems vice the cards--so it might be a subject overcome by technology. Very proud of my kids. Just think what God has in store for such gifted people.
Managed to figure out (kind of) how to wash my clothes in our tiny washer--and got the dryer going, but not sure whether it was on a timed program or not, so turned it off in case it ran all night. We actually have a booklet on the dryer as it is brand new, but no booklet on the washer, fridge, or stove.
Am thinking about asking the landlord to buy us a new stove and fridge. The stove is pretty well-used and kind of filthy. The fridge doesn't get very cold, and has no freezer section (though there is a chest freezer in the basement). Given that we'll be giving him over 100,000 dollars worth of rent over the next 3 years, maybe he'll see it as an upgrade to his house that in the scope of things won't cost him too much?
I'm afraid flower boxes and plants are dying here at the house. I need my Becca here to resurrect them. She is such a soul-mate in some ways to my Mom--green thumb is one of those areas she shares with her.
All for now . . .
