Until I officially return to blogging (late January), I've decided to sporadically post announcements, news, or whatever catches my fancy above this post. Additions will be called Update 1, Update 2, etc. Meanwhile, here's various tidbits.
*A challenging, enjoyable post by Mrs. Konk, retired opera singer.
*In the last week, I've attended not one, but two NBA games. How excessive is that? For the OKC Hornets - Miami Heat game, my 'date' and I managed to sit in primo center court seats without paying a zillion dollars. It was the section where the women sport high-maintenance hair, the seats are plush, and the sure-footed concession workers bring you your munchies.
Paul *Up close, Señor Shaquille O'Neal (7-1 /325 lbs) is a remarkable speciman. Ironically, he was a so-so hoops player that night. Two of the smallest Hornets - Speedy Claxton (5-11 /170 lbs) and Chris Paul (6-0 /175 lbs) - outhustled Shaq and Dwayne Wade (altho S&D were working hard). This pair of hoops hobbits delivered as thrilling a performance as the one executed by Vince Young (Texas QB) in the Rose Bowl. As if I have nothing better to do, I am working on locating that golden ticket to the Pistons game. It's on Tuesday, the 10th.
*Son Dan, who lives in Long Island, escorted my mum-in-law from New England to the Sooner State (during Christmas) for her first visit. Grandma Lyman especially appreciated seeing the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Later on, the lad, sans the family, spent New Years in Whistler, British Columbia. Dan described the scenery as cross between Narnia and Harry Potter. On his way to Canada, he drove through Bellingham, Washington (the city where the Ironman and I started our married life). When he was a baby, Dan, who was born in Miami, wore an itty-bitty t-shirt that declared "I began in Bellingham." This was his first outside-the-womb visit.
*According to the homeschool blogosphere's most chatty commentators, Henry Cate's Carnvial of Homeschooling was a smash. The Cates will be hosting another COH next week.
*(Insert groan.) Studying for these tests is a mind-numbing, frequently confusing, always humbling chore. I'd rather be gardening. Pulling weeds, even. However, I'd be remiss in not noting the blessing 'tis is to have the time and health and lifestyle that makes this choice possible. Plus, I'm learning a ton of interesting new material and am participating in a nifty e-study/support group. (Insert grin.)
*Brandon Dutcher and his son, Lincoln, an industrious home scholar who likes Sooner sports teams, have launched personal blogs. Go here and here. Brandon, this post about a home daycare business will interest you.
*Albert Johnson claims he misses being blogged about, so here's kitty news: Mr. Johnson spent Christmas vacation avoiding the guests and/or growling and hissing at those who dared interact with him. The pet resort wouldn't be his thang. Too much socialization going on.
*John Naylor, of Logan County (OK), will be hosting a volleyball night on Mondays Thursdays at his home/homeschool. Check out John's leather goods page.
*In the last week, I've attended not one, but two NBA games. How excessive is that? For the OKC Hornets - Miami Heat 
Paul 
*Son Dan, who lives in Long Island, escorted my mum-in-law from New England to the Sooner State (during Christmas) for her first visit. Grandma Lyman especially appreciated seeing the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Later on, the lad, sans the family, spent New Years in Whistler, British Columbia. Dan described the scenery as cross between Narnia and Harry Potter. On his way to Canada, he drove through Bellingham, Washington (the city where the Ironman and I started our married life). When he was a baby, Dan, who was born in Miami, wore an itty-bitty t-shirt that declared "I began in Bellingham." This was his first outside-the-womb visit.
(Insert groan.) Studying for these tests is a mind-numbing, frequently confusing, always humbling chore. I'd rather be gardening. Pulling weeds, even. However, I'd be remiss in not noting the blessing 'tis is to have the time and health and lifestyle that makes this choice possible. Plus, I'm learning a ton of interesting new material and am participating in a nifty e-study/support group. (Insert grin.)
*Albert Johnson claims he misses being blogged about, so here's kitty news: Mr. Johnson spent Christmas vacation avoiding the guests and/or growling and hissing at those who dared interact with him. The pet 