Successful Sale

Our book sale last Thursday and Friday was quite satisfactory.  I did less this time around than ever before.  Yea me!  That means my volunteers and 'friends' did the lion's share of planning, working and getting credit.  Yea them!  And I especially love it that the leftovers are being recycled, not just thrown out.  

The weather has turned around, and we have a  couple of warm, sunny days in a row.  I persuaded my husband to help me make a mini green house out of one of our raised bed gardens and I planted peas, radishes and spinach yesterday.  We'll see.....

I also stripped the paint from a small cupboard built nearly 60 years ago by my dad and used by my older sister and her family.  I intend to use it as a toy cupboard for my granddaughter when I get the many layers of paint off and a fresh coat back on.  I used to really enjoy the process of refinishing furniture, but it seems pretty strenuous now.  Either I have to work on my upper body strength or give it up.  (never!!!)

FOCAL (friend's of the library) meeting tonite. Must plan the annual meeting and summer reading kickoff party.  It's always something.  

Book Sale Time

Every spring, we have a fundraiser book sale at the library.  We request donations from the public and usually get a fantastic quantity of books.  This year, we've gotten fewer books overall, but they seem to be a good variety and condition.  I am continually amazed that so many people in this relatively small area have so many good books they are willing to give away, and then they will come and buy more.  The library profits,  as well as serves as a terrific recycling agent.  

For many years, I felt that I was conducting the book sale single handed.  Since our friends group formed, I've had a lot of help, and for the past 2 years, I have done very little work.  It is wonderful to have such dedicated and generous people who are willing to take on the responsibilities.  

Granddaughter is growing up.  She is 10 1/2 months old, and is almost walking.  She feeds herself, knows what toys she wants to play with, and is showing more personality all the time. Her little sibling will arrive in about 4 months and she will become a 'big sister'.  Life will change dramatically then.  I can't wait.  Her parents are trying to prepare themselves, mentally as well as domestically.   Makes me smile.

  

Back at it.

Be courageous. I have seen many depressions in business. Always America has emerged from these stronger and more prosperous. Be brave as your fathers before you. Have faith! Go forward!
Thomas A. Edison

I've been viewing an Apple tutorial in order to get the best use out of my computer. It has been very helpful so far--both in showing what I already know, and some of the finer points that I otherwise would be missing. Many of the tools are similar to things presented in 23 Things, but they are specific to Apple. So I've learned again about widgets, rss feeds and cool uses of calendars.

I also checked my quotations from Thomas Edison, and found this one encouraging in light of the current economic situation. However fearful it seems, we need to go forward as best we can.

Looking forward to the weekend, as my son, daughter in law and granddaughter are coming for dinner. We plan a Chinese menu to honor the Olympic games (not) and hope the weather will allow playing outside for a bit. Baby Thessaly is just over 10 months old, and every day is an adventure. Maybe she will be walking... I begged a family heirloom (a cupboard my dad made for my oldest sister over 50 years ago) to store TessToys for her visit. The cupboard is sturdy, but could use a little help. I'd like to strip and repaint it, but not this weekend. :-)

I have a lunch date or is it called appointment with my supervisor, Bill, tomorrow if he manages the trip thru the snow. A blizzard in April is too much!

Updated Avatar

I'm not sure how I did it, but I got a spring swing to my avatar. Notice my yellow cat--just like my old Katt.

After a few days off, I'm trying to get back to the 23 things and figure out how to actually use the tools. I'm still mystified, but will continue to keep trying.

Thing 23 Final Thoughts

I am pleased to be finishing the 23 Things. It has been a remarkable learning experience, very frustrating at times, but empowering and entertaining as well. I will continue to use some of the tools, hope to become more skilled at others. I would like to find ways to use them in the library setting, and maybe with the creative ideas of others who have worked through 23 things, we will be able to come up with ways to interest teens in book clubs or adults in 2.0 tools.
I've said before, I intend to review the things we've just gone through, and hopefully come up with a clearer picture of possible uses. There will be more opportunity to view blogs as well. It's been encouraging to realize that I'm not the only one who had trouble with various things.
I appreciate the efforts that went into putting this together, and would consider participating in another program.

Thing 22 Ways to Keep up

I have learned a lot, mainly that I really don't know nearly enough.
I plan to start over, reviewing the many things, and taking the time to understand what I glossed over the first time through. I think that after experiencing the subsequent things, I should have much more understanding and ability to make better choices about what is useful to me, what could be used in my library setting, and what is not for me at all. (I like to say negative knowledge is good too)

I really need to review the RSS feed idea and decide what I want to have fed to me. I have to develop the habit of looking at the sites that are so conveniently updated. I want to learn to plan better, use calendar reminders and stickies to keep on top of things. I have bookmarked (the old fashioned technique, I know, but it's one I can keep track of) several sites that I think will be useful. I may even decide to try the games.

I noticed that someone wrote that they hoped the 23 things site would remain active for a long time so that we have the links to refer back to. This would be very helpful.