Thanksgiving Break

In about 15 hours I'll be on my way to see my family for the first time since they moved me in.  I'm excited to see them, even though it will be strange without Max sleeping somewhere nearby.  I'm glad for the break from academics and the lab, since I've given up most of my last 3 weekends.  I'll miss my bunny though....

As usual, we'll be down in Vienna, GA, for our Thanksgiving celebration.  I love gettin' together with all my Parker relatives.  Plus there's always good home-cooked food involved! 

Chicago, again

I'm currently on my third visit of the month.  This time we're in Chicago to work with a family tomorrow.  On the flight tonight the sun had already set (grr early winter sunsets), so we flew in the dark.  It was neat to fly above the clouds and see the stars against the black sky.  Then, as we were descending, we passed through the cloud cover.  It looked like an ocean of fluff and we seemed to float gently on the surface.  The white-gray of the clouds was especially beautiful against the dark sky.  And as usual Chicago was lit up nicely.  It's such a pretty city at night!  Who knew a routine flight to Chicago could be so inspiring!?!

Choir

I had a great time tonight at the KU chamber and concert choir performance.  I got to catch up with a friend from Bellevue UMC and try out a local ice cream shoppe!  Part of what made the concert so nice for me was that they sang a few songs I have performed.  The second piece was my favorite arrangement of "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (arr. Gilbert Martin), and when they sang "Beati Quorum Via" I was transported back to my days as a Ballard HS Madrigal.  And to top it all off, the last song was Moses Hogan's "The Battle of Jericho", which is always a treat to sing or to hear.  Though I didn't understand most of the German lyrics, I did catch a few 'nights' and 'thankyous' in the three pieces.  I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it through without coughing, but I managed to hide it by coughing during the clapping.  I'm really glad I was able to go!

1st Snows

The rain from the hurricane down south hit us yesterday, but winter really began today when that rain turned to snow.  It was pretty messy this afternoon when the precipitation was 'wintry mix'.  Not a fun walk home, that's for sure.  Now, the snow has returned, and even though it's not sticking to the roads yet all the cars are covered.  I guess November decided to be a winter month instead of a fall month!

Flu Season

I've been sick all week.  Though my fever is gone, I'm still congested and coughing.  I'm even losing my voice!  Ugh. 

Business Trip #2

Had a whirlwind business trip to Rochester, NY, on Friday and Saturday.  We landed in the Rochester airport Friday afternoon, and then flew out again less than 24 hours later.  The assessment went well, and the flights were smooth, despite a 3-hour layover in Chicago.  I ate in an airport restaurant for the 1st and 2nd times!  Been pretty tired today, but glad I can chill out with football.

I'm finally getting sick for the first time this season, and it seems that I'm skipping the cold stage and going straight to bronchitis.  I've got too much going on in the next 6 weeks to get sick!