Last night we had a beginning-of-the-year party for the eighth graders. It was full of fun and team-building. We also take some reflective time, as students read notes from loved ones in their lives.

It’s a special night, and I was glad to do it, even if it means less sleep last night.

I only thought to take a picture one time last night, as we were getting ready for a relay race game. The sun had set, so it was cooler outside, which was nice.

We went outside for our morning recess, but stayed inside later, during our lunch/recess time. Fortunately, the air conditioners were working overtime, so the classrooms were cool. Also fortunately, temperatures are supposed to get back to normal over the next few days.

There’s a pipe on the outside of my house that has lost its cap. I think it’s a vent of some kind? But the cap is rusted and doesn’t stay on at all. When the kitchen sink is running, I can actually see water flowing in the opening. It’s like a doorway right into my house for bugs. Ack!

I finally decided to do something about it. I had some steel wool, and I stuffed it in the pipe. Hopefully it will keep bugs out.

I was off of school yesterday for Labor Day. I wanted to do something special on my extra day. I decided to go to Temecula. It’s a town about an hour and twenty minutes east of my house that’s known for wineries. It’s also known for Beth going to it every time she visits me, because there’s a school there that is enrolled in her dual credit system.

On the way there, I stopped at a lake that was just off of the freeway. It’s called Lake Elsinore.

I walked through a park by the lakeside, and was delighted to see a fairy ring!

After my brief stop, I continued on to Temecula. There is an “old town” section that I walked through.

There was a historic jail there, but it was closed, so I didn’t see the inside.

There was also a garden store there, and I got a plant. It’s another crested aeonium! I’m so excited! This variety is called “Sunburst”.

Before heading home, I stopped at a winery. It was slammed with people, and had some really loud live music going on. I did not stay. But I did walk past the grapevines on the way from the parking lot.

It was a fun day, and I was so glad to not just spend all that time on the couch.

On my way home from church, it rained pretty hard. I did not take a picture while I was driving. Since it hardly ever rains here, there’s a pretty big oil build-up on the roads, which can get slippery in rain. Also, people aren’t used to driving in rain, so that can be concerning too.

When I got home, I noticed that a glass I keep on a table outside had water in it. It was an accidental rain gauge. It had about an inch in it. A lot for here!

I don’t remember the last time it rained, so I’m going to start a new category: rain. It will make it easy for me to see when rain days were.