Replaced Southerner

How the Caged Kid Smiles

2012-02-12T07:20:00.001-06:00

Donovan throws caution to the wind and kennels himself up. I have always heard that you can't do this to kids, but if they do it to themselves, it is wrong?

Texas Country in Music City

2012-02-09T12:59:00.001-06:00

Some of my favorite music played in one of my favorite cities with some favorite people. Life is good.

Growth Potential

2012-02-07T17:27:00.001-06:00

She will never be as big as the dogs from next door, the vet says she might see 40 lbs. A great size for road trips!

Her cup runneth over

2012-02-06T12:47:00.001-06:00

Bernadette was lavished with gifts this weekend! She and I are very fortunate to have such thoughtful friends. Now I can stockpile plastic bottles for her Christmas stocking.

Big Hat Birthday Brunch for Olivia

2012-02-05T08:24:00.001-06:00

Monsoon rains kept us in the house, but we made the best of it. Grady and I went for smaller, but fashionable hats. DAM was more into the mud puddles, Olivia changed hats more times than Katy Perry, and Bernadette was plain tuckered out last night. Great Saturday!

Happy to be Home

2012-02-04T20:57:00.001-06:00

Bernadette enjoyed her reunion with her mom and litter mates, but she seems happy to be back here. The cats are not.

Quick Trip to Brussels

2012-02-01T22:25:00.001-06:00

Due to a personal trip on one end and a birthday party on the other, I had to make a quick trip to Belgium this year, even though it would have been tempting to stay a while. Maybe next year. Tried to hit all the important items, waffles, chocolate, beer, Grand Place, and mussels. Until next time...

Another Try

2012-01-31T23:36:00.002-06:00

Why does the blogger app cut off my photos?!? This one is more fun, anyway, since we are outside and in front of the GG bridge. Anna hosted our last reunion in Tampa in 2006, now Anna is in Dalton, GA, Leslie in Houston, Maral in Sacramento and I am still in Mississippi.

Mini Reunion

2012-01-28T17:42:00.001-06:00

My girlfriends from Oklahoma State decided meet up in northern CA for a long weekend! Great times and an excellent use of frequent flier miles.

Busy Weekend

2012-01-24T17:41:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Sirobe for capturing these images and making this collage. Amazing weekend.

Stud Muffin

2012-01-20T20:10:00.001-06:00

Sweet Liam Barker! I think he looks a lot like his mom did when she was a baby. Happy Birthday, Hope.

Due to Budget Cuts

2012-01-19T18:47:00.001-06:00

Bernadette is doing her part to reduce household expenses.

We're All In

2012-01-16T20:33:00.001-06:00

Enjoyed all grain homebrewing this weekend, not that much more work, but extra gear required!

Growing Up

2012-01-16T07:20:00.001-06:00

It may be one of my favorite Springsteen songs, but it is hard to see sweet Grady's exponential growth. And now rice cereal should only accelerate that. I do love spending time with him and now, getting to feed him, too! Guiding his career in the culinary arts is my new hobby.

DAM he's a busy one

2012-01-13T06:24:00.001-06:00

Little David Mitchell can read books and count to 14. These kids amaze me.

Happy Birthday, Elvis

2012-01-08T14:21:00.001-06:00

Peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwiches with Team Mitchell with Elvis singing in the background. Note the bust of Elvis which is a liquor decanter. Class act.

Gumbo of the week!

2012-01-08T10:39:00.001-06:00

Nathan Beane shot the deer and gave me a venison roast and I had some veggies and so emerges Venison and chicken sausage gumbo. My soux chef would also like to be the taster, but instead she warms my feet as I chop. Is it Mardi Gras season yet?

Prepare to be Amazed

2012-01-01T07:55:00.003-06:00

Single, hapless girl replaces dated thermostat with fancy new digital one. Bought this over a year ago for Arch to install, but huge pat on the back for me taking it on! Now to get a fresh coat of paint on these walls.

Go Pokes!

2012-01-01T07:55:00.001-06:00

Bernadette is donning her black and orange for Mondays bowl game!

Christmas at the Rockin K

2011-12-27T19:18:00.001-06:00

Kash was enjoying retirement, Bernadette got to meet goats and chickens (and eat the feces of both), and Kolin helped his dad put out feed for the goats and steers. Always fun to spend some time on the farm.

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas

2011-12-24T08:57:00.001-06:00

Its Green, its Red...

2011-12-22T20:04:00.001-06:00

Christmas cocktails with my friend, Sirobe, before leaving town! Merry Christmas to us all.

Green Light!

2011-12-20T19:37:00.001-06:00

Konrad gave us the green light for Bernadette joining me for the holidays. She is packing all her favorite squeaky toys.

Triple Threat

2011-12-17T17:20:00.000-06:00

Three friends celebrated their birthdays together today, DAM, Will and Manu. I was not fortunate to get a picture of each birthday boy, but had a great time.

Alex and Leo having some one on one time.

Me and Emma, chatting about how boys are loud and kinda smelly.

Grady learning some foot rub moves that the ladies love.

It's a Girl...

2011-12-14T19:35:00.004-06:00

Her name is Bernadette, after my favorite Four Tops song.

Friends had nine puppies up for adoption.

They offered kennel care for when I travel.

She is truly awesome! Only two in house accidents so far, and those were within the first couple of hours of arriving here. Who knew I was worthy of such complete adoration?!?

Turducken VI

2011-12-14T09:34:00.001-06:00

This year, all three birds were brined. This is the big pot of flavor that started the process.

Thanks to Ryan and Brett for making two of the three stuffings, and to Brett and Morgan for their assistance in putting it all together Friday night. Not as easy as one might think.

It cooked for 7 hrs and below is the obligatory crossection. Yum.

All smiles when it was done and folks starting showing up. Monday morning head count revealed at LEAST 63 people were in attendance. Wow.

Julia's Kitchen

2011-12-07T17:52:00.000-06:00

At the National Museum for American History, Julia Child's kitchen was an exhibit. It was very cool!

Domestic for a Day

2011-12-01T19:09:00.000-06:00

While I was only home for 36 hrs or so after Thanksgiving, and before I left for DC, I found time to make and can (!) hot sauces. They turned out really well!! Sometimes I just crave domesticity, and by that, I don't mean cleaning toilets.

Good things were meant for Max

2011-11-30T19:08:00.000-06:00

Just laying on the couch would be so, um, common. He was clearly meant for much more.

TN Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T19:06:00.001-06:00

Lots of time over the holiday to spend with family, both the Brasfields and the Bolingers. Donovan and I went to visit Nathan to help him cook some food for work, and while there, I got to meet Milton, Xandi's rabbit.

Running on Empty

2011-11-22T11:01:00.000-06:00

Time to run another race, I have been slacking on my training, so I am thinking if I register for something, I will have no choice. thanks to Leslie for sending me this picture.

Dinner and a Movie

2011-11-21T10:58:00.000-06:00

Back in town and ready to catch up with friends. L&O aka Team Grady invited me over for dinner and a movie. I prepped a fall inspired salad of roasted butternut squash, apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, arugula and spinach. Great dinner, but not a lot of Grady time. I may need to go back to visit before his bedtime again one day this week.

Gardening Updates

2011-11-20T10:45:00.001-06:00

So the redbud tree came down in September, and these fungi have erupted in the backyard. According to Erynn, there is a symbiotic mycorrhizal relationship between these two species. When the redbud was removed, these puffball mushrooms shot up to the surface and released their spores. Looking for love...hope they find it in someone else's yard.

The earlier blooming species of camelias are in full swing, and make the front of the house look great. My newly cleaned gutters are pretty nice, too. Enjoying a weekend of yardwork and manual labor after being on the road for two weeks straight.

Paul Revere

2011-11-17T10:45:00.000-06:00

His final resting place in Granary Burying Ground.

The Old North Church that hung the beacon that started his ride that began the Revolution.

His house in the North End of Boston.

From a discussion with a colleague last night, we remembered the importance of Paul Revere being a "connector" from the Malcolm Gladwell book Tipping Point. It wasn’t just that he went on his famous ride, and rallied the troops – it was that he was the kind of person who could galvanize others, who knew EVERYBODY, and everybody knew him …which is why it worked.

Father of Waters

2011-11-16T07:04:00.001-06:00

Snapped a couple of pictures of the Mississippi River on the flight from Jackson to Memphis last Saturday. Never fails to impress.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

2011-11-11T05:56:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of you! Hope you have an amazing day, your gift should have already arrived. We all arranged for the Cardinals to win the World Series, just for you. I love you!

Puppies looking for good homes

2011-11-08T06:19:00.003-06:00

Philip and Elizabeth rescued a dog last spring and before they could get her spayed, she escaped from the fence. The result are nine beautiful puppies, now about 30 days old. If you or someone you know is interested, let me know. Adopting multiples is a fun idea!

Peace Be With You

2011-11-06T19:44:00.001-06:00

All dressed up for the big event! Grady Vaughn Foshee Fields was christened today and he was sweet enough to invite me. I managed my speaking part without too much trouble, except I forgot to say at the end "The Word of the Lord." But Janie still let me have homemade pimento cheese. Such a beautiful day for it!

Sunday Snooze

2011-11-04T12:50:00.000-05:00

This game would have been more enjoyable from a couch. The Titans-Colts game is usually exciting, not this season.

We picked up some tickets from tailgaters, but failed to recognize they were THIS high up. I had a mini anxiety attack while standing to sing the national anthem.

Skydivers dropped in as part of the opening ceremony.

TSU's band performed at halftime, and were much more entertaining than the ACTUAL game.

Ryan passed out from all the excitement. Or beer.

Arkansas-Vandy: More Football Fun

2011-11-03T05:45:00.000-05:00

Who knew the Volvo had a bottle opener (Griff is not happy about this)

Excellent seats, compliments of Team Slayton!

The tailgating crew, plus a guy who was just passing through.

All Work and No Play is No Fun

2011-11-02T12:42:00.001-05:00

In our new building, we had a hallway decorating contest. Ours came together late, but we managed to win 2nd place for our over the top Wizard of Oz. Some hid in the lab to avoid participation. Thanks to Michelle for sharing pictures!

I headed up the tornado scene and dressed as the Cowardly Lion. I was planning to make a mane out of a string mop or some yard, but then decided I would just put a lot of hairspray in my hair. Then my deputy director called me to his office for a meeting. Some days you have to just shake your head...

Epicenter of Sports Excitement

2011-10-28T17:56:00.000-05:00

Made a weekend trip to Dallas for my first 5K with Leslie and Karla and while I was there, decided to take in a Cowboys game with a second trip to Jerry World with my best friend, who happened to be there for work. Her husband even came up from San Antonio to join the fun!

As the football game was ending, Game 4 of the World Series was just getting started. Logistically it was a mess, but as we walked the six miles (not really) back to our car, it was neat to be there!

Gradymonster is growing up!

2011-10-27T05:46:00.000-05:00

Grady turned the big 0.25 yr old last week, and these pictures were taken the previous week at a rare but much enjoyed Porch night. Even if I did get my eyeball scratched later in the evening. Dr. Ashley says I am near recovered. I like to make a good first impression on the folks Olivia invited.

Happy Birthday, Bacon!

2011-10-26T05:52:00.000-05:00

Happy 19th Birthday to one of my favorite people. I love seeing the person you are growing into and really proud of your acceptance to MTSU for January! I look forward to many more smiles together.

More football this fall! Vandy@Alabama

2011-10-25T17:46:00.000-05:00

Ever up for a football game, Jenny and I also traveled to Tide Town in early October for a Vandy road whoopin. Local Vicksburg friend is living in Tuscaloosa for the school year doing coursework toward his PhD at UA and offered us accommodations.

The beads were festive!

These pants screamed "TAKE MY PICTURE"

The stadium was REALLY cool and the fans were good sports about the one-sided offensive display we witnessed.

Flashback: 22 miles in 2 days

2011-10-24T17:39:00.000-05:00

Jenny and I took vacation in October and decided to make it an active one. We stole a Jeep and went hiking in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This picture I took with my phone, but I am hopeful she will actually share some of the ones she took with her fancy camera. This was after a 12 mile trek to Mt Cammerer. My heart rate monitor says I burned 6000 calories in 7.5 hrs. The blisters on my heels were in agreement.

Mini MTSU reunion

2011-10-12T08:07:00.000-05:00

In town recently for the MTSU homecoming game against Memphis. Two brave Memphis fans joined the fun and we had a great time and watched a close game. Jenny and I had the opportunity to hang out with Konrad, since he was working security at the game.

The boys from Memphis and I stayed at the Rockin' K and had a chance to visit with Kandy and the boys. Sunrise was beautiful, and I got a guided tour of the goat pasture and participated in the inspection of the nannies that were ready to birth some new kids. None born while we were there.

Pumpkin Blossoms!

2011-09-28T08:25:00.002-05:00

Zandmotor aka Sand Engine

2011-09-26T16:58:00.001-05:00

Those crazy Dutch have placed 20 million cubic meters of sand along the coast in a special shape so that the wind & waves will move it around and provide up to 20 yes of protection.

Rotterdam 2011

2011-09-23T00:02:00.000-05:00

The Port of Rotterdam.

Beers on the first day, to help with the afternoon jet lag nap.

Work brought me here last summer, but we stayed in another part of the city. Weather is quite a bit cooler here, and lungs are not used to cold weather running, yet. Nice park near the hotel, though.

What might be different about a jail cell?

2011-09-22T00:00:00.001-05:00

Smallest hotel room, ever.

I Will Dismember You

2011-09-17T16:09:00.002-05:00

Troublemaking redbud tree that fell while I was out of town, best possible scenario, though, since it fell away from the house and needed to come down anyway.

I took off some of the smaller limbs and such with loppers and my hand saw.

Philip & Jay showed up with their chainsaws and made short work of the truck, but the roots gave them fits, requiring a break for water and blade sharpening.

This is a barrel full of just roots!

And I have quite the pile for a bonfire this fall! Calling all pyros...and fire safety personnel.

Last Day in South Africa

2011-09-12T07:23:00.002-05:00

My favorite of the Big Five--the cape buffalo. Awesome.
Jeff, Geri and I play with some South African kittens. Wow.
This white lioness was lounging in the sun and swatting a fly. So beautiful.

And Johan, one of my favorite South Africans. He taught us a lot about his country in a shirt period of time. And provided one of the best quotes of the trip when he said to me "I bet you were a naughty child, you have a mischief in your eye, you look like you are always up to something!" And he nailed it.

Afternoon Safari in Pretoria

2011-09-09T22:10:00.002-05:00

Yes, this is for real. Only designated areas for getting out of the car.
Hard to tell, but this was a hippo across the water. Working on better image from a jumpy video I took.
These look like rocks on the ridge, but they are white rhinos. Two adults, one young'n!
Female ostrich. Head not in sand.
This guy greeted us, as we came into the park.

Diplomatic Photo

2011-09-06T22:43:00.002-05:00

Jeff and I take a minute to pose between flags. In the kickoff to the workshop, it was high level, including the US Ambassador to South Africa, the Deputy Minister of S&T for South Africa, and the Science Advisor to the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. I was trying hard not to embarrass myself or my country, so naturally, I chose to blend in by wearing a bright blue dress amongst a room of black suits.

On the Road Again

2011-09-05T02:42:00.002-05:00

It's been nice being in one place for a few weeks, now it's time to travel again. 9000 miles away. Spending this week in beautiful Pretoria, South Africa. This is an impressive building across from our hotel. Need to confirm, but I heard it is a National Library. And the spot for tomorrow morning's run! This is me having my first glass of South African wine. It helped with the jet lag travel coma.

another season at rock bottom

2011-09-02T06:40:00.003-05:00

That is the name of our league, and each year, we assume it will all fall apart (that's what happens down there), but somehow we get it together. Tirpak is transitioning commish duties to me, as he and Blair plan to make a move soon, and he is too busy for such things now. I plan to add it to my CV and rule this kingdom with an iron fist. Yeah, right.

Long flight, plan of attack

2011-09-01T06:04:00.001-05:00

I usually just power through jet lag, but with this flight being so long, a friend who is a pharmacist suggested taking melatonin. Here's to hoping...

Life Lessons

2011-08-30T19:31:00.002-05:00

There is a country song that has a lyric that goes with this photo (IMHO) "put the faith and love for growing things in a young one's heart." Maybe the pumpkins will make it, maybe they won't, but I hope Desmond one day looks at these photos and knows he was involved.

Impressive Growth

2011-08-26T18:11:00.000-05:00

Nope, not personal or professional, rather my pumpkins again. These things seriously are growing inches a day and I need to buy some overalls this weekend to fully channel my inner farmer.

Making the Show

2011-08-26T06:17:00.000-05:00

My favorite nephew has been traded to the Mariners this year, after playing as an Indian last season. Yes, he is that good. Thanks to Nate Pate for providing pictures for this proud Aunt to boast!

We have liftoff!

2011-08-25T18:19:00.001-05:00

Germination rates are pretty impressive. Here's to hoping I can get them established before ditching town again. Desmond will have to carry his water while I am away.

Taking it to the Max

2011-08-22T06:56:00.000-05:00

One of my roommates from grad school recently asked if Max was still alive. Not only is Max still kickin' he also finds time between naps to entertain small children.

Planning for the Great Pumpkin

2011-08-21T11:52:00.002-05:00

Lots of work pulling weeds (mostly grass), then hoeing the rows, making the mounds and sowing the seeds. Fingers crossed for germination in the next two weeks!
Desmond was double checking my counts. Six seeds per mound.
This is not the variety of pumpkin he ordered. Amatuers.

Project time

2011-08-15T20:15:00.000-05:00

It was a busy weekend and I was feeling industrious, but wasn't sure where to start. So I began to hunt for my sewing kit, which lead to cleaning out several closets. They were not in bad shape, but now they are in better condition. Still no sewing kit, but I did find some shelves I had been meaning to hang. But in order to fit in with the guest room decor, they needed to change color. And if I was going to be painting, I might as well redo the trunks...following the stream of consciousness? I never did find that elusive sewing kit, but picked up some no -sew tape to hem my shorts. That is where all of this started...It didn't seem as hot as it had been, so out of doors for some spray painting. Soon, I was covered in sweat and was dripping down onto my masterpieces.

Look! The bubble is in the middle. Yes, this is blog-worthy, for those of you unfamiliar with my previous shelf-hanging attempts.
Not bad! And I even have a picture up from Cancun! That's impressive. (pat on the back)

Saying Goodbye

2011-08-14T06:38:00.000-05:00

My wonderful grandmother, Betty Lou Brasfield, passed away last week and left many of us with a heavy heart in her absence. She always had a smile, a hug, and Big Red gum in her purse. She is one of the reasons I moved back to the South several years ago, and I was grateful to be able to see her more often by living closer.

Visit to the Rockin K

2011-08-12T19:10:00.000-05:00

On an unplanned visit to the great state of TN, I stopped in on my friends and got to meet some of the new kids. They have had five born in the last few weeks and I got to hold a few of them. The more they are handled, the easier it is to work with them when they get larger. This is Snowflake, she was only 5 days old.

Kaden and Konrad look around for the kids. The nannies like to bed them down in brush and other hiding places to protect them from predators.

Cancun with Griffinny

2011-08-11T18:55:00.004-05:00

I was unable to stay for the main event, but my BFF married the girl of his dreams this past weekend. They chose to take us all away with them to beautiful Cancun. Mexico! Thanks to Liz for providing the pictures.

Grady Vaughn Foshee Fields

2011-07-25T13:50:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the world!

So much for colder weather

2011-07-21T14:30:00.004-05:00

When I looked at the weather for Wisconsin, highs were in the 80s, lows in the 50s and I happily packed my jacket. Then a heat wave followed me up here. Today was the last day of the workshop, and I took advantage of a loaner bike to head downtown and sweat off about 5 lbs. It was hot. But I wore my helmet anyway, safety first.

By then I had earned some liquid refreshment. Shown here, a beer called Spotted Cow made by New Glarus Brewing Co. Yum. Now it's time to go home, back to the heat.

Sequestered

2011-07-17T21:02:00.003-05:00

For this workshop, they don't let us have much fun inside the Wingspread compound. But they did give us the gate codes, so we sneak out for exercise. Since it is my only time not talking science, I have been running both days. Otherwise, they might make me work MORE than they do already. Whatever gets me moving, I guess...

All I Need is...

2011-07-12T11:48:00.002-05:00

is some chest hair. DAM rocks the 4th of July short coveralls in true Southern fashion.

Born in the Heat of July

2011-07-11T12:20:00.004-05:00

Desmond turned one, ate some cake, and we braved the heat for a couple of hours to help him celebrate. DAM overheated and his parents doused him with water. He was unimpressed, but hopefully cooler.

Resistance is Futile

2011-07-06T19:42:00.000-05:00

I inadvertently disturbed a birds nest, in an old bucket, but I replaced the whole kit in a plastic one, so I hope the mama comes back to sit on them. If not, I fill the bird feeder once a week and am convinced I am replacing the biomass I might have doomed.If only I could afford a gardener, I would happily enjoy the yard without the weeding, pruning, watering etc. But alas, this yard is determined to make a gardener out of me yet. And like with anything else, I fight it, but occasionally give in. I hope that the results of my labors will encourage me to get more interested, but only time will tell.

Bring on the Rain

2011-07-05T11:49:00.004-05:00

the heat has been unbearable...

But people were up for a cookout on Monday, even agreed to eat outside. And then as we were dispersing and planning to regroup downtown for fireworks, the thunder and lightning started. And though this soothed my irrational fear of my neighbors burning down my house, it meant not nice weather for fireworks, which I hear went on despite the downpour.

This yard seems determined to make a gardener out of me, yet. If only I could afford to add one of those to my cadre of support staff.

Eighty Degrees and No Humidity

2011-06-28T13:48:00.002-05:00

Oh, yeah, and Boston is a pretty cool place to visit, too. Better in the summer, but the Red Sox are not in town. Back in November, maybe the Patriots will be here. If we have an NFL season.

A year, already?

2011-06-24T08:12:00.002-05:00

Hard to believe I have been at my new address for a year. I really am enjoying it much more than I ever thought I would!

What Might Be

2011-06-22T11:21:00.002-05:00

Plans are underway to transform the greenhouse and adjacent patio into an outdoor kitchen and dining space. It will be a slow transition, but I am excited about getting a plan together and breaking it up into phases and budgeting.

QT with the Desmonster

2011-06-20T11:58:00.002-05:00

He is at the perfect age, independent, easy to please and not quite as mobile as he will be soon. His mama had an early Saturday, so he joined me for some strawberries and buckwheat pancakes. He thought the pancakes looked and tasted like concrete.He has become quite the cheeser, when the camera phone goes up. Due to the excessive heat in our habitat, we stayed in for coffee and Grey's Anatomy. He enjoyed Swamp People, also.
Earlier in the week, we had pool time in the backyard, and he is a great splasher. His mom has him signed up for swim lessons later in the summer, and he has expressed an interest in cannonball lessons, if anyone is teaching those.

Hendrix Creations

2011-06-16T10:45:00.002-05:00

Ms. Marion Love Hendrix, born 1 June 2011. Cute, tiny, doing really well.
Chocolate meringue pie. With real chocolate, served in a pi (3.14...) dish.
This pie was so good, it deserves a second picture. I barely have words. I am sure Marion will grow on me, too.

Shop Local and Cook Fresh

2011-06-15T09:06:00.003-05:00

Enjoying being home and cooking my own food. This ratatouille dish is for some friends who just had a baby, and it features eggplant and squash from the Vicksburg Farmers Market and a huge zucchini from a coworker. Yum! Peppers are from Canada, in the interest of full disclosure.

German food & drink

2011-06-11T08:10:00.002-05:00

Lots of fish, smoked salmon shown here in my vat of spinach soup. Many beers, this was a "black beer" though not very dark.

Music, Lights and Water

2011-06-10T00:26:00.000-05:00

Free "concert" in a park near my hotel. It is a botanical garden and once a week they have a themed show on the lake. Last night was movie soundtracks. The ducks seemed very confused.

My office this week

2011-06-09T00:24:00.000-05:00

Overseas this week in Hamburg, Germany. Both of these pictures are glimpses of where I have been working this week.

Whatever it Takes

2011-06-08T00:22:00.003-05:00

to stay cool in this heat! L&O suggested I take the plunge and set up a summer pool in the backyard. I was easily convinced. Not a moment too soon, as Jenny was visiting for the weekend, and we needed a way to keep from melting in the MS heat! Mission accomplished.

Fishing Together Again

2011-06-01T06:50:00.000-05:00

Deb and I have always liked to fish, and we like it even more when we can work together. Saturday evening we stocked up the double kayak with poles, paddles, beer and bait. And though it was more work than we typically have to do with Tres, it was still a lot of fun. Note the stringer made out of the anchor rope. I am sure if we had bought a stringer and been prepared, we wouldn't have caught any fish.

Adventures in Melrose

2011-05-31T06:34:00.003-05:00

After two weeks of work travel, I needed some downtime. In a big way. It worked out that my last work trip was to Jacksonville, FL. I was able to work it such that I could stay in the Sunshine State for a few more days, and pay a long overdue visit to Deb & Jack.After being up each morning, I had no trouble catching the sunrise on Friday morning. The rest of the week, I missed it.Sheryl's kayak was sitting there, begging for a swim, so on Saturday I named myself Captain and off I went. There were many more motorized watercraft on the lake, but my vessel allowed me to get some exercise and even stalk wildlife.

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T06:34:00.000-05:00

Recently, on a trip to DC, I took time to visit Arlington National Cemetery. I have not been since I was an elementary school student and it was overwhelming to visualize and imagine the service and sacrifice that these men and women have offered to our country. I was, am, and will forever be grateful to them. I was also struck by the empty fields, as that served as a reminder of all the of the servicemen and women fighting today who may be laid to rest here. Did I mention this was an emotionally overwhelming experience?

It's a Hard Knock Life

2011-05-26T12:11:00.000-05:00

Jacksonville is not on the beach, but is a 20 min drive. I am getting weary of travel, but I must admit that it is easier when this is the setting. So much better than DC!
Did some recon on the enemy Jaguars. Not impressed.
Life is good.

Wonders Never Cease

2011-05-25T08:09:00.000-05:00

Not that I doubted she would graduate, but I can't believe she has grown up so quickly. Congratulations, Xandi! Upward and onward.

Play Ball!!

2011-05-24T20:04:00.000-05:00

I managed to be in town for Donovan's last baseball game of the regular season. He is hitting much better this year, and playing hind catcher. The kids are taller and more coordinated, but they are still learning a lot. It was great to spend an afternoon at the ballpark.

They Show Well

2011-05-23T19:52:00.003-05:00

Two students that have worked with us for a few years made their first conference presentation last week at Arkansas State University, and they won first and second in the student judging! They outcompeted masters and doctoral students. Way to go, Nick and Mindi!

The Big Easy is a Little Stressed

2011-05-19T21:50:00.000-05:00

Water levels are rising, crest not expected until 23 May. They are planning to open two spillways that are rarely used, and when you live below sea level, you worry about excess water. Folks in the Big Easy are usually pretty laid back, but when I visited recently, you could feel some tension. Drinking helps. I stayed at the International House, and others came over for fancy drinks in the lobby bar, Loa. Yum.

Brew Baby Brew

2011-05-18T14:38:00.003-05:00

With warm weather upon us (the yeast don't like it hot), I have had to get serious about getting some kits brewed before the oppressive summer heat arrives. As part of that, I cleared out a section of my garage, with hopes of limiting the uninvited guests (wild yeast, bacteria, leaves, pollen) to the process.

Father of Waters

2011-05-06T06:48:00.003-05:00

Vicksburg is sinking, and I don't want to swim. Periodic pictoral updates will be provided, when I am actually around.

Flood fighting measures

2011-05-03T12:29:00.004-05:00

Water is high and on the rise here along the Mississippi River. On an unofficial data collection trip to Memphis this weekend, flood levels were observed there as well, compare to the images on this website for reference. Music Festival was in Tom Lee Park, right on the river. BBQ competition has been moved to the University to avoid flooding complications.

A not smart man was spotting doing some stand-up paddling.
Men on the streets were resisting fashion norms in hopes of avoiding mud and water on their delicate denim.

Easter Cajun Crawfish Boil

2011-04-25T10:24:00.003-05:00

A huge success, thanks in large part to sharing of the costs and responsibilities, Amy hosted a great crawfish boil this weekend. Ryan and Brett headed up the cooking, she cleaned and readied the yard, and I just provided the accessories--corn, potatoes, mushrooms, sausage, and yes, even asparagus. It was Easter weekend, after all. Lots of fun, lots of work, but all worth it.

This little critter made a strong case for being released, as he latched on to both Brett and Ben. They both refused to let him clamp onto their ears for a photo op. Weak sauce, indeed. In the end, he was able to convince them not to throw him in the boiling pot of deliciousness. I hear Brett ate him raw. Post purge, of course.

Seder Supper Club

2011-04-22T09:35:00.004-05:00

Growing up, I didn't really know any Jewish people, so other than movies and television, I don';t know much about their customs and traditions. This month's Supper Club was inspired by Jewish seder, and we attempted to have a traditional kosher meal, but without the script. Team Lindsay were unable to make it, as poor James has been sick. We missed them, but took the opportunity to get some others involved (and to help eat the food!). Lauchlin & Olivia, Sophie, Alex and Manu joined us for dinner and an obligatory belly comparison.

Sara is leading the pack, with only 5 weeks to go!
All but Lauchlin in the photo, it was a good group.
Alton Brown made me do it, a noodle kugel dish with lasagna noodles. Weird, but tasty and traditional.
Manu had some quality time with Max, the best cat a kid could ask for at a dinner party full of adults.

Earth Day in DC

2011-04-21T11:33:00.003-05:00

At the 11th hour, I was asked to travel to DC last weekend for the National Sustainability Expo on the National Mall. I answered the call to service and spent two days talking about our research critters and projects, while navigating the mud. Those of you who have known me for a while know I have issues walking in optimal conditions. We had a lot of VIPs come through, including the head of the EPA, Lisa Jackson, Commanding General of USACE, LTG Van Antwerp, shown here in the stylish black and yellow Army tracksuit, Deputy Commanding General Temple, Ms. Jo Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and Karl's daughter, Julia. The look on her face is a result of my telling her I was staying at the Ritz Carlton. She was not consoled by the application of government rates.

Whine and Wine session with Liz

2011-04-20T11:41:00.002-05:00

A last minute weekend trip to DC meant I got to see my friend Liz! We took the opportunity to catch up and drink some soured grapes, eat some great food, and talk about boys. One of the many perks of work travel is that sometimes you get to hang out with people you like!