Trailer
I’ve built a trailer (well it’s almost done, but it is usable at this point). The trailer is a Haulmaster that included a good bit of assembly. (It’s actually pretty amazing how a trailer can come in two small boxes.) Our small peddle boat fits nicely on the trailer. It’ll fit even better once I create a platform for it.
I still need to install the “floor” of the trailer, but that is cut and painted.
Acceleration
Acceleration is a new term we are using in XXXX instead of intervention. It’s means we ‘speed up’ the learning for struggling kids instead of slowing down. Apparently we have been doing intervention wrong the whole time. It’s Person A’s new favorite word.
A friend shared this following a discussion about educational initiatives. Essentially, the idea is that education has been doing “intervention” wrong. Instead of “intervening”, we need to be “accelerating”. This has been an interesting focus following the return to in-person instruction in schools following COVID protocols closing schools.
I’ve been worried about this for a while. It seems to me that we are seeing lots of “kids are falling behind” in news reports. This “falling behind” is the result of some BIG TEST (i.e. a standardized test). I have mixed feelings about the BIG TEST. Certainly, some standards of knowing things can be revealed via multiple-choice tests. However, humanness is not a multiple-choice problem.
Another issue that I’ve seen arise is that kids are struggling in several emotional ways. This is being covered as a result of COVID. I’m not convinced. I think that those problems have always been there, we just haven’t chosen to focus on them or make them important.
Fountain Pen
Cleaned out my favorite fountain pen and re-inked it. I went with blue this time. I usually use a red (Dragon Red), purple (Imperial Purple), or green. So, a traditional blue is unusual for me.
Flow
I’ve been working on implementing workflows at work. I have my first process in the testing phase. Everything works, but there is a desire for a slightly different process. So, I’m working on making that happen.
Rambling Readers
I’ve tried to import my reading list to Rambling Readers without much success.
Windows
The window installation started on Tuesday. Friday was a day off (really wish that I would’ve known that). Monday was the final installation day.
Getting windows installed is very disruptive. Rm and Hazel (I don’t use either as a password), had to manage to stay away from the installers.
The windows are a nice upgrade in general. We’re looking forward to the lack of a draft through the windows this winter.
We did have a couple of issues. After the windows were installed, I went into my office to open the top (back) window. To my surprise, it went down about 3 inches and stopped. Upon looking at the window, I could see a plastic collar in the track. I asked the installer, who said we could take it out, it wasn’t anything that they installed. Hm. I did a web search. Looking through the manufacturer’s website, United Windows, I could find no reference to this “feature”. So I called
and chatted with a Representative. The Rep stated that I needed an Order number before she could help. I gave her the model of the window, and just about everything on the sticker, but she couldn’t help. We went back and forth a few times, she stated she was talking to an “engineer”, but without the Order Number, well….
I also called the salesperson. He got back to me and stated that they could be removed. Apparently, they are there to “protect” the back balances. These can be safely removed and the back window opens fully. Huh?
How about designing the window to “protect” the back balances or making the back balances in a way that doesn’t need protection? We’ll see how they last.
We also replaced a large plain window in the back of the house. The window didn’t open at all. We replaced it with a window that has two casement windows on either end and muntins along the top section. It is a major improvement.
Labor Day Weekend
I finally scheduled some time to do a tile installation with my daughter. She had picked up some tiles that were returned/abandoned.
The tile is for the breezeway between the house and garage. We were able to get the cement board put down, and then get the tile installed on Saturday.
On Sunday, we grouted. (I say, we, but she did the vast majority of the work.)
Monday, she sealed the floor. She’s very happy with the results.
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