Random Challenges in Homeschooling

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There are always challenges when you take on the task of homeschooling your own children. Today we had several random interruptions.

1) Feisty kittens.

We recently adopted a couple of kittens, each from different homes. At first we had only one; a lovely calico with a very sweet disposition, playful and easy going around my high energy children. I don't really care for cat boxes, shredded curtains, or fur in my tea, so indoor cats are not my choice. But she is such a sweet, delicate thing only weighing in at about 1.5 pounds, so I really didn't want to put her in the garage all alone to face the rodents when they nearly outweigh her. I am exaggerating, but the point is, I didn't like the thought of a sweet precious potential lap cat getting tossed into a dark, lonely, cold, garage. Yes, I realize she's a cat and that cats can see in the dark and have fur to keep them warm, but she loves our company so... I decided to surprise my children with a buddy for Kitty Hawk (a name only a homeschooler would choose). Mind you this is about a week after we adopted Kitty Hawk, so she had really established herself as the top cat, being the only cat. So when Max was introduced, she was not at all amused or receptive. Max has been basically quarantined to prevent flying fur. I am happy to report that Max is equally sweet! He is a beautiful boy about the same age as Kitty Hawk, but over a half of a pound heavier and considerably more aggressive in his playing. To use an old phrase, he appears to be 'all boy'. But he purrs like a semi when picked up. He is sweet on par with Kitty. So today, (day 3 with Max) I decided he should be released from his confinement and the two kittens spent much of the morning taking turns arching their backs and making low, guttural sounds. Sounds I found rather hilarious.

Math time was battered but stumbling in its route.

2) Cow.

As the kittens continued their mid morning stand off, Elizabeth arose from her chosen spot in front of the wood stove and screamed, "COW!" Sure enough, there was a cow wandering through the back yard. We don't own a cow. We don't want a cow. Yet, there she was. Cow. Naturally, the already battered math time was in serious jeopardy as we wandered around the house keeping tabs on where the cow was wandering. I called Animal Control and followed the cow down the driveway, past three of the neighbors and found neighbor number 4 (who happens to own cows, though not this particular cow) trying to urge said cow into a field so she wouldn't wander off onto the main road and become hamburger. Meanwhile, I drove to a local farm to ask if it was theirs and they were not home... various calls ensued and I then tried to see where our four-hoofed interloper had entered the back yard. There is a long fence that borders between a large field, presumably where Ms. Cow was from, and our property. But alas, I could not see the fence for all the blackberry brambles on the back of our property. I abandoned my search for the supposed broken fence and returned to the house. Animal Control came fairly quickly and found the neighbor had successfully corralled the bewildered bovine. Now to find the owner. I left the situation in the authorities capable hands and returned to math time.

3) Blessings.

As we began to regain our math time momentum to the tune of muffled kitten growls, I received a text from a neighbor who had some used clothing that might fit my girls. So much for math. The girls took out eagerly to see what clothing they might be acquiring while I sat at my computer attempting to catch up on email. 

4) Gunnar.

As I sat attempting to word an email to a potential helper who may be able to put one of my books in InDesign, I heard a strange kind of breathing sound. Wondering what the kittens could possibly be doing now, I turned to see a rather large bull mastiff walking toward me. I don't own a bull mastiff. I don't want a bull mastiff. Particularly in my house unannounced. Thankfully, we know the dog, Gunnar, and he is a sweetheart, so I patted him and greeted him, and then escorted him outside along with his Chihuahua girlfriend who clearly had puppies recently. I had been concerned that Gunnar, who belongs to a nearby neighbor, might harm one of the kittens if they ever got outside, but a scratch on Gunnar's nose seemed to indicate he had met the kittens while wandering in my house unbeknownst to me. Clearly, I was absorbed in that email. Upon further investigation I discovered he had entered the house through the back door, which was wide open. The girls came home just as I was outside with Gunnar and his girlfriend.

Now, where were we. Yes - storytime. No... we've missed story time. Besides, how can anyone focus after the Bossy Bovine and Friends Hiss and Spit Show? Especially with the accompanying comic relief of Gunnar and the Minnie Mommy? Game over. Break out the popcorn.