I was a career English teacher. I concentrated on literature and writing, but most important my kids. I was at my last school for over 23 years. I was back today, in the district office, doing some consultant work and the head maintenance man(a former student) walked through, and said, "You just can't stay away, can you." "No, I can't," I said. Now I am preparing reports for the principals (two of which are former students) and the other two, long time colleagues across the hall when we were all teaching.
When not teaching or reading, I spend my time helping on the ranch, taking care of the cattle, horse, dogs, kitties, chickens and peacock. I do Artificial Insemination with the cows in May and June of every year. Sunrise on a ranch is the most beautiful place to be, especially watching the cows looking for and calling their babies, watching the babies run and kick for the sheer joy of life.
At home more reading and hours in my garden, babying and nursing my roses. I keep in touch with friends and my precious brothers and sisters by phone and email.
And my MK collection grows and grows.
Today I coached a young writer (a former student) with his first novel. Damned good for a first try; he has promise. So I'm still teaching. I can't NOT teach.