75 Weekend With My Godmother

My wife and I picked up my mom at about 11:30am on Saturday for our trek to Woonsockett, Rhode Island, birthplace of my dad.

Driving there was very strange (at least to me), as it's the first time I've taken this road without my dad. My mom wanted us to leave early and have lunch at the State Line Diner in Rhode Island, right over the border. When I pulled into the parking lot, the first thing I noticed is the "Cinco de Mayo" signs. The restaurant was now a Mexican Restaurant!

My mom still wanted to eat there, so in we went. Surprisingly, they had an enormous menu, that had American as well as Mexican food. My mom had a hot dog with fries, and I had a bowl of their famous (at least used to be famous) New England Clam Chowder. The chowder was good, but I've had it there before, and it wasn't up to par.

Off we went after that to my Godmother's granddaughter's house. (I'll call her my aunt from here on in). She wasn't there yet when we arrived, and there were about 40 people there, many of them my aunt's grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

When she arrived, she was so surprised (why they decided to surprise a 90 year old woman I'll never know), she had to sit down, she was shaking so much. After a few people went to wish her a happy birthday, I walked over.. and she was curious as to who I was. When I mentioned who I was, she smiled widely and kissed me on the cheek, asking how I was and all. My mom went over and had a chat with her, and seeing them, just brought back a lot of wonderful memories. One of her children made a CD that was shown on the TV of hundreds of old pictures of her, and her family (including my Godfather). On the screen, time to time, I also saw my own grandfather, who was good friends with them long ago.

Leaving, over two hours later, I couldn't help but feel that I won't see my aunt again.

Here's a good read that someone sent me in email last week that I thought you'd like:

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this?
Fifty Years of Math 1957 - 2007 (in the USA)

Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:
1. Teaching Math In 1950s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?
2. Teaching Math In 1960s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?
3. Teaching Math In 1970s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1980s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
5. Teaching Math In 1990s
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok. )
6. Teaching Math In 2007
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

Have a great Monday!