herbiehancock

How many people do you know get to spend part of their work day taking photos of a giant dancing frog? Well, you know at least one---me!  A costumed mascot from an area radio station was on hand at the library today as part of the summer reading program, and it is part of my job to take pictures of such events.  It was a beautiful sunny day with blue skies and a gentle breeze.  I don't think it could have been much nicer. Froggy busted a move just for me and my camera (Not an easy feat considering the size of the feet he was wearing!).  There were several games and activities going on in the grass around the giant frog. This little boy decided to join in with the dance while his mother watched. These boys were watching from a short distance away.  I love their expressions.  I am reminded of the title to a Gershwin tune, " Nice Work If You Can Get It. "   Have I mentioned that I love my job?

The men in my family left this morning for a five day Cleveland Indians baseball/fishing/Lake Erie/visiting husband's relatives combined vacation. Of course, Max and Charley and the crickets (who are singing to me at the moment) are still here to keep me company. I stayed home because I have to work for three of those five days that the fellows are going to be gone. That's a good thing, though. It means I still have my job--- at least for now. Our state budget proposal was decided upon this week. Although cuts in funding for libraries were not as deep as originally proposed, they were still severe. Our library is losing an additional 11% in funding instead of the original additional 32% that was proposed. Coupled with the 20% that we lost earlier this year, our funding has been cut 31%. As a result, on August 1st, the staff at our library and our branch libraries which now totals 54 employees will be cut to just 28 employees. I still have my job, but many of my cowor...