The United States is finally seeing true winter weather, for a day or two. Watch the ground. Crocuses are already blooming under the snow. Ducks are returning. Surprise snows spur spring sprigs. (Say that one fast five times!)
Let's Dine Out: Northside
Our conversations always turn to delicious food and memorable meals. Valentines Day was a great opportunity to explore new restaurants or to visit favorites. Many of these destinations offer upscale food in a comfortable atmosphere.
- Slapfish has three locations. Each has a distinct character.
- Amore is a favorite for Italian on the East side of Indianapolis
- Noah Grant's Grill House and Oyster Bar in Zionsville for seafood
- Cobblestone Zionsville has delicious American cuisine in a cozy atmosphere
- Nylas in Westfield offers American cuisine on restaurant row.
- Verdi in Carmel offers the flavors Mexico and is a favorite
- Pasto Italiano offers delicious Italian in a cozy restaurant in Westfield.
In America
Motor Sports
A sure sign of spring is motor racing. There are two major types of racing in the U.S.: NASCAR and IndyCar (yes, this type originated in Indiana at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway). Many people don't get hooked on racing and find the event to be boring. Other enjoy watching the competition and strategy each race brings. Lucky for us, the race was rained out and we can tune in Monday after 4:00 PM. If you read this after the fact, you can compare how the race was run.
Daytona 500 schedule and how to watch 2024 NASCAR Cup opener
What's Going Around?
Do you have the a runny nose? Are you tired? Do you have body aches? It is that time of year! Do you ride it out or need some help. Read more on the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases. Practice saying and asking qu
If you just have the sniffles, you may just be having a histamine or allergic reaction.
Tweaking English
Say or tell? These words are not interchangeable. When do you say something? When do you tell someone something?
- You can tell a story or tell a tale.
- You can tell me directions or tell me when to come over.
- You can say the Pledge of Allegiance.
- You can't tell whether I have the flu or COVID, can you?
- Let's say we meet a 9:00.
- She told me to meet a 9:00.
Try the worksheet on our Handouts page for some fill in the blank practice.
Love is...
For meditation: Love is not a feeling or emotion. Love is action.
Here are many ways of loving.
Meetings and Classes
We welcome new friends to share our linguistic journeys! This year is a master class: learn to learn what you need. Sign up and join us!
American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom
We talked about different groups. We found that our vocabulary was lacking from limited topics of conversation and needed some sprucing up! We are selecting topics to stretch us away from our everyday conversational vocabulary.
February 20: Let's talk about Abraham Lincoln. What a person has to say tells a lot about them and the world they live in. Rather than talk about Lincoln's life and history, let's talk about what he had to say and tell what we think about his perspective. Here are two different links for Lincoln quotes.
International Bible Study: Tuesday, 8:45-9:45 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
We read Revelation 10 through 12. Below are brief observations, but we find that we are enriched every time we read these vivid descriptions and chapters. A new image sparks thoughts and feelings of awe in God's power and confidence in his love for us.
Revelation 10: John is given a small scroll to eat. He is told that it will taste sweet in his mouth and sour in his stomach from a massive angel. Verse 7 tells that "the mystery of God will be accomplished" when the seventh trumpet is blown; there will be no more delay. Observations: the Bible is like food for us; an acceptance of the whole of the message which is bigger than we are; many times things seem to "taste" good in the beginning, but as we "digest" them they can cause worry and anxiety.
Revelation 11: This chapter refers to two prophets that are referenced and described in Ezekial and Zachariah (two prophetic books from the Old Testament). John is given some specific timelines and some horrifying details. Verse 18 offers insight into God's fair judgment and physical, environmental results.
Revelation 12: Tells the story of Satan being evicted from heaven after a battle. Verse 12 tells heaven to rejoice that the devil is gone, but that he knows he is running out of time and Earth will suffer his anger and panic. He accuses believers in the creator God and the Savior Jesus. But the people are able to withstand evil. Satan accuses. God is the judge.
February 20: We continue our reading and commenting with Revelation 13.
American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
We spent time talking about the plurals of they and them and then broke into smaller groups to compare home country they/them cultures or we/us. Stereotypes and prejudices can inform how we speak to and about different groups. The United States is full of many people and many cultures. As we reach out to our neighbors, having an open mind helps with communication.
- Police are helpful.
- Firemen are attractive.
- Lunch ladies are mean.
- Nuns scare me.
- Rural Americans are not well educated,
February 22: Let's talk about our heroes and respectful language in general. Please read and/or write a short biography about a hero. This can be an everyday person or a person of renown. Here is a short read about my hero and something about him that connects with all of us: Richard P. Feynman.
Bring your crayons and your stretchy band to continue alternative practice.
Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
Our Zoom took us on the streets in the snowstorm (timing can be everything). We talked about Abraham Lincoln.
February 23: Let's talk about George Washington.
Words and Phrases
after the fact: when something has already passed in time; reflect on something in the past
enriched: improve the quality of something
everyday: something you encounter regularly and may overlook
fortified: provided with defense or increased value
interchangeable: can used equally or in the same context or situation
lacking: missing something
linguistic: study of language
observations: examine to gain information; notice; remark about something or a situation
on the streets: outside of the classroom or office or home environment
prophetic: accurately describing something happening in the future; relating to a prophet or prophecy
ride it out: endure something to a more postive end
running out of time: a deadline is rapidly approaching
sniffles: a stuffy nose
spent time: were occupied with something
turn to: move to consider a new topic
upscale: on the expensive side
vivid: produce powerful feelings and images
withstand: offer strong resistance; are not affected
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