Happy Halloween!

I love this holiday so much. Perfect weather, crisp and clear. There's the smell of smoke, leaves and mischief in the air. Think I'll build a fire to go with the candy tonight.

Here's me in my Halloween get up. I think I look good with candy floss pink hair, don't you?

Back from Philly

So my hopes of sharing my Philly adventures as they happened were dashed on the rocks of limited connectivity. Sad.

I, however, was happy. I had a great meeting, saw lots of people I knew, drank too much (and too often), ate lots of good food, and worked a m*****f****** room! That's right, I went to a party on Saturday and worked the room like a pro. I later found out that people who have now known me for years were surprised to find out I was ever shy. That blew my mind.

I'm back home now and suuuuper sleepy. I'm taking a couple of days off and will try to recharge before heading out for the next adventure.

two in one month...crazy

Yahooo! I'm on Facebook. I've caved to the public pressure and added a profile. Need to find some time to poke around though. Perhaps when other people can't see my computer screen.

I'm in Philly today. Arrived yesterday and got to watch the Phillies kick the Dodger's collective asses. They are on the way to the World Series! Philly went kind of crazy last night.

I'm here for the ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) conference. Though I never seem to just attend like a normal person. I spend most of my time in the Expo since I'm here to share my Nano work. But it's always good to see scattered friends who gather for these meetings.

I'll try to keep this current and give you a taste of the conference. Exciting, no?

Filling in the last couple of months

A bunch has happened since my last post.

The regional workshops have ended, for now (we've got three more next year). I got to watch the Durham Bulls play in North Carolina, eat at the famed Moosewood Cafe in Ithaca (not to mention played a kick ass game of putt putt), and walk around and enjoy my second favorite city, Portland OR (seriously - It's awesome, you must go).

I survived the RNC (but grumped the entire time). I inhaled no tear gas, but can confirm that sleepy downtown St Paul looked like a war zone for that week. I met no one famous. Instead, I am simply happy to have the helicopters gone.

My grandmother died at the end of September (last of the grands for me, she was 91, my dad's mom, she hadn't been herself for years but it was still unexpected when she passed). I went to Tennessee for the funeral and helped out where I could. Her kids are still stunned and trying to figure out what's next. My aunt, Emily, is in recovery from cancer but she managed to make it through the funeral. I'd like her to come visit when she's feeling stronger.

I've now had a solid week at home, which is super nice. I hit the farmers market for root veg, fall lettuces and pot roast fixings. For those who are interested, parsnips do not take to pickling as well as carrots. Too fiberous.

I leave next week for a weeklong conference in Philly. I insist upon squishing a dinner with Susan and Brian in while I'm there.

I've got two trips in November (DC and Boston - I'll be calling).

Most exciting...I'm hosting Thanksgiving this year!! Can't wait. This should shake up the old routine, too. In Philly, Susan and I prep like clockwork, we are a vision of efficient movement. Here we'll have to find new places to shop and new rhythms. Yay!

Anyway - Miss and love all of you. Talk to you soon, too.

Oh - just so you don't think it's all toil, here's a photo of me at the Moosewood Cafe in Ithaca. LMAO, if you know what I mean.



Plus an image from the funeral. Her coffin is draped in a quilt she made. For those who know them, that's my mom and dad nearest sitting down. I took photos because I knew my aunt would want to see more of who was there.