Another Whirlwind Trip

5-7 November: Drive to Athens to meet friends for the Idaho State-UGA game. Game was exciting for a few minutes, but Bulldogs win 55-7. Pretty soon we got tired of standing for each score. More enjoyable were the restaurants we ate at each night, Farm 255 on Friday and the National on Saturday. Though I am not a vegetarian, I couldn't resist the harvest plate full of vegetables at each. Both were exceptional, but different in presentation. Just another reason to love the South.

7-10 Nov: Rise early on 7 November to catch a flight to Portland, OR for SETAC North America. It was "fall back" for clocks, but 0400 came early anyway. There was ice on my windshield, and it was becoming clear I was unprepared for true fall weather. It rained some, but all in all, a great meeting and excellent reunion with some of my favorite scientists. As fate would have it, Kelly and I stumbled into a karaoke bar that we had enjoyed in 2004, when SETAC was there for the World Congress. The Galaxy was eerily familiar, and a still recipe for good times. Until I realized I had only 1.5 hrs of sleep before having to catch another early flight.

10-13 Nov: Fly into Atlanta, drive through beautiful northern GA to get home for a few days. Celebrate Veteran's Day with my dad, as it was his 60th birthday. We take him to a decoy dinner, so that on Friday he doesn't suspect the surprise we had planned for him. Somewhere in the middle here, I delivered an invited seminar to my alma mater, MTSU Biology Dept. Lots of family in the audience and the Friday afternoon time slot made for a non-combative reception. Happy hour was needed post seminar, pre-surprise party, so my sister and I enjoyed the patio at Camino Real before heading to Manchester.


Saturday was for family visiting and the road trip home. Made record time, with only one stop at Sam's in Meridian, MS for gas, dinner, and groceries.

So. Good. To. Be. Home.

The Girl who Played with Fire

These antique heaters in the bathroom run on gas, and I am not sure the previous owners ever used them. Growing up electric, I fear most gas-powered appliances. At dinner on Thursday, Paulette was telling me how good they were, the ceramic tiles heat up quickly and heat the whole bathroom. This weekend, my trusty handiman, Arch, showed me how to operate them, and convinced me they were safe. Success!!
The experiments with the fireplace were less successful. Sure, I made fire in the box, but the smoke was not properly directed out the chimney. Some was, but the kitties and I are victims of mild smoke inhalation. Anyone know a good chimney sweep?

Despite a rough start, a great week it was!

A week in DC seemed like a bad idea on Sunday when I found myself packing, again. However, I was motivated by cooler weather, a tour of the Library of Congress and a mini-reunion with a few of my EXECS, Guy Earle (pictured above), John and a wonderful dinner cooked by John's wife Langston.

I persevered the rough flights (hate US Airways) and arrived to watch the second half of a Titans victory over a division rival. Then I got more than I bargained for including a new pair of shoes, a hip new bar - 18th St Lounge, a dive bar with flat beer but great people watching - the Lucky Bar, and a visit from one of my favorite TN friends, Kim. I am ready for home, but already looking forward to the next visit.

Kentucky Rain

We saw a little of that on Wednesday night as we ran from the hotel to Fourth St. It was a quick visit, so initial impressions are good. A copy of Bourbon Review was provided in my hotel room, and I guess it shouldn't be such a shock to see an entire magazine focused on the state spirit. As a group dinner activity (twenty scientists and engineers), we went bowling. Pictures not provided, to protect my job and future funding from this program.

Big Ball in Cowtown

Months in the making, a group of us met in Dallas for a football showdown between the Tennessee Titans and the Dallas Cowboys. Cowboys Stadium was, um, amazing. It was Mad Max Thunderdome cool. I recommend it for all ages.
My brother, Rod, came to town, so I wouldn't have to be the only Titans fan in the group.

Fall Festival and Football Sidekick

Supermom Katie had to work this weekend, so Desmond Grady spent the day with me. We met up with Cynthia, Olivia and Lauchlin for division of labor while out and about at the Fall Festival. He wowed strangers with his gooey smile and huge dimples. When we got to the house he decided to kick back and hitch up his pants to watch some SEC football.

Signs of Home

This was in the London Underground station nearest our hotel. It made me a little homesick, but also very proud. If Londoners have to associate something with the state of TN, better Jack Daniels than a neon orange football team.