Under a hundred

So we've finally cooled of here in Waco (and the greater part of Texas) as the thermometer has stayed under 100ºF for the last few days now. The hot spell we just got out of was one of the longest Texas has seen; 24 days of 100+ degree weather makes this my least favorite August on record.

However, the heat finally broke just in time for our trip to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. As when we visited Target Field, I took way too many pictures, but here are some of the best:

Of course, the Twins lost... But we still had a great time, and I don't think we pissed off too many people. Actually, we met a lot of people from MN or with Minnesota ties, and had a lot of fun talking about the '91 World Series.

Anywho, the ball game was a great break from work for me (I'd worked 9 days straight before Wednesday) and it was Kristin's last Hoo-rah before this new semester really gets in gear. Kristin will be doing quite a bit over the next few months. Ted (now Dr. Ted) will be leaving the lab in October, so K will be climbing the Seniority ladder and taking on a bit more responsibility. On top of that, she's taking her own advisor's class (always a thrilling prospect) and preparing for SETAC (the Society of Environmental Toxicologists and Chemists).

If everything goes according to plan, Kristin will be presenting research she has done for her paper in Portland come November. So at least this semester will be busy for her if nothing else.

And lastly, we've now lived a year of our lives in Waco, TX. It's interesting looking back because it's easier to see the goals that have been accomplished and the ones that were left by the wayside. We really wanted to buy a house down here, but we never got up the nerve to seriously shop for houses. We have yet to really find a decent social niche down here. I've gotten to know Kristin's lab mates pretty well, and there are a few people from our building that we've gotten to know, but for the most part we've been very independent.

But there are great things that we've done down here as well. We are both now well respected in our positions, I feel that I am an important presence at my job and Kristin is really working well in Brian's lab. My relationship with Kristin has benefited in that we have adapted to a new culture together. We have really been there for each other to help make many a difficult situation livable, and I think we're closer because of it. And now, Kristin might still say that she's here for the degree, and nothing else; but I like to think that we'll be better for the experience of living outside of our state, region and culture. Maybe I'm being a bit of an idealist, but it makes me happy to think that we are working to make ourselves better people.

Anywho, that's all for now, and yes honey, I will start writing more of these blog posts so it isn't just up to you anymore. ;)

DJC

One year Texans

Can you believe it? Today marks our first full year (and one day) living in Texas.

Ya'll come visit now, ya hear?

Finnegan Cone Video

I admit. We are bad parents. We took a video of Finnegan stumbling around with his cone (goose-stepping, back-peddling, head-ramming and all!).

Ignore the messy house -- watch the adorable kitten instead ;)

Weekend Escape

We have a squash monster on our hands. While unpacking groceries, I noticed I am missing one yellow squash. Strange. It resurfaced an hour later -- under our shoe bench. Can you guess who is responsible?


















Dan continues to work ridiculous hours -- BUT as a reward for all of his hard work, his wonderful boss scheduled a 3-day weekend off and told him to go far far away. So we packed our bags and spent 3 relaxing days in... San Antonio!



We did the typical tourist thing on our first day -- enjoyed strolling along the Riverwalk, gawked at the Alamo and ate really tasty Mexican food. In an effort to avoid the oppressing heat on our second day, we visited a quiet Japanese sunken garden that had been carved out of an old cement quarry. It was absolutely stunning (and definitely made me homesick for my Grandmother Ellie -- I think she would love it here).





















































































During the heat of the afternoon, we visited the McNay Art Museum -- an expanded personal collection shown in Marion McNay's Spanish Colonial Mansion. Complete with original Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse, O'Keefe, Picasso, and so so much more. The paintings were amazing -- but her house (and courtyard in pictures below) were to die for. Next time we find ourselves in San Antonio, we will definitely be coming back!



































All in all, we had a great trip.