Gabby’s Short Story

Gabby was among a group of winners of a short story writing contest from Blimey Cow.  The fellows even sent her some feedback on her writing, which we both appreciated.

Here is her entry:

The Sock

Once upon a time, there was a man. He had a pair of socks, and they were his favorite thing in the world. He took good care of them and kept them clean. They were yellow, his favorite color! late one night he took his socks off and put them in the wash. through the night, he ran them through the dryer. The next morning, he opened up the dryer, and there was only one sock! So that day, he had to wear his shoes, with no socks. Gross. The shoes were orange, but they were no good without the yellow socks to set them off.

How could he go running with only one sock? relax in front of the tv? How could he even keep his feet warm? the sock, the sock, where had it gone? But what could he do? he couldn't take it, he had a plan! He would wear one sock, switching it from one foot to the other, every fifteen minutes. He grabbed his one yellow sock, and pulled it onto his foot, then went for his orange shoes.

But, what was that, at the end of his sock? it didn't seem to be just his right foot? Would it be his cat’s hairball? that wouldn't have been the first time that happened. he reached into the sock and pulled out...his other sock! He joyfully pulled on both his socks and lived in sock peace forever.

Accidental Graduation

Katie has been looking at some aesthetics programs over the past nine months to a year.  Our original plan had been dual enrollment, but after sitting on a waiting list since last May for the most economical school, we toured another school in mid-December.

She loved it.  However, they did not allow dual enrollment.  You had to present a diploma or GED.  I reached out to our homeschool umbrella to ask about blocking out just the second semester English credit (the only thing she needs to graduate) in the first two months of the year and graduating early.  I also noted we had completed a full book of Lightening Literature in the fall term, averaging a couple hours a day with all the readings, comprehension questions, and papers she wrote.

I got back an email that said, in short, “Congratulations to you both, input her grade as a full credit (their rules on credits are completing a textbook or a certain number of hours—our fall accomplished not just one, but both of those), she can graduate now.”

This news came on the last day of our planned semester with one (history) final to go and a packed day at work for her.  I told her she had the option to do whichever she wants—graduate in May with her friends or wrap it up now.  In a few hours, she decided surprise graduation it is.

Cap and gown are here.  Party planning has commenced.

Surprise and Congratulations, Katie!

You did it!

XXXIV: Outside

 

Some brick started going up this past week!  It looks more gray from this distance—what I was going for in my choice, but I can still see some red up close.  I only saw it from a distance (in photos and from the street).  I like it well on the outside of the house.  Hopefully I’ll like it inside when it is placed there.

Inside, we were hoping to see insulation and drywall, but not yet.  I did see the missing outlet had been placed and the bathroom vents were all in.  Those are one step closer to getting the walls in, so I was glad to see that.

XXXIII: Uh-oh

I went to meet another company about propane last week.  It was sooo muddy and rainy.

The brick has been delivered.  It looked more red than it did when I visited a nearby home with it back before Thanksgiving, but it is what it is at this point! 

This door is on the front, but should be on the back…

And this door should be on the front, and is on the back.

There is a crack at the bottom right of this window.

They should be out to fix these things once the weather clears….so.much.rain!