This week Bastrop High School is giving semester exams. My exam for honors freshman and regular sophomores (I love the literal Greek meaning of “sophomore.” It means wise fool!) is a hundred question test centered on definitions, vocabulary, literary terms, and cultural literacy questions. 7th period was yesterday, Monday; today is 1st and 2nd; tomorrow, 3rd and 4th; and Friday, 5th and 6th.  I and the students are ready for the holidays.

 This week, I’ve been reading The Orchid Thief, and am absolutely enjoying it. Though nonfiction, the author has a captivating style. I didn’t realize flowers could drive people so mad! Ah, the things people become obsessed with. 

Here’s a quote from the book I really like: “For when a man falls in love with orchids, he’ll do anything to possess the one he wants. It’s like chasing a green-eyed woman or taking cocaine . . . .it’s a sort of madness . . . .'”