Weinder kids, D.I.N.K'S, and Pretzeldogs

Well, it begins again. The children returned as they tend to do last Tuesday. This will be my third full year teaching, and man has it gone by fast. I have 11 8th graders who were with me when they were in 6th grade, and it's cool to take kids through all 3 years...you take some ownership. The other really good news is that I see all of my bands during the day without pull-outs, so they even feel like real classes.

Now that Alison has been working full time for a couple months, we are starting to realize the joy of being DINK's (Double Income, No KidS). The MN Orch has this outstanding deal where you can get a ticket for 6 Saturday night concerts plus a free Yo-yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble concert, PLUS free parking on all nights for $190. We bought 2 tix and are now season subscribers to the MN Orchestra. Considering I've never been to a MN orch concert except for Young People's concerts (all you Eau Claire folk always went without asking me if I wanted to go), I'm real excited. Also, saving up for a down payment is nice, and not having to worry about running out of money every two weeks.

Finally, if you haven't seen this yet, watch it. Phil should win an Emmy or something (or maybe a free pretzel)