Friday Night

Lots of rainbows here, sun and mist is the morning mix

Its Friday and I am exhausted.  I am definitely NOT used to getting up and going to work five days a week, especially at a school. Let me explain.


I get up at 6:00 a.m . The sun is shining, wind is blowing, birds are singing. 

School starts at 8:00 a.m.  and I gotta walk up the hill, dodging buses heading to the reserve  and other local traffic such as the milkman I saw this morning.  Oh, and Monteverde is a mile high...pant, pant.



Once I get to school, there is always an assembly and on Wednesdays there is an hour of Silent Meeting from 9 until 10.   Meanwhile there are classes and projects and, and, and. I've hardly had time to do yoga, take a walk in the rain forest or go birding.  Next week I've got to take more time for myself!!! 

Let me explain. This year I am developing a water conservation brochure and curriculum materials for grades 9 and 10 at the Friends School and for the other private school in the region, La Creativa. Plus, I am also volunteering at the Monteverde Institute because they want to be involved  in this project and some of the university students who are doing research projects in sustainable development are keen to participate.  But it is more than just writing the text or coming up with curriculum materials. I need to consult with everybody who has or thinks they have an interest in water.  For example, there is the Science teachers at both schools, the Principal at MFS, the head of the Water District, some researchers at the Institute, a former university professor who is doing water policy work in the region....you get the idea....oh, and some old timers who need to be involved.

I also brought seeds with me to continue the gardening work I started with the kids last year.  The good news re is that there is a new garden (see below) but it  has been left un-weeded too long so this past week I corralled some of my faves and we started to clean it up.  I also have to consult with the Quaker Meeting's Grounds Committee because we need to cut down some branches and the old compost system is falling apart and water cascading off the sports field in the rainy season flows into where they have it located.  So lots of talk about the move and the tree cutting.

 This is a pix of the garden full of weeds.  The tree that needs pruning is in the back and while it isn't evident, the branches cover that part of the garden.We made a start on weeding this past Thursday. Lots more to do. Somebody brought me pots so I can start seeds next week. 

 This is the old compost area. It needs a sledge hammer!  Fortunately my friend Glenn who can fix anything is coming for 10 days and hopefully will  help build a new compost bin for the school. 

The photo to the right is of my garden team.

  

Then,  this week the school started the Adopt a Stream project again.  It was one of my favorite activities from last year because we head up to the Reserve, walk out to the stream (no tourists) and measure the width, depth, pH, conductivity and look for invertebrates.  Like being a kid again..

Measuring and getting wet!