Thursday, November 13, 2008

Back home in OC

Hello Everyone,

Well, I have been home now for a few weeks, and have been reflecting on the incredible trip. I truly miss the isolation, wildlife, solitude and clean air!
I will be making my daily trip to Huntington Beach and teach until Thanksgiving when I will be traveling up North. This will be the first Thanksgiving I can remember that I won't be sharing it with Danielle. She will be at the home of New Jersey friends this year:-)

Stay tuned, as there will be trips and adventures to come. The trip to Costa Rica has been cancelled:-(, however we will be spending 2 months in Hawaii for sure. The location will be the North Shore of Oahu where the massive waves entice the expert surfers!! I hope to learn how to surf without killing myself on the coral. My students are ready to reverse the activity and "teach their teacher" how to surf! Haha!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

More Ranch horses

Cowboy Bar and Skeet Shooting!

This weekend has been a blast!! Yesterday the 6 woman (5 married woman and myself) drove up to Jackson and took a half day fishing float trip on the Snake River. It was about an 10 mile trip and we saw moose (right on the side and in the water). I caught 3 fishing on floating wet flies and had a great time. The scenery was different from the Salt River that Justine and I fished a month ago, however we went with the same float company and had the same guides which was fun!!

We took out around 7pm and headed back to Jackson for dinner. Had a great meal at the "Siver Dollar Grill" and I tried, buffalo, seared elk, and venison. We all ordered cosmopolitans and ended up next door where they had a Country Western Band and dancing! The 6 of us stormed in and a few of the "married girls" came out of their shells and got pretty wild!! I just sat back and laughed, and Justine got asked to dance almost every dance!! We were wearing our cowboy hats and jeans and having a great ol time!!
We preceded to the famous "Cowboy Bar" in on Mainstreet Jackson Hole where the 2 long bars have real saddles for bar seats!! There was a great band playing there, as well as 8 pooltables. We bellied up to the bar, ordered our beers, and spent the next 3 hours dancing with cowboys and playing pool!! Didn't get home until after 4am when we crashed without unloading the car. Justine was the designated driver of course, and for the most part she and I were drinking water all night! However, the other married gals really let loose and had a great time! They all play roller hockey together each week, and have been friends for years. It was a fun evening and all enjoyed to the max!!

This afternoon John, Justine's husband, set up for skeet shooting and we spent a few hours learning the sport on their property! Wow, how much fun that was!! I had a few rough rounds, however when the pressure was on I finally hit my last clay pigeon and everyone cheered!! Justine hit 3 and another woman hit 4 total so she was the grand prize winner. I kept my bullet shell casing for my trophy!!

Right now we are making homemade bread, Tomatoe bisque soup from scratch, and grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. The weather is cool and this is going to taste soooo good. Justine and two of the friends are out on a sunset ride, and plan to be back around 7pm. I stayed home to catch up on my laundry and lesson planning! Everyone flys out tomorrow afternoon from Salt Lake City, so it will be real quiet around here. Hope all is going well with all of my---family and friends. Just one more thinig...who would have thot that on a ranch in Idaho one can: skeet shoot, motor cross ride, horsebackride, fly fish, hike, mountain bike ride, hunt, archery, harvest potatoes, learn to quilt, view elk, moose and dear, and the list goes on and on...... I have been nonstop and with my teaching not a minute to spare! This is a great vacation spot that is for sure!!

xo Michelle

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Full House

Greetings!

Well, we are now 15 at the ranch with lots of activities going on. Today, we "girls" were treated to a 3 hour ride on the 5 square mile property! Justine and another horse owner in the area were our guides. We saddled up and saw some amazing scenery. I have never ridden on a horse over such steep hills, valleys, creeks, and snow covered paths through the aspen trees. It was thrilling and we all made it back unharmed!! My horse, Batman, is a quarterhorse and trotted quite a bit so my behind is a bit sore. Other then that, I feel fine:-)

The kids were treated today with a fly tieing class by a private teacher here in the valley. They learned to make their own flies for all the fishing they do on these rivers. Zach, age 21, works in Jackson at Paul Dennis which is the biggest fishing outfit in town. He does this for a living and has quite a good business going for him. The kids were patient and spent about 3 hours learning how to tie all sorts of flies. Tomorrow we are taking another float trip down the Snake River, so we can try them out:-)

I feel so blessed to have pursued this opportunity with the Makoff family. I love the teaching situation, and at the same time am learning all sorts of new sports and experiencing a different way of life. This is just the beginning, and I am enjoying each and every minute of this incredible adventure:-)

nighty night! michelle <3

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Snowy Sunday!

While Southern Ca is having warm Santa Ana winds, it is snowing here at the ranch. We departed Salt Lake City yesterday afternoon, and it began snowing on our 3 hour drive to Geneva, Idaho (my exact location). This morning we had a snowball fight, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery which stretched for miles around.

Last week we spent 3 days with family in Salt Lake City, Utah. We attended the Real's first soccer game in their new stadium. They tied NYC, and it was a great event. Were were invited to the clubhouse for dinner, and treated to great seats for this special night.
The next day, we went to the 'Human Body Exhibit' from Germany. It was in town for a few months, and this was the third exhibition which focused on the heart. It was an amazing afternoon, and I would encourage you all to try and see it when it comes to town. It is worth every penny and a once in a lifetime "must see" exhibit.

This Tuesday we have hunters arriving as well as Justine's Roller Hockey girlfriends from Huntington Beach. She plays on a women's team and 4 of the members are flying out to experience 5 days of riding, fishing, sightseeing and just plain R&R. I will be joining them each day after teaching in the morning:-))

Well, off to do lesson plans for the week. Have a good one......!! mb

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Cowgirl Michelle

A Rainy Weekend.....

Hello there,

A nice end to a cozy weekend by the fire:-) For most of Sat. and Sun. it rained at the ranch and I enjoyed staying in to read, cook, and help Justine around the homestead. We had cousins from Grace (about an hour away) sleep over, so we prepared popcorn and pizza for the kids. I spent a few hours on lesson planning and organizing materials for the upcoming weeks.

Our plans for this week will include:

- Tuesday, we plan another camper trip up to the Tetons. This time we will go further into the park and do some hiking, fishing, and sightseeing.
- Friday we head to Salt Lake City for a few days. Justine and I will take the kids and stay over at John's mothers home. We plan on attending a soccer game, and have tickets to see the "Body Exhibit" from Germany at the Science Museum.

I will be taking books to spend a few hours each day with Madison and Dillon. Traveling in the motor home makes it quite do-able as it is large enough to work comfortably each morning. We will be back next Sunday, just in time to recharge our batteries for a week long of horseback riding in the afternoons. I haven't really had much free time to ride, and need to get back on a horse soon. I will be posting some pictures of me riding "Tuck" the leader of the pack.

Until next time.....Adios!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Wednesday/Humpday

Hey there,

I have just arrived back to the ranch, after spending a few days in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. What a beautiful part of the world this is, especially with the fall colors! The yellow aspens, red maple trees, and golden leaves backdropped on green hillsides or mountain slopes are a sight to behold.

We spent a day on a fly-fishing float/rapid trip down the Salt River. We chose it over the Snake, as our guides said the fishing was better there this time of year. Plus, we had the river to ourselves as it was the last week for the season. I caught the first fish, however Justine caught 10-12 fish as she has had a lifetime of experience fly fishing with her dad while growning up. I learned a lot about the sport, and had a blast doing it. We camped out in their brand new 32 ft camper, state of the art, sleeps 10 (there were only 4 of us) in Jackson Hole.

The teaching aspect of my life is going well. I am using a virtual curriculum, and try to have "school" in the morning until around 1-2pm. Then, we always have a field trip of some sort. We will go trail riding on the horses, take hikes on the 5 mile property, go into town (which is 30 miles away), or do some quilting on the permanent stand which takes up part of the living quarters. This Friday we are going to a relatives farm to harvest the russet potatoes (Idahos best) followed by a heavy duty grocery shopping. We have also been invited by a neighbor (5 miles away) haha... to join her while she does her canning.

Well, it has been a long day, and I have had a cold and runny nose for a few days, so I'll be heading off to bed. I hope to write again this weekend and send along some pictures. Until then, good night:-))

Saturday, September 27, 2008

More pictures

Pictures

A sad day for all.....

Hello, from the beautiful state of Idaho. So far we have been having a great adventure, however with every experience there are opportunities for all to go right, or wrong. Today we had a tragic, sad event happen and we are all a little down and out.

Justine, Madison, and I were all saddled up to go on a late morning ride. This was our first ride since arriving 5 days ago, so the three of us were anxious to explore the trails and exercise the horses. I rode a quarter horse named Tuck, a horse known for his good nature and trusty trail rides. The family dogs were going to follow along (as they always do) and we began out journey out away from the barn and up a small hill to a ridge overlooking the ranch. Justin, the lab, and Rocky, the maltese were either beside or in front of us the entire time. They were sniffing, romping, and just plain having fun. All of a sudden my horse, Tuck, slipped/tripped and began to kneel down, got up and went into a sudden cantor at which I pulled the brakes and whiplashed my neck. Tuck and the horse in front of me stepped on Rocky and broke his little neck. He died instantly and as soon as the horses settled down Justine got off her horse and went over to Rocky.

What more can I say? We just burried Rocky and the family is crushed. This little guy was a very special dog, and I also loved him so....much. Please live each day to the fullest and appreciate you animals, because in an instant it can be over. Life is so fragile and precious and we must always remember that.

Michelle<3

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

First week in Idaho

Hello Friends and Family,

As soon as I remember how to post pictures on this blog, I will send a few :-) We arrived safely, and it has been nonstop all week. From setting up school in one of the trailers, to exercising the horses and learning about ranch life, I have been going full speed ahead.
The family property (3,400 acres)is very beautiful in a remote part of southern Idaho. We are actually just a stones throw from Wyoming. Tomorrow we will go into the town to of Grace ( the new Sun Valley---the billionares took over Sun Valley, and the Millionares are now in Grace--Haha) to do some shopping and exploring. Justine said there is a terrific bookstore and chocolate shop that she wants to visit. She is also quilting and has offered to teach me sometime this trip. So we may get the fabric for that and begin a blanket. Needless to say, this is a very talented and gifted family and the kids are amazing as well.
I will sign off, and hopefully send pictures in the next week. I need my beauty sleep as I forgot my creams and lotions----my cosmetic bag of all things!! Good thing we don't need much out here on the range:-))

Nighty night, Michelle~

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Leaving tomorrow:))

Hello again,

Well, we will be taking off tomorrow for the ranch in Grace, Idaho. This year the family is taking Rocky, the maltese, Justin, the lab, and Miss blue, Madison's pony!
Somewhere in St. George, Utah, we will spend the night in a "pet friendly" hotel!!

I have all my curriculum boxed up, however 50% of our lessons are online, so 2 laptops are all we need:-) I have been told that we have internet access on the ranch, however I don't know about my T-Mobile cell phone roaming capabilities. I have downloaded Skype. As soon as I get my microphone figured out, I should be able to communicate with friends and family.

I must admit that I have brilliantly packed up all my things in 2 small cases. For a 6 week trip I will only need jeans, shirts and jackets. Anything else I can borrow from Justine, as she keeps a full wardrobe as well as other supplies at the ranch. I look forward to keeping up this blog, and sending along pictures as the adventure unfolds.

Until my next blog......Adios.....Michelle

Sunday, September 7, 2008

My first week...

Hello again,

I have completed my first week of work and feel that it was successful! My teaching hours are 9am-1pm, with prep at my leisure in the afternoon. I have been taking the toll road up to Huntington Beach, however, Sept. 20 we will leave for 6 weeks in Idaho. The family is going to be comprised of 4 adults (me and the nanny), 2 kids and 3 pets. I believe that we will be trailering one or two horses and a motor home as well. This way we can take side trips from the ranch and venture out to see the beautiful country or even head up to Canada! Last year they headed east to Mt Rushmore for a "History" lesson. I am open to any adventure that comes our way:-) The only inconvenience so far is the carting of books and teacher manuals back and forth. Maybe I will do my prepwork at the house before heading home. Yes, this sounds like a plan!!

ttfn Michelle AKA Luvey

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

First day of work.......

Hello and welcome back to school:-) I have begun my teaching job in Huntington Beach, California, and will be commuting there until mid-September. I have a few luxuries that make this job really pleasant. I can leave my house after rush hour traffic, and wear jeans, shorts, and tee-shirts! We are all very casual and that makes teaching extra special!!

I will be using an assortment of different curriculums and responsible to turn in several work samples for both my students. We will be doing more "hands on" projects and scheduled field trips then a normal class does in Orange County. This week I am assessing my 3rd and 5th grade students and reviewing all the chapters in the textbooks for preliminary lesson planning. Then, I will be fine-tuning the material that is California Standard driven and I can begin to make short term plans. It seems over whelming at first, but I have lots of experience with these grades, so I am confident that it will all come together.

Cheers! Michelle AKA Luvey :-)

Monday, August 18, 2008

Checking off my list!

Hello Hello,

Well, this week I am meeting with Justine and the homeschool advisor. We will discuss the curriculum along with the schedule and then I will begin 3rd and 5th grade planning. I feel very rested and energized, ready to begin the school year.
Of course I have a million things to do before departing mid September. I will basically be gone for 2 month chunks, returning for a few weeks to prepare for the next adventure. The nice thing though is that the dress is casual, so I won't need to spend time and money on new clothes. I can literally live in jeans and t-shirts this fall, with shorts and bathing suits in Hawaii this winter. Now this is my kind of living!!!

Until next time........Michelle AKA Luvey

Monday, August 11, 2008

Questions to answer:-))

Hi again,

Lots of you have emailed questions, so here I go....... I am renting a room in my home, and this friend will also be taking care of my house while watching Pepper my pug! It is a win, win situation for both of us, and I am thankful that I don't have to spend time finding the right person or situation. My travels will be spaced out with a few weeks to come home and recuperate, recharge, and take care of business when needed.

I will be on a 1 year contract, and get the regular paid vacations that all teachers get. The OC Department of Education will require material from me and work from the students throughout the school year. I have to inquire about our new curriculum K12, and see what needs to be done as far as meeting the California State Standards. This month is going to be very busy, but I am excited to be moving forward:-)

Lots to do to get ready for my first trip to a horse ranch in Idaho. I will be riding each day so I need to stock up on my Levi jeans! We will be hiking each day as well, so I aim to be quite fit when I return! Oh, happy days:-)

Michelle AKA Luvey

Sunday, August 10, 2008

How a phone call changed my life!


As you all know, this past year I have been in Grad school completing my Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and working on my Masters in Education degree. I have been spending the summer applying in Orange County as well as in New York City and the Pacific Northwest. A month ago I decided to apply for a position for an elementary teacher available to homeschool and travel. I have always had a passion to travel, and this felt like a custom made job for me! Why not? After all, I would get the interviewing experience and be able to dream about such an opportunity:-) Right?
After meeting the family and doing projects with the kids, I felt very positive about the experience and was hoping for the best. I was informed that I was in the 'final two' and proceded to have a final interview. Well, yesterday I received the phone call that I got the position and would be afforded the opportunity to travel (all expenses paid) to Idaho in the fall, Costa Rica in Nov/Dec, Hawaii in the winter, and Bali in the spring. I will be homeschooling a 3rd grad girl and her 5th grade brother.
This is such an exciting time for me, and I can't wait to begin. We will be using a wonderful K12 curriculum that is engaging and "out of the box" for just such a traveling learning experience.
I hope to keep my friends and family informed about my next years worth of adventure. This blog will be a great tool for me to do that, so please check it regularly.
Wooo Hooo, I'm about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!!
Michelle AKA Luvey