Man, I could really use one day off. Just one day to not read, to enjoy the autumn weather and let my eyes rest.

What a great weekend! It started off with the Carolina Chocolate Drops concert at The Ark. African American string bands have never sounded so amazing...that was probably the most fun concert I've ever been to. No songs that you just sit through, no wondering if they'll stop for a bit so you can get some water...every time the audience thought it knew what would come next, the Carolina Chocolate Drops changed it up and surprised all of us! Best part...the artists seemed like they were having a blast.

Yesterday was all about the Saturday Farmer's Market and getting some work taken care of. And fighting off this head cold that has been making things uncomfortable for a couple days. Although the cold was a bit better today, it still made the Big House Big Heart 5k pretty tough, nor did the asthma. Still...had a great time (hope Ed did to0!) and signed up for the Holiday Hustle in December.

On top of coursework and the 5k, Ed and I also went to the Michigan hockey game. Had a great time watching the Wolverines handily beat the University of Windsor team. Now, to spend the rest of the night getting back to work. :-)

Maryland and West Virginia

Takin' off for West Virginia tomorrow! It'll be exciting to meet the other Doris Duke Conservation types (and Wyss fellows) and talk about environmental issues (and generally get to know one another). I am not generally a fan of networking functions, but this one sounds pretty unique and exciting. Adventures include lectures on Wildlife Conservation and Global Climate Change, leadership seminar, a trip to Antietam, hiking, and somehow fitting schoolwork into this picture. I've certainly enjoyed my time with the UM people who are going on this trip...since we were selected using the same criteria, I can only imagine that this weekend will be more of the fun-filled conservation-y same!

GO DAWGS! Especially proud to wear the purple and gold today. :-D

What a great day to be a Huskerine!!! It doesn't get much better than two victories after long (and often painful) droughts (not counting last week's Western Michigan game)...and Michigan...talk about huge!!! Freshman quarterback rises to the challenge. Ok, so defense (esp. pass protection) could use some work...but Notre Dame?! HA! :-) Still a bit happy about this, 'case you couldn't tell. :-)

In other news, I don't think Le Mieux is the brightest crayon in the box. Pinta is less than thrilled with her new circumstances.

Quick update...got a new kitten! le Mieux - also known as Little Cat Big Stink - is doing well and has quickly adjusted to her new situation. Pinta is another story. Ms. Pint seems to prefer being the only cat in the household and spends her time either ignoring le Mieux's presence or parking herself in front of the bathroom door and hissing/growling/snarling between bites of food (I put her food dish there to force her to willingly approach the kitten's room).

I'm giving the adjustment process a week. I really hope this works, since Pinta needs a playmate (she's a bit overweight) and le Mieux is a well behaved, adorable and sweet lil' kitten!

Nothing terribly exciting to report today. Have spent the morning chilling out with Pinta, catching up on laundry, registering for classes at the YMCA...you get the idea. Need to fill out some forms and put captions on a few photos that I'm entering in a competition (who knows...maybe one of these days I'll figure out how to attach a different slideshow to my blog!). I'm posting a couple of the candidate photos, taken during my last trip to West Africa. Enjoy!