Boo, the baker

Boo has suddenly started cooking: LOML and I went out a week ago to take the dogs to the dog park, and to check on the status of the new-stove-to-be: when we returned, the house was fragrant with the aroma of pancakes: Boo had decided to make them for her and for Skibo.  A couple of days later, she decided that waffles were the order of the day, then -- get this -- scones.  And the scones in particular were impressive.   They are not something I've had much success with, so colour me

Yours, parentally proud,
N

New stove

As a Christmas present this year, I was given a new gas stove: the old one didn't work right (burners wouldn't ignite without a lighter, the broiler wouldn't reach a decent temperature, one of the burners wouldn't light at all, etc) and we decided it was time for a replacement.  The old one had lasted 20 years, so it worked out to about pennies a day --- a worthwhile expenditure, especially since a good friend was willing to chip in too.
It's been transformative --- the high-power burner is so much more effective than on the old stove that it has changed my appreciation of deep-frying --- two days later I almost have chips down to perfection: crispy texture with fluffy interior, just like Mum used to make.

Yours, knowing that a bad workman blames the tools, I'm choosing to praise them!
N

Welcome to the teenage years, Skibo

And now there are two.

Yours, wondering if I should be saying this in trepidation,
N

Thoughts on teaching

I'm teaching two classes this summer, and both finish next week: one with a final exam, and the other, potentially, with a performance.
The mathematics class, of course, is the one with the exam (and homework, tests, etc).  Lots of evaluation along the way to see how students are doing, and to help them assess their progress themselves.
The other class, teaching the Tai Chi 24 form is going very nicely: it's a ten class session, once a week for 90 minutes, and I'm finally, I think, getting the hang of how to teach it.  In previous sessions I'd stuck with a traditional "teach the moves sequentially" style: this time, I started on the first day with practicing the end of the form too --- trying not to give it short shrift in the last couple of classes.
We have a continuing group of former students in the class who meet weekly, so there have been plenty of opportunities for them to continue to learn the end of the form --- but not everybody chooses to continue to practice with us.  So, I'm happy with this group's progress, and with my developing insights into how to teach.
As for assessment, and the potential performance, I'm thinking of inviting my old instructor to come view the final class of the session.  I'd love him to see the progress these folks  have made!

Yours, proud of my students in both classes,
N.