Quite an adventure with this website over the past days–completely crashed and unavailable to me or any visitors. Took a while to get things re-established but, if you’re reading this, I think it’s now back on track.

Among the things I’ve been eager to post is the letter written by my sis to her local newspaper. So very proud that she wrote, of what she wrote, and of her, my nephew who served, and of all who have put their own well-being at risk in the name of military service.

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The week just past has been so very horrific for people on the west coast–truly incomprehensible destruction for so very many people in CA, WA, OR, ID, and more. And even those not personally feeling the property loss are dealing with unbreathable air.

And the line-up of hur...

The morning routine’s changed a bit, as someone’s mighty happy to greet me in the kitchen in the morning, no matter the crazy hour I awake. A quick run outside to let Frankie pee is really an opportunity for her to just lick my face, then roll over on the grass to get a belly rub.

Maybe I don’t get working quite as quickly as I used to, and I don’t mind at all.

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Now just six classes remaining in this first term. The remainder of the freshman theory class I’m teaching is really all planned out at this point, and it should go pretty much on auto-pilot. I have a few more videos I’d like to make while some things are still on my mind–and I think these videos will continue to be a good resource in future semesters...

Yesterday was all about getting the newest addition to our home, Frankie the Cavapoo. She’s a 12-wk old sweetheart, currently weighing in at <7 lb.

Like everyone else who was of an aware age in 2001, the shock, impact, and immense after-effects of this date continue to resonate. Just as, I imagine, December 7 resonates for those in a previous generation.

I remember the person who drew my attention to what was happening as I left a classroom; I remember where I was watching a TV as the second tower was hit. I remember the panic of needing to talk to everyone I knew in lower Manhattan, and I remember the paralyzing shock that lasted days.

As you do, too.

Our world doesn’t feel much safer, as much as it has changed our atmosphere of daily living. I’m not at all convinced that we have changed the conditions which brought about the hostilities against the U.S...

Thought for the day.

Back to work.

I was very glad to truly take the weekend off of work. [Just corrected a few papers, answered a few emails–really less than 2 hours total Sat-Mon; that’s definitely a weekend off.]

We were initially disappointed to not be able to use the beach, but we took advantage of being in Gvl to get some much-needed prep for Frankie’s arrival. Mending holes in the fence, rebuilding some planters, pressure washing the deck, and the basics (lawn mowing) got us feeling better about the yard and readiness for our new addition. Definitely excited about getting her on Saturday, and looking forward to the fun distraction, the puppy energy; and i’m looking forward to seeing the happiness it’ll bring Pattie.

Had a wonde...

The beginning of a sunny Labor Day weekend.

A Labor Day when unions are weaker than ever; when more Americans are out of work than in decades.

Feeling very lucky to have work, to not have to worry about the benefits of a regular paycheck, of regular health and retirement benefits. Very fortunate, indeed. In fact, receiving notice of my eligibility to apply for phased retirement at work, to begin fall 2021. Not entirely sure I’ll make that application, as there’s some counseling I need to seek regarding the fine print…but as was the case last year, when i was informed that this eligibility was on the horizon, it’s got me and Pattie thinking.

Joe, Cristin, and Jackson were set to leave their spot in Michigan and head west to S Dakota to visit Cristin’s sis (Erin) & family...

What a long week.

Good to know that Joe/Cristin/Jackson are making the most of their time off, on a bit of a road trip to visit Joe’s step-sis & family (they live in Chicago, vacation an hour east, on great lake in Michigan), and Cristin’s sis & family (S. Dakota). As the drives are long (12 hrs NY-Mich and Mich-SDak), they’re breaking them up with single nights camping, which is great. We’ve only heard a tad from them since they’ve arrived in Michigan–all are having a great time–and did get this pic of Jackson with one of his cousins. Looking like a real little boy, no?

School? After today, in this term 12 classes down, 8 remaining. Students who’re falling behind are now really digging in, which is great...

A bro’s birthday yesterday brought a nice conversation with him. He was in a particularly good mood, as he’d just heard the Portland mayor tell off POTUS. Good to know he’s in good spirits.

Busy correcting piles of papers this morning, and need to get back to it…almost 50% done with the term today.

Stephen contacted me last wk with news of a bike trade-in at his dealership in VA, so we made a trip up to VA for a quick visit. Only possible in these remote times, of course, as i’ll teach this morning, then go test-drive, then come back to their house to teach an afternoon class…then back to Gvl.

Joe/Cristin/Jackson on another road-trip, which is great...

This article, (also here) from the Chronicle of Higher Education, serves as a good portrait of the issues, attitudes, and atmosphere on campuses right now. I’m very impressed by the many angles it covers. This is one to be included on the “2020/COVID-19 History” course to be taught to leadership folks in decades to come.

This is such a horrible experiment, but will absolutely teach so many of us so many valuable lessons about untenable situations, no-win decision-making, etc.

And surely there will be one about the compressing of 15-wk terms and the cost to students in learning effectiveness.  I never understood the idea of “being nimble” because we could “pivot” more easily with shorter terms...