Almost everyone I work with is out of the village this weekend. Terri left yesterday, and Jake, Shannon, and Ben all left this afternoon. It’s strange and a little unsettling, suddenly being so much more alone. I have Ruby, Terri’s little dog, to keep me company, and my students are sure to make appearances from time to time, but even my usual go-to phone call buddy, Sean, is disconnected while traveling this weekend.

my usual companions have left, and I’m cut off from the rest of the world.

I’m not worried about being lonely. I like keeping my own company, and I’ll have some fun this weekend working on a project or two for the prom and graduation. The thing is, there are no adults in the village right now that I know well enough to call on if something goes a little awry. I don’t have phone numbers memorized for an emergency, and I don’t think calling 911 does anything out here. I’m not expecting trouble, just realizing that I need more of a support network in this place. Usually I have someone in one of the apartments that abuts mine, and for the moment I’m all alone. There are two school staff still here, but both make me a little uncomfortable, which is a whole lot worse than lonely.

I do have the kids, though, and they’ll keep me from going all weekend without a laugh. I have the kids and I have Ruby Who Is A Dog (some kid asked me on our morning constitutional, “what is that!?”). I have my safe warm house and a well-stocked kitchen and a whole lot of Northern Exposure to watch. Best of all, I have the slough and the spring woods to spend my hours reveling in, the way popcorn revels in butter. With a little luck, the cookie girls will be coming by soon to rescue me from my solitude. I’d better run to the store for eggs before it’s too late.