A Wrap and a Roll

"When did you start this tradition?" someone asked at the table this afternoon as we enjoyed our traditional, last day of school lobster rolls.

"Tracey and Heidi did it first," Mary explained, "and then they invited me. They used to go to the movies afterward."

"We've been doing it for years," I nodded. "Maybe ten?" I looked across the table at Heidi and thought back. "I think the first year we went to see Finding Dory after lunch, right?"

She shrugged. "That sounds right."

I grabbed my phone from the center of the table and tapped the screen. "Finding Dory came out in 2016, so that must be when we started."

I put my phone down and considered the seven of us at the table, and then thought of all the folks who had joined us over the years. It is a nice tradition, indeed. 

With a Bang and a Snooze

This year I didn't even start packing my room until after the kids left for good yesterday at noon. Then Heidi and I stayed until almost 5, but there was very little left to do today. Even so, we rose at the usual time and carried out our morning routine one last day, arriving at school around 7:20. By 9 a.m. everything was stowed away and my bookshelves were neatly wrapped. 

After getting all my check-out signatures and dropping off some dead markers in the art room for recycling, I spent some time chatting with my colleagues about summer plans, filled out the final paper work for writing prize reimbursements, and we headed home. A little while later we walked down to Shirlington to meet our friend Mary for the traditional end-of-school lobster roll lunch celebration, and tonight we are headed downtown for a baseball game. 

But not before an indispensable power nap!

At Long Last

The final day of the school year has arrived. After the students left yesterday I finished packing my room and  wrapped my bookcases so neatly that I was tempted to add a bow and a tag reading Do not open until August 25.

Today, we spent our last morning at school tying up a few loose ends, writing thank-you notes, and saying good-bye to colleagues. Then it was lobster rolls for lunch followed by a matinee of Finding Dory.

Summer really is here!