Category Archives: Challenges

W^2 – Irma and time

Family, Science, Teaching and Learning, Weather, Weekly Photo Challenges, Wordless Wednesday, , , , ,

W^2 or W squared for Wordless Wednesday, March 31, 2021

demolition is almost complete on this piece of ocean frontage. Key Colony Beach, Florida March 28, 2021 12:49 PM
a black and white version of the same photo, Key Colony Beach, Florida March 28, 2021 12:49 PM

Hurricane Irma came ashore on just east of this location on September 10, 2017. Irma was a category 4 hurricane with winds in over 100 mph and a storm surge of 6 to 10 feet. She left behind damaged homes, buildings, and this condominium complex in her wake. Most were able to rebuild, but for some the damage was too great to rebuild. Sometimes, it’s easier just to start over. Making the Days Count, even when I must press the reset button and begin again.

When was the last time you pressed re-set?*

*Full disclosure, I went back to ”play’ with Adobe Photoshop and decided to add a black and white version of the photo.

W^2 – shenanigans  

Learning, Photography, Science, Weekly Photo Challenges, Wordless Wednesday, Writing, , , ,

W^2 or W squared for Wordless Wednesday, March 24, 2021

a whimsical monument to school by one of my 6th graders. Naperville, IL March 9, 2021 12:49 PM

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We started with a few students coming back to school. The change was immediate. The change happened because our building became a school again where children’s laughter filled the halls and the classrooms. School isn’t school without a little bit of shenanigans and tom foolery, now and then. Making the Days Count recognizing that a little tom foolery and shenanigans boost the soul from time to time.

When was your last shenanigan? What did you do?

W^2 – lake sunset

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W^2 or W squared for Wordless Wednesday, March 3, 2021

The sunset over the frozen lake, beginning to melt at the edge. Grayling, MI February 26, 2021 6:16 PM

Winter is on its winding its down and spring is on its way. I never tire of watching a sunset or a sunrise it’s what keeps me Making the Days COUNT, one day at a time, each day is a step forward.

When was the last time you stopped to the sunset or rise?

W^2 – branches

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W^2 or W squared for Wordless Wednesday, February 24, 2021

reaching for the sky – bare branches on a late winter afternoon. Wheaton, IL February 23, 2021 4:44 PM

The past few weeks have been cold and snowy. We’ve had out days with brilliant sunshine, but the land is covered in several inches of packed snow. Yesterday, it was above freezing, and it felt warm even though it was 40F or 5C. It was warm enough for a walk in the afternoon and it was refreshing. I spied this tree reaching for the sky. There is beauty and peace in the world, especially on a late February afternoon. Making the Days COUNT, one day at a time, finding beauty and peace everywhere I look.

Where are you finding your peace these days in late winter?

W^2 – ice

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W^2 or W squared for Wordless Wednesday, February 3, 2021 on Thursday. Ooops.

Ice covered topiary. Wheaton, IL February2, 2021 5:16 PM

We have had several inches of snow fall over the past week and we are expecting another few inches today. Fresh snow is pretty, but when it melts and refreezes it’s another kind of beauty. Making the Days COUNT, one day at a time, looking for beauty anywhere I can find it, beauty in the world makes my day count.

Where have you found beauty lately? Are you looking? Or does it just happen?

W^2 – prairie

Learning, Photography, teaching, Weather, Weekly Photo Challenges, Wordless Wednesday, , , ,
A solitary prairie grass shoulders the snow, Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, Wheaton, IL.  Monday, January 18, 2021  12:52 PM

One of the joys and blessings of this pandemic is making time (and taking time) to get out and move purposefully outside. Herrick Lake is a short drive from home and there is much to take in on a mid-afternoon walk with my puppy Fern (not pictured). Making the Days COUNT, one day at a time, especially when I make time to be mindful.

How have you used the pandemic for good?

W^2 – play

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W^2 or W squared for Wordless Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Fern and Ivy – left to right, their faces seem to say, “can you come out and play, it’s fresh snow and a lot of fun.” Wednesday, December 30, 2020 10:05 AM

Fern and Ivy enjoy getting out and running in the snow and I enjoy watching them. We’ve got a few inches of fresh snow and until the dogs ran through it, it was a clean white blanket. I’ll be stepping out to clear the drive and walks and playing a little, too. Making the Days Count, at play and work, one day at a time.

What have you done lately to play?

W^2 – patience

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W^2 or W squared for Wordless Wednesday, December 23, 2020

a patient Fern waiting for her master in the sunlight, McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville, IL. Sunday, December 20, 2020 11:16 AM

4.69 miles on a Sunday late morning hike, we were less than a half a mile in, Fern was still patient while I snapped a photo or two. Making the Days Count, patiently, one day at a time.

It has been a challenging year, but I’ve been patient, have you?

W^2 – herd

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W^2 or W squared for Wordless Wednesday, December 16, 2020

A herd of deer grazing peacefully, Spring Brook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville, IL. Sunday, December 13, 2020 3:42 PM

We all would like to gather this holiday season, but we are keeping our distance. Making the Days Count, one day at a time while remembering to look, listen and be cautious, always.

What good news have you heard recently?