So a LOT has happened this month, but no time to write about all of that now as the immediate real life is getting in the way. So, today, for example we have: 1) woke up in pain from 3-day "sickness", tried to get work done and in the end stayed home and only did about 4 hrs of work off/on through the day with head and gut aches, allergies, sinus gunk and joints, 2) kittens destroyed more today than ever before including major claw marks on all 3 of the new leather sofa pieces, 3) got two very large and unexpected bills in mail and 4) basement is leaking out of almost all walls and floors about 25 gallons of water an hour - no, it didn't rain, but I pulled the knob to turn on the lawn sprinkler system, notices lots of water going through pipes, but nothing in yard, so after a half hour turned it off and then the flood began. Seems the basement has been painted over real thick with water-soluable paint and that there are lots of holes/cracks that weren't ever sealed. Have no idea what to do next tomorrow (besides continue to vacuum up water, be healthy as I have to be at work for several meetings and many others are awaiting email from me on various projects), but the excitement will never cease.

What I do know: I) that stomach ache is likely related to stress and that I need to not let it or any other ailment own me, II) that my neighbors absolutely rock (from taking care of kittens while I'm away, lending me vacuum for flood, and just being good company when I'm down or up), III) that bills and work will get done and I'll do the important items first and enjoy the parts that are worth doing (ie. most parts - research, teaching, managing), and IV) that I feel incredibly fortunate to have people out there that care about me even if they don't live close by (most likely the same people who are reading this... yes, you!).

I look forward to sharing about other recent events including a) trip to Spain, b) beginning of summer midwest style & c) other reasons for taking pictures, but one step at a time. I think I have one more trip to the basement in me before bed...