Class, VBS, hurried evenings, dog sitting

The class yesterday was a challenge from the early morning through the afternoon. We had three participants who worked for a utility that had strict online security measures imposed which did not allow them to get into the class until special permissions were given. They were eventually able to join the class but were not able to access the form we use to give the test at the end of the class. What I was required to do was to have each of the attendees log out of the class as the other participants took the test. I set a time for each of those persons to log back into the class individually to take the test. I loaded the test on my computer and shared my desktop with each of the participants in turn so they could see the test displayed on my screen. They would then tell me what answer to select on each question to complete the test. Each of them did very well – with no help from me – but it took an extra amount of time to get that done. The participants were all appreciative of the extra, albeit awkward steps taken to allow them to complete the class. That interference does not happen very often, but at least we can deal with that challenge when it does happen. Hopefully, we will not have those issues to deal with in my class tomorrow.

Because of the extra time to get the testing done, I was quite a bit later getting home from teaching the class than normal, but still in time to help with the evening feeding and ready myself for another night of VBS. Night two of our VBS was outstanding. We had 130 in attendance, five children making professions of salvation. Tonight, as far as attendance is concerned, should be even better. Aubrey and Cheyenne went with us to VBS and one of Cheyenne’s friends also came. Mama and I met the father of the friend as VBS was ending last night. His name is Rigo (short for Rigodolfo). Neat name. He told me and Mama the girls are always talking about us, so it was nice to put a face with a name. The girls are even more fired up now to get visitors to come with them. In doing so they qualify for additional prizes nightly and the possibility of winning a hover board when the final tallies are made tomorrow night.  

Because of VBS, our evenings have been rushed. It is inevitable that that would happen, but it is not a drastic rush. The timeframe keeps us moving pretty quickly. Feeding, egg gathering, and evening watering still needs to get done and it does, but in a less leisurely fashion that typical. As I said earlier in the week, we are having great weather for VBS. It is almost a shame that we are not doing any activities outside. The temperatures have been at or below 90°, well below what we are expecting over the weekend. We will enjoy the temporary “cold front” as long as it lasts. As far as our chickens are concerned, the slight lowering of temperature is allowing them to lay more eggs than we saw last week. It is interesting to see how much of a difference the ambient temperature makes on production. It may be temporary, but we will enjoy the higher production until the temperature moderates to our normal Fall temperatures.

Starting tonight, we will be taking care of Bella as the Echeveria’s travel north. It is never a problem to have Bella with us. Nate did a wonderful job training her and she has a very docile personality with which to express that training. Erin was not put off by the news that we have been, and are still, dealing with fleas. So far, we seem to be winning the battle, but it is difficult to tell when we are not doing very detailed, close inspections of the dogs daily to see if the infestation is truly under control. Nevertheless, Bella will be with us for a couple weeks as her masters travel to visit family. It will be nice to have a dog walk with me as I make an evening walk. That cannot happen with Kobe or Kira unless they are on a leash.

Tomorrow, I will be teaching a class. Friday working from home. A normal week.