This word aptly describes the current weather situation. It’s raining and windy. And folks, the weather is not going to get any better for the next few days.

We did do Summer In the Park(s) at A-Moosement Park today. The rain held off, but it suddenly got very windy. We rushed through the balance curriculum, and I do mean rushed. For me, this was disheartening.

I have this theory: that with most long-term activities, there is an apex. Things go well for a while, level off, then go downhill. It’s a definite narrative arc. It has definitely been this way with Summer in the Park(s). We started very strong, with the plant unit, then hit the apex with the dinosaur curriculum. Since then, it’s been downhill. Bad weather and low attendance have put a damper on my spirits.

I’ve tried not to show this, but in the process I may have come across as disingenuous. Totally disingenuous. What no one, and I mean no one realizes, is how much time and mental energy has gone into this program, my role mainly being behind the scenes.

It isn’t over yet. There are two more weeks left. I am going to call it good August 7th.

Tonight, I worked on a curriculum template, so that the other staff members might assist me in putting together a document that shows what we have done this summer. My immediate audience for this document is Kim Evans, the Swanson School librarian. She left for New Jersey a few months ago knowing what I set out to do. She’ll be glad to know that I attempted it. I will tell her that the planning and execution were successful. I might also tell her that the bad weather had an adverse effect on attendance.

There were no volunteers present today – the volunteer coordinator is on his way out and as is human nature, he’s no longer putting much time, energy, or forethought into working for the BLBP.

The good thing is that I do have a routine and do work fast and efficiently. I also have not had to deal with a huge influx of books lately.

I also am adept at managing my time. So the job is still manageable.

Ahh, but things could be worse. Every day, when I drive up the driveway, I check to see if the horses are eyeballing the gate or if they are out of sight, which means that Pete’s fed them and they are in their shelter.

The two shelters are perfect for bad weather – they can then, of their own volition, go out and walk around in the enclosure. And the enclosure is also well suited to its purpose, which is keeping them from gorging themselves on grass. If they had access to a large pasture, they’d still have to be in an enclosure because otherwise they’d eat themselves to death.

All ponies ever want to do is eat.

Next: 194. 717/26: Hmmm