#sol23 A Slice of Waterfront Property

I have long yearned for waterfront property

A house or even a condo right on the ocean

Is not realistic

Prices are insane,

Hurricanes keep on coming,

But, my dream has not faded!

I've recently wondered if a house or condo on a lake

Might be possible.

The price is less,

 The risk from a hurricane is reduced,

The view might just do?

Yesterday's storm offered me a chance

To try out a waterfront property

Right in my own backyard.

To the enjoyment of at least one.

These once in a lifetime storms

Seem to be happening a few times a year.

Yet, even hauling wet rugs

Has not dulled my dream

Of a waterfront view!

#sol24 December 12 A Slice of Prayer

 

I was feeling quite self absorbed

As I slid into the pool for my early morning Cardio class,

Papers to read, gifts to make, things to buy,

Squabbles to squelch, tensions to defuse, decisions to make,

"Exercise early to get it done," I thought to myself.

December is always a busy month where we are encouraged

To look beyond ourselves and to put others first, 

To give gifts of time and service to others,

For the lucky ones, 

It is filled with family, friends, and goodies,

For the lucky ones,

It is filled with parties, gatherings and stress!

"I'm a bit distracted this morning and may not have my A game,"

The leader shared softly, 

"my young friend is facing a long surgery in the city today."

My clearly first world problems melted.

My thoughts and prayers shifted 

To where they should have been all along.

So this post is a prayer for that young man

And the huge mountain he and his loved ones face

Along with all those facing uphill

Battles with illness, stress, sadness

All those alone or lonely.

This slice is a prayer.

#sol23 Images of War

 

Long ago, the images of the war

The growing death count

Arrived only with the evening news

On radio or later television,

The personal stories rarely told.

Yet, the words and images

Impacted even those far away

Now, the news and images of atrocities 

Arrive quickly with details

Filling continual news and social media

With personal stories and faces

With images of lives and livelihoods lost,

That live in our heads and ravage our hearts,

No matter who, what or where we are.

As I've struggled over the past few days,

I've thought about the Fred Rogers quote

Circulated in the days after 9-1-1

We all need to help, donate, pray for peace.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, 
  my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. 
You will always find people who are helping.”
― Fred Rogers

#sol23 Workshops AND SoR

 

Yes, I've read and looked critically at the hype on Science of Reading, as my "job" in a Graduate School of Education means I must stay on top of "What's Hot."  I've encouraged teachers to embrace the new name for the 5 pillars of literacy, NOT just phonics. 

Yes, I pushed to bring Fundations, many years ago, into my school believing that a set phonics/word study program would support decoding and spelling. I researched and looked critically at the program. It was NEVER meant to be a READING program.  

Yes, I've read and looked critically at Anita Archer, and other's work on Explicit Teaching and recognize the benefits of direct instruction in some aspects of language learning. I agree there are concepts/skills/ times when direct teaching is beneficial.

Yes, I've read and looked critically at Scarborough's Rope Theory and recognize the benefit of considering reading as as the complex activity it is.  

Yes, I also look critically at as well as embrace Reading & Writing Workshops that have changed teaching and learning in many positive ways and have supported generations of students who embrace reading not just as a task but as a means to learn and grow and connect.  

Yes, I was surprised this week when I read that Teachers College Reading and Writing Program had been disbanded, even though I have heard teachers talking about the end of Reading Records and Balanced Literacy.  I'm not sure how much the renaming will change things or if the political and economic climate are factors.

Yes, I've been in this business long enough to know that there is no one way to reach all readers and those of us who want to reach everyone need to embrace the 5 Pillars of Reading along with meaningful ways to grow readers and writers, in spaces where they read books they enjoy and write about meaningful topics.

Yes, in my opinion, we need to focus less on the business of selling programs and more on empowering teachers to reach all the diverse students in their classes.

Yes, this is a bit of a rant.  Thanks for letting get my thoughts down on paper,

#teacher education August 31 That First Day of School Feeling

 

It's here, again, marked by advertisements for backpacks and social media pictures of children with smiles marked by nervous excitement and a clear awareness of the busy road ahead.  

It's here, again, for me as I begin another school year!  I really did think I was going to "retire"; but, a couple of courses I really wanted to teach were offered and I accepted!  

Those first day of school jitters I have had since I was 5 are back, just like always,  I was awake at 3 and antsy as I await for class to begin later. I've reviewed my class lists and my slides. I have a new notebook and a sharpened pencil ready.  I have a new outfit ready to go.  

Crazy as it seems, after many, many first days of school, the feelings are the same!  As the sun breaks through on this late August morning, I am grateful for one more semester supporting teachers so they can support students.!

#sol23 A Wise Sage

"Had the best day, yesterday," Mary said as we waited,

"sitting on the porch, listening to the rain, talking to my grandchildren.

Now they are older and we have become 

good friends with shared history.

It wasn't always this way. 

It used to be port-a-cribs and fighting over toys. 

I used to be sad as I watched them get older, 

driving, graduating and now getting married.

Now, I know the best days are right now!"

I'm pretty sure Mary is a wise sage 

who knew I needed to hear that 

before another little-one

kayaked into the pond of life. 

 

#sol23 August 8 Birthday Cards

 

I went birthday card shopping at the nearby Hallmark Paper Store hoping to find just the right card for a couple of upcoming family birthdays. Just a few years ago, the store was half-filled with cards; today, cards are tucked into two rows at the back of the store with clothes and  tchotchke filling the space. 

I had already been to my local CVS and there was not a single card at any price that fit any of my birthday card needs, TO be honest, even at the local card home base, the pickings were thin.

I stood in the aisle thinking about last week's post about mail and I started wondering if  cards are going the way of letter writing?  I thought about my Grandmother's special birthday book where every birth, death, marriage, divorce and address change was recorded. 

Then, I turned red with shame, because to be honest, I have long been HORRIBLE about remembering and sending birthday cards and Google is my address book!

Perhaps, this should be my birthday resolution?  

#sol23 August 1 Mail

In education, we are constantly trying to add, modify, rethink our practices in order to

best meet the needs of our communities.....perhaps others should try to do this?

No one sends me letters
No one sends invitations,

I don't even get bills in the mail, 

Anymore!

I dread going to the post office

Lines are long,

Options confusing

Cost of a stamp 66 cents!

Perhaps we need to rethink

The cost and delivery of daily mail

We're not the same nation we were

in 1775 when Ben Franklin was the 

Postmaster. 

We're not the same as when

Daily mail started in 1902. 

#sol23 July 25 You Have Money

 

For teachers, there are no 'end of the year' bonuses, nor are there 'bonuses' for helping struggling exceed their goals. There are simply the 'pay steps' in full view of anyone who wants to search the internet.

So, when my niece sent me a note saying, simply, 'you have money' on an unclaimed funds site, it felt like sort of a 'once in a lifetime bonus' that I immediately explored.

Magically, in just a week, the unclaimed funds were at my house as if they had been sitting out there in cyberspace just waiting to be found! While a far cry from an annual bonus for a CEO, it was a lovely surprise.

Leading me to an unexpected dilemma of what to do with my 'windfall.'  I realize I don't have the stress I would have if I won the lottery, but I don't want to put my found money into my general funds!  

I could provide finder fees to my nieces; that would be fair.  OR

I could go to a spa for a massage; that would be fun. OR

I could donate it to the local back to school backpacks for kids fund; that would be generous. OR

I could go on a shopping spree; that would be fun, but I don't need anything. OR

I could take a lucky someone to dinner and a movie; but, it would be hard to decide who to take!

Thank heavens I did not win the lottery!  I would be a mess!

#SOL23 July18 A Tree Fell On Me

 

Let me go back to the beginning of the story. 

"How did you fare in the storm last night," I asked expecting to hear of a power and or internet outage in her rural, woodsy area that was clearly in the path of horrific storms that have plagued our area this summer. 

"Well", she began, "the biggest challenge was hail that really didn't last long but really banged up my roof and destroyed my garden.  It also left me with a tree branch that is hanging over my house.  Amazingly, I only lost power for just a few minutes this time."  We reminisced about past storms where she was out of power and internet for weeks and I thought things were in a good place.

Until she called to talk about the report from the insurance adjuster who found a destroyed roof, damaged gutters, mangled screens, and at least one tree that needed immediate removal. "I am trying to find a roofer, carpenter and tree removal service that can be here asap," she said with urgency.  I was a little concerned until she assured me she knew a great tree removal service and so I was optimistic she was in a good place. 

"Well," she began the next message, "a tree fell on me and I spent the day in the ER. You know the drill, CAT scans, x-rays, and lots of stitches to close the hole in my head.  I'm going to be OK, but now my porch is destroyed."  I was a lot concerned, but returned the call to offer care and support.  

For so many in our area, a pattern of intense summer storms with flooding rains and damaging hail has resulted in damaged homes, businesses, and roads.  I'm not really sure if this is due to 'global warming' or just bad luck, but the old song about "Rain, rain, go away," is playing on repeat around here. 

sol23 July 4 Beginnings & Endings

 

June is always a busy month for those of us in education as it marks the beginning of summer vacation and the ending of the school year.  

I've wondered how "anyone" would plan a wedding or other big event that might wait during June!  Yet, the calendar, inevitably fills with special celebrations as we work towards that longest day each year!

This year, I witnessed a Christening, wedding, graduations, retirement, and a celebration of life. 

I've reminisced and remembered how such moments have marked my own life. 

I've wondered how the trajectory of others might unfold?  

I've thought about the powerful sunsets (thanks in part to Canadian wildfires) and the days that mark endings to chapters of our lives.

I've remembered that we all, walk towards the future, towards new, unknown beginnings every day. 

 

SOL 23 I Have Flowers!

In my old life, I had an enormous hydrangea that bloomed with proficiency and energy all summer long underneath the dryer vent in a location where few ventured!  I really don't think it saw much pruning and I am sure it never saw a watering can come near.  In fact, the only time I went near was to pluck those ever present and abundant blooms. One time, I provided about 75 magnificent purple-blue blooms for a wedding

When I moved into my just for me house at the end of one summer a few years ago, I noticed there were a few hydrangea bushes in this backyard garden.  I looked forward to their blooms brightening my table the next summer.

That first summer, there may have been a few buds consumed by deer, but there were certainly nothing close to a flower. 

The next couple of years, with time on my hands and energy to spare, I pruned and shaped and fertilized those flowers determined to make them bloom. I planted lavender and garlic. There was nothing close to a flower.

I decided to approach my "flowers" as if they were a research project last fall and began to scour the internet and read every book the library had to offer.  I found MANY contradictory ideas and suggestions.  I really had to take some ideas and let others lie.  

Here is what I did, but I cannot promise it will work for you!

I learned you should prune VERY carefully and if you must, only prune a little and then only in the spring.  Just let those ugly branches be! ( Just like I had done to the magnificent hydrangea underneath my dryer!)

I learned that the fertilizer I was using was the wrong one. Instead, use a slow release fertilizer high in phosphate after they are budding in July.  Or use nothing !  (oops)

I also learned NOT to overwater!  In fact, only add a bit of water if they are dropping for a couple of days! (double oops)

I also learned that sometimes, human hair can serve as a deer repellant and so I asked my local salon for a bag of hair! and spread it all around.  (double weird)

This year, I have flowers. 

 

#sol23 May16 Not a "Regular Teacher"

 

These days, my students are older, but they still speak from the heart as each semester comes to a close. Some have perspectives about teaching and learning that grow from struggling in school.  Others have ideas born from watching their own students.  As the old saying goes, "Kids say the darnedest things!"

"You are a different kind of teacher," one student wrote in her exit ticket, "because you don't lecture so much and you make us do the stuff.  Like that night you made us do the Means and Standard Deviation math!  I wanted to just get up and leave because I can't do math.  But, you said, everybody can do it.  I was so proud of myself! 

"You are not a regular teacher," another student wrote, "every single class you ask us questions about what we are supposed to read and so we try to divide up the reading and talk about it before class because we don't want you to think we're stupid."  

"You are not a normal teacher," another student shared "you made us write all the PLAAFPs, Goals, and Benchmarks in class in front of you while you were watching and then you made everyone share even if they didn't want to do so!" 

I was grateful for my own review as different, not regular, and not even normal; however, i was really sad to think what these almost master teachers  perceive as regular and normal!

#sol23 May 9 Orange Stripes Spur Disjointed Feelings

 

A few doors away,

A group of men and women

Flanked by uniformed supervisors,

Are building a ramp that will allow

 A wheelchair to enter the front door.

I am not sure

If I am appalled

By the orange shirts and orange striped pants

That scream, "I am a criminal, watch me work," or

If I am angry 

About the sheriff's vehicle

With lights flashing for 10 hours a day, or

If I am happy

By the work program that might provide skills

That might promote futures outside, or 

If I am grateful 

For the support

 Of people in our community,

Including my neighbor

#sol23 What Goes Around Comes Back Around

 

🎓It's that time of year when my "students" are not going to be students much longer, they are going to be the teachers!

🎓I know I can't "teach" them everything they will need to know, but like all teachers, I want my "students" to be prepared to be life long learners who look eagerly but critically at new ideas and theories they will clearly face in the years ahead. 

🎓I find myself trying to hook them onto all the professional growth options, resources, and links they will need to stay on top of our profession.  

🎓I encourage them to ask questions and to discuss controversial issues.  

🎓So, when my students asked me about the Science of Reading, I did a quick review which grew into a historical perspective on learning to read. They listened with rapt attention.  They asked questions.  It was all new to them, even though it was the story of my life.  

🎓"We sure hit a hot topic," one student said as she left.

🎓"I can't believe there is such a controversy," said another, "because it all makes sense to me."

🎓"Can you teach us about phonics next week?" several asked as they left.

🎓"What goes around comes back around," I thought as I drove home wondering if one of my students might someday be the teacher-turned-professor having this same conversation about the long standing reading debates with a new generation of teachers!  

#sol23 April 18 I Breathed Deeply

 

We sat there, waiting

Women of a certain age

Awaiting the results of an assessment.

Squeezing into a refrigerator door

Waiting with baited breath

Hoping you will be cleared to leave.

Someone called my name

Greeted me warmly

Escorted me to her room.

I held my breath

I smiled as she introduced herself,

I breathed as she described her journey

A former student, a struggling reader,

Now a radiologist.

#sol23 Learning to Sign Up

There was the obligatory plastic-egg hunt

Followed by the expected separating and sorting.

There was the obligatory deviled eggs

Along with the expected shrimp and antipasto.

Then, there was an unexpected activity

Created by creative emerging writers

Partnering young cousins with adults

Who "sighned up" 

Not in scrip" please

For an adult egg hunt.

That sign up is special in

Learning to be writers ways.

The memories are special in

Post pandemic ways.

 

#SOL23 April 4 Promise of Good Eats

 

.

Deer were a recurring theme 

When a I lived deep in the woods.

Admittedly, "I" was in their territory.

Now, I live 10 feet from my neighbors

Not far from busy highways.

Deer were a recurring theme

As I wrote every day in March

Leaving babies for "day care"

Crossing highways for "better eats."

Deer seem to be a recurring theme

As this new month begins

With a promise of new life, good eats,

Family gatherings and celebrations

"Keep hope alive," as she samples

Golden forsythia blossoms?

#sol23 March 31 That Last Day of School Feeling

 

At this finish line,

Feeling a little 

Empowered to write regularly, 

Proud that looked into my daily life

To find each post. 

Happy that I wrote every day,

Stronger in my ability

To reflect on my experiences.

Encouraged by comments,

Pleased to have commented more than ever.

Grateful for this amazing community,

The new Slicers with new-to-me stances

The overseas Slicers with amazing journeys

The old familiar Slicers, sharing their families,

Pets, children and even grandchildren,

Thankful for Two Writing Teachers for

Administrating this Challenge.

Wondering if I will do it again?

"Of course," I answer this morning!

I'm sad that it is over, yet

Celebrating the journey

In a last day of school sort of way.

#sol30 March 30 When Dreams Go

 

Greek salad sprinkled with Feta,

A delicious treat, lunch with leftovers.

It's been a long time

Yet, the oily, lemony taste was familiar

Those grape leaves memorable.

Conversation sprinkled with sadness,

A chance to catch up with life.

It's been a long time

Yet, the tone, tenor were familiar

Even if strained. 

Long drive with time to reflect,

Of days, weeks, years, lost time

A chance to think of dreams lost

Of lives altered,

Even if caring remains.

"Hold fast to your dreams,"

I wanted to scream to the passing car

As my leftover Greek salad 

Slid to the floor.

 Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go,

Life is a barren field.

#sol23 March 29 Is There a Message?

 

Traffic came to a complete stop 

As I entered the highway

I assumed an accident.

Wondered if I would be late

Wondered about frustrated drivers

Cars began moving, slowly

To avoid an injured deer

I assumed an accident

Wondered if it was my backyard deer,

Wondered about her fawn

Driving resumed with a vengeance

Thought about deer

Impacting my life and slices

Wondered if there was a message?

#sol23 March28 No, No, No, No, No!

 

This month, I am writing my thoughts

Based on real slices of my life and thought

With Two Writing Teachers  

I really do not want to write this slice. 

On a day when every nearby forsythia emerged from hibernation as if needed.  

On a day when the rain held off just long enough for outdoor recess and runs across the courtyard,  

On a day when worries and concerns were stacked vertically in order to find enough space.

On a day when a struggling economy and a shaky diplomacy infused our news.

On a day when the promise of spring was clear in the morning sky and the need for a light jacket.

On a day when some children were learning to read and others were learning to write.

On a day when politics and power attempted to be news.

There was yet another school under attack.

There were children who lost their lives, their future, their story.

There were educators who lost their lives, their future, their story.

I cannot and will not ever understand how anyone, anywhere could ever attack innocent children.

I cannot and will not ever understand how anyone, anywhere could ever attack educators.

I do not want to write this post.

I do not want to believe this has happened again.

In my head, I am screaming No, No, No, No.....

#sol23 March 27 Kiss Your Brain

 

"Kiss your brain," I said enthusiastically borrowing a powerful line from a teacher in Tarrytown, NY, I observed many, many years ago.  In reality, I should be paying royalties for that line that has encouraged a zillion or so readers! 

The reader continued to decode wall, ball, thing, shock with accuracy and confidence that I had not seen before. "Do more," the reader begged so I continued to build words song, long, bath, wish, shop, chip, shall, mall, lung...and the reader continued to read them!

"I didn't get any wrong. I really really read them, I did not guess," the reader smiled in that moment of understanding the power of really reading rather than guessing and hoping the task will end. 

"Kiss your brain," I smiled as the reader was already offering that reading brain a kiss!  I've experienced that moment of lift almost as many times as I have said, "Kiss your brain," but it never gets old.  This time, I had to wipe a few tears from my eyes.

"Good job brain," the reader offered without my prompt a few minutes later as we wrapped up a short story about an ant.  "I am going to read like this in school," the reader said with a confidence I had not seen before. 

I know the journey is not over as reading is the most complex processes we ask students to consider; however, I know the reader's brain has been kissed by a positive reading experience. You only need a few hundred of those kiss your brain moments to develop the confidence to try complex reading tasks with confidence.  

#sol23 March 26 This Journey

Tried to connect, secure, clarify plans,

That were about to change.

Heard about aches, pains, heartaches.

Shared thoughts, ideas, perspectives.

Real issues, real concerns.

Heard about problems, worries, procrastination.

Offered hopes, dreams, perspectives.

Problem solving, plans,

Felt empathy, caring, understanding. 

Watched the tide of real-life-problems

Slowing, without heading to sea.

Remembered, we are not alone,

On this often challenging journey.

#sol23 March 25 Fawn Gone

 

Yesterday, what appeared to be a newborn fawn, nestled in my Fairy Garden for the whole day.   A part of me wanted to get closer and make sure the fawn was Ok and the rest of me just wanted it to find a safe place away from cars and frankly my house. I really did not want my yard to become a nursery for other nearby, ready to deliver deer. As selfish as it sounds, part of me does not want deer to decimate my gardens. As night fell, he/she seemed to disappear into the landscape, but in my mind, he/she was still there.

I awoke several times during the night wondering if 1) the mother had returned; 2) the fawn was hungry/cold/upset; if the fawn had wandered into the dangerous nearby roads. Unless I went out into the cold rain, I really could not tell.  So, I laid in bed thinking about the (in my head) lonely, cold, and hungry fawn.  I wondered what I would do if the baby was still there in the morning - alone?  

Finally, after a fitful night, I headed into the cold rain before 5 AM in my jammies, hoping my neighbors were not yet awake.  My baby fawn was not there but a swarm of mixed emotions filled the empty space in my yard and in my heart.  Yes, there was even a little part of my heart that was sad.  

#sol23 March 24 The Day the Fawn Settled in My Fairy Garden

I had a totally different post planned for today's 

Two Writing Teacher's SOL Challenge.

Instead, I waited all day to share this real life

Slice of my Real Life...

I hope I can sleep, but I doubt it!

I took the recycling out as the sun was getting ready to rise to the horizon. I noticed the forsythia had started to bloom creating a wonderful yellow wall of wonder.  I noticed a few more daffodils had emerged in full glory.  All this made me smile.

THEN, I noticed the doe with her clearly newborn fawn nestled in my backyard in the area my grandchildren refer to as the Fairy Garden.  I tried to shoo them away to no avail.  Mother got up and walked away but came right back to her baby.  I tried to shoo them away, again, as I headed to the gym. Mother left for what I assumed was a few minutes.  I did not want them eating the daffodils that would be emerging soon. I did not want them to eat the buds that would soon be emerging!  But, realistically, they would most likely take up residence while I exercised,

I thought about this mother and child as I drove to the gym.  I thought about them as I sweated through Aqua-size (yes you can sweat in the water) and strength classes.  I thought about the fragility of their lives so close to the highway.  I thought about the challenge of their homelessness.  I wondered how this mother was providing for her clearly newborn fawn. I thought about that long ago traumatic to me movie, Bambi. I wondered about my own, clearly selfish desire, to force them to move on.  I wondered if they would still be there when I got home.  

The mom was not.  But, the fawn was still laying in the garden. I wondered if the mom had gone for food remembering the appetite of a nursing mom.  I wondered it the mom had wandered onto the highway not far away. 

Now, many many hours later, the fawn is still there and the mom is not. I am not sure I will be able to sleep.

SOL23 March 3 How Old is Old?

 

I've been thinking, of late,

"How old is old?"

The lady in the mirror

Looks more like my mother than me. 

The joints have more aches and pains.

Yet, I still feel like "me."

I still ache to travel,

To walk, to swim, to talk.

I still enjoy a bowl of mussels,

I still am passionate about reading

Writing still makes me think.

I was swimming laps, deep in thought

As my body moved slowly but surely down the lane,

Perhaps we are all on a journey

To learn, to be compassionate

To grow older from the time of our birth.

To embrace new experiences, with joy.

To endure new challenges, with confidence.

To grow older, with grace.

#sol23 March 22 Tea Tags

 

I've long enjoyed a cup (or two) of tea,
In the afternoon, after dinner,

Sharing pleasant moments

Comforting in hard times.

I've long had favorite teas,

Harney's Paris

Bigelow's I Love Lemon,

Stash Green Tea.

Yet, I've found lately

  A pot of Yogi tea,

Also shares a message

A chance to reflect

On life, living and learning.

Imagine if this was part of school cafeterias,

Office breakrooms, homeless shelters?

#sol23 March 21 Phonics

"Did you know that all those vowels make 2 sounds?" the reader asked the parents in a matter of fact way rather then bragging manner! "There's a and "a" like in apple and "o" and "o" line in octopus ," the reader shared as if the reader were an expert in the area of word decoding. 

 "There is also this thing called the magic e that most of the time changes things" the reader continued as if it was a public service announcement!  

I smiled as I listened to his empowerment despite the reader's reluctance. 

CEARLY,  the English language is NOT totally phonetic and there are exceptions to all of the "rules." Yet, an understanding of the "code" helps it to all make sense to students whose language, linguistic and visual memory differences impact reading.  I am sure of one thing: phonics empowers when added to sight words and loads or guided reading opportunities.

#sol23 March 20 The Alexia Game

 

"Alexia, can you play Track 1 song 1," one of the participants asked politely.

"Yes, Mame, track 1 song 1," Alexia repeated in a robotic voice. "And now all we have is bad blood, just bad blood...all we have is bad blood......" she (Alexia) crooned.

"Alexa, can you play Track 1 song 2," was the next request when the music stopped.

"Yes, Mame," Alexia responded again, robotically.  "Let it go, let it go........" played the requested song

In the old days, when we found ourselves on the interstate, we played I Spy With my Little Eye or the License Plate Game. In the days of the internet, when on the interstate, we play Alexia. 

I smiled thinking about the fictional TV series long ago (1962-63), The Jetsons, that somehow predicted how times would be a-changing!