School’s Out Forever

Well, maybe not forever, but one by one the districts are giving parents the option of remote learning via computer,  and there’s been a rush to sign up. Proper homeschooling has increased as well. Teachers are not thrilled about going back without adequate safety measures in place so expect threats of strikes, etc. I don’t blame them- I wouldn’t risk my life for $30,000 a year. At the very least they could offer hazard pay. 

We signed Dan up for remote learning first semester but I suspect by October it will all be remote. The virus isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. 

The past few evenings we’ve rode out away from city lights to look for the comet ( no luck, too many clouds) and have passed crowded ball fields full of children playing baseball. They’re shoulder to shoulder in the dugouts,  and the stands are packed with families. No social distancing, and probably not many masks either.  I rarely “parent shame” others because there’s no one correct way to rear children. That said, I am beyond horrified by how cavalier people are willing to be with their children’s well being. These are the same people ready to call the police if they see children playing unattended in the park because it might “be dangerous”. They’re concerned by theoretical risk, but a pandemic is nothing to worry over?!  You can’t let a 10 year old wait for you in the car because they might get kidnapped, but you can sit them in a dugout teeming with virus. People are fucking idiots- thanks for coming to my TED talk🙄.

Here’s a pretty photo of a finch at our feeder to make you feel better. 

How about a nice stack of bakelite bangles? That always makes me feel better. The bottom one has some carving that’s still sharp and bright making me think it wasn’t worn much by the previous owner. The blue and brown wood grained bangle is  unlike any others in my collection. I’ve not been able to figure out if it is actual wood treated with plastic ( which was a thing in the 40s) or plastic made to look like wood. Either way, I do love how different it is. For some reason, I rarely find blue bakelite. 

Plenty of yellow bakelite out there. Most pieces are dulled with age but occasionally I find bakelite that still shines. There are companies that specialise in reviving old plastics but I suppose my taste is for the authentic patina .  The cameo ring was something I bought in the early 90s when I worked at Jordan Marsh department store. There’s a matching brooch as well. It was expensive for my budget but they had a generous employee discount, so I splurged. I’m glad I did. The ring on the left was thrifted. 

My collection includes a few glass bangles but I am always a bit nervous wearing them. This green one was a yard sale find for half a dollar. The brooch is bakelite and dates from the 40s (I think). 

This giant bangle is so heavy I can’t wear it long as it bangs against the bones in my wrist. It was a spectacular find ( a dollar at Goodwill) that I still can’t believe no one else spotted. The wooden earrings are very light, and just perfect for summer. 

These bangles aren’t bakelite but rather lucite. I paid a whopping five dollars for the spotty one, which was probably too much but I loved it. I was on holiday - I tend to spend more generally when away from home. Not that I’m going to be worrying about that any time soon! 

Here’s a reverse carved lucite bangle and a swirled bakelite. I wore the reverse carved one throughout my pregnancy because it was the only one large enough to fit over my swollen hands! So now it has sentimental value. 

Another bangle, this one made of a quartz- like material. I love wearing it on very hot days as it stays wonderfully cool. 

I’ll leave you with one more glass bangle and a wood and lacquer bracelet bought retail maybe 20 years ago. The shell hoop earrings are summer favourites. 

 

Next time perhaps we can have a look at handbags. Until then, wear a mask, keep your distance, and don't do stupid things. See you next time.