Peggy's Ponderings at the lake

  There is a distinct shift that happens right around Labor Day. We call it the "unofficial end of summer," and yet, it always seems to catch us by surprise, in a good way. A relief from the 100 degrees. Labor Day Weekend Photo by Peggy Steed Just this past weekend, the lake was alive with energy, warmth, and the laughter of family. The water felt perfect, the sun was bright, and for a moment, it felt like summer might just stretch on forever.  But as the weekend winds down, you can feel it. A subtle change in the breeze. A slight crispness in the early morning air. The light hits the water differently now, casting longer, softer shadows. Fall is coming. Living right in the heavy migration path for hummingbirds and Monarch butterflies, I usually spend this time of year thinking about grand journeys. In fact, looking back at my photos this morning, I smiled, reminding myself of a gorgeous Monarch picture I took outside the Keller Williams office last year—a traveler pausin...

A dead tree creates a natural bridge in Grove's new city park The chaotic hum of modern life has a way of trapping us in a state of constant survival. We rush through schedules, carry the heavy mental static of daily worries, and forget what it feels like to simply breathe. Partly because we are always carrying and worrying about our phones. But we won't go there. But sometimes, the antidote to our collective stress is waiting just across the street from my work. On a crisp morning before the blistering heat, I stepped onto the newly carved dirt paths of our town's developing park. To the casual observer, it’s a plot of native land nestled right in the middle of town, sitting quietly opposite the local school buildings. But to a weary soul, it is a living sanctuary. As my feet pressed into the fresh trail, the ambient noise of a busy town began to fade, replaced by a grand, welcoming canopy. Yes, my white tennis shoes got very dirty, but it was so worth it. The investigativ...

  Back to school starts in most of our community next week. How did that happen? Summer flew by again! Teachers and staff go back on Monday, and so will I. I’ve already spent hours in my classroom just putting everything back where it should be after the summer cleaning and floor waxing. Being careful not to drag anything and scratch the floor, I keep forgetting I am retired! Yep, getting older is quite the adventure. Anyway, as I ponder what my school year will be like, I am still incredibly grateful and excited this opportunity dropped in my lap. It’s a different position. I'm not technically a teacher, but I have a classroom. My title is paraprofessional, but I feel like I am more than a TA or an admin. It’s going to be interesting, to say the least! I will have kids in my classroom working towards graduation, but I won’t be lecturing. They do their classwork online, and I am mostly there for supervision, help, support, and encouragement in our Alternative High School. Mahatma G...

  Let's do better at appreciating America Happy 250th  Oh dear Captain, I hate to tell you this, but you are not the captain at home. Sorry for the confusion, but you will have to get to that doggie mess yourself. He slowly looks up at me. I mean down at me, and I shrug and walk away.  Welcome to the life of a fire family. The View From Outside Social Media Yes, it seems to be getting worse lately, and I have been pondering why. I really do ponder people. I think hard on some things, and one thing I have noticed is a lack of appreciation in our country.  I am not sure what happened, and I refuse to bring politics into the discussion, but it’s true. For some reason, people have become needy and expect more for less. Our local firefighters, police, city workers, teachers, and staff all give so much and get paid so little. If you look at social media, you would think they do a terrible job; however, in reality, these hard-working people do a terrific job! They...

Hello! I hope the rain isn't bringing you down. Grand Lake - Woodard Hollow June 2026 Lots of rain, sun, clouds, more rain, more sun, more clouds! And the wind! Oh, it howls here at Grand! It rocked the heck out of our boat the other day. I guess that's why the lake was so quiet and empty. It was a Sunday afternoon, and hardly anyone was on the water. We saw no sign of rain, so we went for it. Plus, we already had guests, so we of course didn't want to disappoint anyone. It took us most of the afternoon, but we successfully gave them the grand tour! From Wolf Creek to the Dam and back. It's days like that when you remember "this is what we work so hard for."  So, I guess it's time for me to officially let you all know I have a new job. I have a new hat to wear that I am super excited to announce.  I will be working at the Grove Alternative High School! Back to working with high schoolers and close to my grandsons.  I retired from being a full-time Realtor....

Dear wonderful readers, Happy Summer!! I spent the last couple of days at a retreat for Women in Government. I had more fun than I expected and met ladies I’m sure I will stay in touch with for quite a while. One thing that touched me most while I was there was during a session that involved remembering and discussing one of your favorite jobs or opportunities. This is a timely one for me with the World Cup in America and the Olympics coming again in 2028, because  one of my fondest memories of all time, career-wise, was in college when I was given the opportunity to volunteer for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Talk about getting more out of two weeks than I could possibly have imagined! Wow! I am in my Olympic uniform at the Media Center at the 1984 Olympics with TASS and Aussie Journalists. One of the best career experiences and life experiences if had thus far.  To begin with, the Olympics are truly special to me. I believe sports have to continue to be a way the world can ...