It has been a pretty amazing summer for me. My life is rich and full!
I have the joy of teaching two courses for our Master of Education program at Dordt this summer. One is “Issues in Education”—a foundational course taken by students in every track in the program that helps lay groundwork for all the other things they’ll be learning. It’s a pleasure every time I teach it! The other is “Emerging Technologies”—an important course in the EdTech track that uses the history of EdTech to try and forecast the future of EdTech, while staying grounded in the joys and concerns of the present (technological) issues of the day for educators. Emerging Technologies is a little different every time I teach the course, because there are always new things for us to discover, discuss, and discern.
At the same time, I wrote a second book. This one is all about AI for educators, written from a distinctively Christian perspective. My publisher has agreed that we’ll try to expedite getting this book into print, so (Lord-willing) it will be available sometime this fall (which, if you know anything about academic publishing, is almost miraculous!) I wrote a bit about this project in a recent bonus edition of this newsletter, and I’ll certainly keep you updated about ongoing developments as we work through the editorial process.
My wife and kids and I had a great vacation to Niagara Falls to visit my sister and her family, and then a few blissfully peaceful days on the shores of Lake Michigan on our way back home—just what I needed. Lots of fun with people I love, and some quiet moments too.
And our furry friend, Oliver, has settled in to life at the Mulder’s very well. We adopted him from the Humane Society in March, and there was…and adjustment period. But all is well.He’s active and energetic (still some puppy energy here!) and needs two walks a day—we’ll see how that goes when the weather turns colder—but all of this is joy. The funniest thing: he loves to play tug-o-war with a toy, but after a few seconds of this, he collapses to the floor without loosening his lock on the toy at all, and wants us to drag him all around the house. He’s hilarious, honestly, and fits right in to the silliness of our home.
Those who’ve been following along this newsletter for some time will know that I’m a pretty avid cyclist, and a pretty avid reader as well, and summer is often when I do a lot of both of those activities I love. I’m “behind” on pedaling my bike for this year—I’m only at about 700 miles for the year so far, and at this rate, it’s unlikely that I’m going to make my goal of 2000 miles pedaled. And while I also keep reading, I’ve only finished 14 books so far this year, which means I may or may not make it to my goal of 30 (since most of that reading usually happens during the summer months.) Putting a metric on recreational activities might seem silly, but it’s a little game I play with myself, setting up a challenge and then trying to meet it. And, amidst the busyness of all of life, a few little goals gives me a positive nudge to keep doing these fun things too.
It’s been a good summer. As I say, my life is rich and full.
But here I am, nearing the end of the July, and looking at the next five weeks or so until the fall term begins, and seeing all that needs to be done between now and then. I’m excited for the new year, don’t get me wrong. But could I just get a few more extra weeks of summer?
Dave’s Faves
Here are three things I’m absolutely loving right now that I hope you might love too…
Dave’s Fave #1: Project Hail Mary
I recently finished reading Andy Weir’s amazing sci-fi novel, Project Hail Mary. I absolutely loved it! Here’s the review I shared on my Dr. Dave Instagram account:
My latest read: Andy Weir’s fabulous sci-fi adventure, Project Hail Mary. If you’ve read Weir’s previous book, The Martian, you’ll understand the appeal. Project Hail Mary tells the tale of Ryland Grace, who, after waking up alone on a spaceship with amnesia(!) begins to slowly piece together that he’s humanity’s last hope against a sun-dimming microorganism threatening Earth. No pressure! What follows is a dazzling display of science, duct-tape solutions, and pure human tenacity. Grace tackles problem after problem—from interstellar communication to life support failures—with the kind of cleverness that makes you cheer every time he mutters, “I have an idea…” The book is hard science fiction (real physics of space travel, actual chemistry problems he has to overcome, and plausible biological curiosities) but told in a way that makes it accessible, thrilling, and adventurous. I won’t spoil anything, but I just saw that a film version starring Ryan Gosling is in the works, and I’d encourage you to read it before watching!
Dave’s Fave #2: Homemade peach ice cream
What do you do when your wife buys a share of a crate of peaches, and you have 16 peaches all ripe at the same time? You make peach ice cream, of course! I meant to take a photo to share it with you, but I accidentally ate it all before snapping the pic. It was delicious!
Here’s the recipe I used:
4 ripe peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 Tbsp lemon juice (optional, but enhances the flavor
Place the diced peaches in a bowl and toss with 1/4 cup of the sugar. Let sit for about 30 minutes to macerate and release juices. After 30 minutes, mash the peaches slightly with a fork, or blend briefly if you prefer a smoother texture.
In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
Stir in the peaches and their delicious, delicious juices. Add the lemon juice if you’re using it.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover and freeze for about 2 hours to firm up before serving.
I mean, that’s the recipe…but I couldn’t resist waiting the 2 hours to try it. It was a little soft right out of the ice cream maker, but it was so delicious that I ate a big bowlful as soon as it was finished churning.
Do you have a favorite ice cream recipe? Drop it as a comment—I need to make more! :-)
Dave’s Fave #3: Peace to All Who Enter Here
Josh Garrels is a Christian and a musician, but not the kind you’d probably hear on “Christian radio.” (Whatever that means?) But his songwriting is amazing, and he is a master of his craft—SO talented. His 2020 album Peace to All Who Enter Here is his take on hymns and worship songs, and I absolutely love it. I think you’ll be hooked from the first track, which is one of the loveliest renditions of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” I’ve ever heard.
The Last Word!
What does “summer rest” look like for you, friends? Are you starting to think about the fall, and getting back into school mode? (No pressure, for sure—we have a few weeks before that scramble begins!) My hope for you is that you will find time over the coming days to do things that will recharge your batteries, whether that is learning something new, engaging in an activity you enjoy, or simply laying in a hammock in the shade. Rest well, friends!
