A Different Table of Knowledge

Any of you know my Grandpa Fred?  If you do, you know that he goes to the Table of Knowledge most every morning.  This is where Grandpa and some of his hunting buddies sit around a table at the Century Bar in Bellevue, Nebraska.  Mostly I think that they drink coffee and wax philosophical.  This is small town America if you ask me.

While I am in Nebraska I've also been finishing up a policy paper (due tomorrow thank goodness!).  Anyway, I've been commandeering a table in the morning at the local Panera (I'm a slave to free wi-fi).  So this particular morning there appears to be a Table of Knowledge group at the Panera!  I think I've actually seen these fellas here before on another visit home.  They're reading their papers, talking politics, and many of them are wearing Carhart.  I have no doubt that they are Cornhuskers through and through.  I guess I'm just surprised that they hold their Table of Knowledge at  . . . Panera.

Mom update - By the way, mom is recovering well from her surgery, but, as anticipated, it's hard to keep her from moving around.

Facebook

Yo peeps - I'm on Facebook  now - like the rest of the world.  So friend me.  Because I can't find a lot of you.

Blog Diet

I know it - the blog is looking pretty lean these days.  It is taking the hit for all of this school work.  Just in case anyone is interested - here is what has been occupying my time lately:

- presentation on the oral/systemic connection, and saliva as a biomarker (shout out to my NMD homies here)

- paper and presentation on behavior effects of soda consumption in adolescents

- paper on consumer credit protection legislation

- research proposal to examine connections between college student credit card debt and negative physical and mental health effects  

Thrilling, isn't it?  I have a lot to say about grad school these days.  One of the nicest things on that list is that by and large I get to pick my own writing topics, so that at least when I spend a whole Saturday researching and writing (instead of watching college football) it is a topic that I find interesting.

VOTE

Make sure to get out and cast your ballot today!  CDW and JAS both voted before 8AM today - and it was a breeze!

The Story of Stuff

Got 20 minutes?  Check out this video on The Story of Stuff.

Maine 26.2, Mt. Desert Island

CDW warms up post-race in the car with the furkids.
Happy finishers and "Team Manager" Greg (he's not really the manager - he's just recovering from surgery).
Dr. Neal really enjoyed this one!
Our fearless leader, Coach Bob, at mile 20.  You go Coach Bob!
This is just one breathtaking view from the course.
A big pack of Pacemakers at mile 12.  Why are these people so happy?
CDW is feeling good at mile 20.  Lookin' good, too!
JAS and the pupps at the Gotts Island post-office.
The view from our hotel.

CDW and Jacks enjoy the ride back from Gotts Island.  Jacks decided to take a dip in the Atlantic!  He found it . . . refreshing.

What a race! Congratulations to all of the Pacemakers that toughed out this extremely challenging course.  I was only driving it, and I noted the constant uphill climb . . .  There were nearly 20 Pacemakers there, plus a few spouses, and a couple of injured runners.  I guess I qualify for two of those categories.

Just one highlight of the whirlwind tour (to Maine to run 26.2 and back all within 72 hours and driving WITH DOGS) was a trip to Gotts Island.  Gotts is just off the coast of Maine, and there aren't many full-time inhabitants - there is no public electricity.  You can only get there by boat. Our friend and fellow runner Jim has a house there.  His home is powered by solar energy, which we thought was very cool.  He has a treadmill there, and a little dirt track in the backyard for when he misses Wednesday mornings at Gilman (that's an inside thing).  Sorry the picts aren't in order. One day I will learn to do that, but not today as I take a 3 hour break from mid-term madness.

This evening we watched "Who Killed the Electric Car."  Not quite as exciting as "The Business of Being Born," but I would still recommend.  Counting the days until our next fuel-efficient vehicle . . .

Marathon Party

Some of our running buddies hosted a party last night.  Here is a shot of JS and CDW, and one of all of the Pacemakers.

Baltimore Running Festival

Today was the Baltimore Running Festival.  Neither of us ran, but a lot of our Pacemaker friends were out there.  I saw lots of folks at the 6 mile mark, and then at the finish line.  I also saw the Kenyans, which is my fave part of not being able to run (if I had to choose one).  I don't often get to see those fast folks when I'm racing.  It was definitely too hot today for a race, but everyone managed to smile in spite of the heat.

Here are some picts from today:  Chris and Jackson, A few Pacemakers post-race, runners at mile 6, Carol approaching the finish line, and Chris, Jackson, Charles and Carol celebrating her first 26.2!  Congratulations Carol!

Sports Injury

Turns out that sports injuries run in the family.  We think Caele got her injury Saturday after a dip in the cold pool - she then did a few laps at breakneck speed and then she was limping. Sound familiar to anyone?  Like mother like daughter (except for the breakneck speed part).  

The Dr.'s think that she tore some of the fibres in a tendon in her leg - that's what caused the swelling.  They gave her an NSAID injection at the site, and now she will be on an anti-inflammatory for the next few days.  She's also wearing this compression sock.  Please be quiet. She is trying to rest now.

Oh yeah - and I thought the Palin cartoon was really funny.  Thanks Carol!

Dogfest and Kittens Everywhere

Who remembers little Urban Meyer?  Well Urban Meyer (the stray kitten in my parking garage in January 2007) was adopted by a fabulous couple and renamed Huxley (I call him Huxley Meyer).  But I digress when I eat apples.  One of the many cool things about Huxley's family is that his mom is on the board of the Baltimore County SPCA.  Today the BCSPCA had their Dogfest event so we decided to check it out.  It was lots of fun!!  Doggies got to swim, go to the "beach," pick their own pumpkins, and we met lots of other fabulous dogs, some available for adoption.  We also went home with a goodie bag full of treats.

Another cool thing about Huxley's family is that they are fostering a litter of four kittens right now.  Soon these kittens will be big and healthy enough to go to forever homes.  So, if you've been thinking about getting a kitten, consider one of these guys.  They're all seven weeks old, parentage unknown. The marks on their faces are just a result of their initial homelessness & are clearing up quickly - they are all healthy.

Anyone who wants to visit them or has questions about the kittens themselves can talk to Heather - I'll be happy to give you her information.  Adoption applications are required for all of them, and available through Feline Rescue Association: http://www.thecatrescue.org/

Pictured, from top:

Monkey: Fluffy little Monkey is a little bit more reserved, but a cute & spry little sweetie. She likes to play, but LOVES to be pet and cuddled.

Oyster: She's a playful, mischievous girl determined to leave no cat toy unturned.  She's gorgeous, smart, spry & alert; clearly, she'll be a beautiful cat.

Mushroom: The smallest of the four, Mushroom's a darling shy girl who wants nothing more than to curl up in your lap and be held. Adorable and sweet-natured, she might do best in a quieter home. 

Blaze: The one boy of the litter, Blaze is a husky, lovable little scamp! Loves to wrestle and play, but the first to line up for pets - a good-natured charmer.

 

Pictures are here!

I have corrected our technical difficulties.   Top four are of the pool party, bottom two are of CT.

Birthday Girl

Guess whose birthday is October 1?  Caele Armstrong!!  In just a few hours we'll celebrate Caele's 7th birthday.  Ok - we'll probably celebrate it in the morning since we'll all be asleep.  

I can't believe that my little girl is 7 years old.  I remember driving to PA to pick her up (from the mafia), the holes she chewed in walls, pooping on the carpet right before Easter dinner . . . I just can't believe she's been with me so long.  I really don't know if I could have made it all this way without her.  Caele - we love you and happy birthday!

Birthday photo tribute from top: Caele in her snuggle nest - do not disturb!  Caele in her piggy costume with Aunt JJ and Dad.  Caele and Mama on our trip to Niagara Falls in summer 2007.

Doggie Paddling

Today was the much anticipated (in our house) doggie swim at the local gym.  They have an outdoor pool, and on the last day of the season they allow the doggies to invade (god bless them!).  The thunderstorms held off although it was dicey at times.    We showed up with our $10 (donation to the local SPCA) and swam for a full hour and a half!  Here's the deal: Caele is a FISH. We still weren't sure if Jackson was in fact a swimmer.  So upon arrival Caele acclimated quickly.  At first Jackson only ran laps around the pool with other dogs.  When he jumped in, his back legs didn't work very hard, so we usually had to stay close by.  But after some practice, he got the hang of things.  By the end of our swim time, Jackson was a willing and adept swimmer.  We were so proud of him, and of every other dog at the swim.  The gym staff said that there were about 75 dogs there, which meant some great cash raised for the SPCA, and there were no dog fights to speak of - just lots of urban mutts (ok - golden retrievers and chocolate labs) swimming until they just couldn't stand anymore, and gourmet dog treats for everyone.  Yes, there are awesome picts from this event.  No, they are not on the blog.  After some troubleshooting, BF CDW has concluded that we need a new cable from the camera to the MAC.  I hope to work on that tomorrow. When I do convince the camera and computer to speak to each other again I promise you some fab picts of doggies relaxing up in CT, and swimming picts that Aunt Carol took this evening.  

PS - Post swim Aunt's Carol and Amy and Uncle Charles had dinner at Little Havana with Jody and Chris.  A good time was had by all.  Mama had too many margaritas, but she was closing out margarita season (margarita season coincides with pool season which ended today, but daddy is petitioning to extend margarita season to coincide with marathon season - says that the extra salt benefits his training).

The Green Letter Bible

What's that - the word bible in a post on this blog?  Yep.  Most of you know that I am not especially spiritual in the tradition sense - spirituality for me is more about long runs and my yoga practice.  BUT a lot of our friends and family are very rooted in their faith, and I hope that even if you don't fall into that group that you will check out this book, The Green Bible.  I'm not endorsing religion of any kind, but I think this is a wonderful viewpoint on animals and our environment that will resonate with a lot of people.

There is a helicopter rolling down my street

That's right.  Actually 2 helicopters - Army ones.  If I had the camera (I do not) I would have posted photos - although I'm not sure photos were welcome at this motorcade.  There has been a defense conference of some kind going on at the Convention Center the last few days.  Yesterday there was a big motorcade.  Most likely someone very important and very Republican was being escorted out.

Back to the choppers.  There were two rolling down my street, being pulled and pushed by souped-up looking golf carts, men in uniform walking on each side, and chips-style cops blocking traffic.  Good thing I didn't need to go anywhere this AM.

Going to the Chapel

Guess what?  My cousin Jessica and her bf Marc are engaged!!  Woo hoo!  We're so happy for them because Marc is a super guy - can't wait for him to officially be a part of our family's madness, and of course he and Jess make each other really happy.  Hugs to them both - we're looking forward to the wedding.

Connecticut is Mmm- Farm Fresh!

This morning the Baltimore family visited the Litchfield Hills Farmers Market. Chris's Uncle Bill and Aunt Joan have been really involved in making this thing a realty - it is now in its second season and thriving.  We were able to take the furkids - some of the vendors keep dog treats on hand.  A great way to secure a sale from this family!  Anyhow, some of the goodies we came away with include granola that we bake fresh ourselves, pork tenderloins (for dinner tonite - we're still eating pork), peaches, lots of local honey, and dill goat cheese.  We ate something called a dirtbomb - which was dough baked and covered in cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg, etc.  So yummy!  And the best part is that all of these goodies came to us directly from the farmers that raised them!

We also had the opportunity for a family photograph.  I wish that I had known about that in advance as I might have put a little more effort into my appearance, but in any case, the picts are for an art project supported by a grant.  The project is called I Am America, and the installation will eventually be up here in CT.  Instead of being in a museum or other building, the photographs are reproduced in grand proportions and put on buildings, in corn fields, etc. Cool, yeah?

For more information about the market we attended today check out:

http://www.litchfieldhillsfood.org/

In other New England news, the doggies are having a grand time.  Caele is indulging her senses with the local . . . scents.  Jackson is frolicking all over the yard all day long - he can barely keep his eyes open at night.

Pass the Veggies Please

We've considered the idea of becoming vegetarians a couple of times.  When I lived on the Eastern Shore the chicken trucks used to really upset me.  It's not that either of us doesn't like meat - we both do.  Personally, I LOVE pork in its unhealthiest forms - bacon, sausage, etc.  Ostrowski Sausage anyone?  And I know that CDW enjoys a steak.  

Tonite we watched Fast Food Nation, and it reminded me of what my real problem with meat is - it's not humane - to anyone.  It's not humane to the animals, to the environment, to the slaughterhouse workers, or to the citizens of our country.  Jackson was so upset by the film - he could only comfort himself by nibbling on one of my ski gloves.

I just don't know if we can continue to eat meat, and sleep at night.  So here's the call - who can help us transition into becoming veggie??  I'm thinking gradual transition here.  First we cut out the red meat (I think that will be easiest for me).  Then we move to pork (I think I will consume a few pounds of bacon the day before).  Then to poultry.  I don't love chicken and turkey, but they are easy to prepare.  I'll miss that.  

We need books, websites, recipes, hints . . .

For more information about factory farming in the US, and how to make your kitchen sustainable, check out these websites:

http://www.sustainabletable.org/

http://www.meatrix.com/

Getting into the swing of things

What a week!  It has been stressful, exciting, exhausting, frustrating . . . I started the semester with what my department prescribed as the ideal fulfillment of my required courses.  But one night in Biostatistics gave me a strong hunch that this instructor was not going to be the one to help me through one of the most challenging courses in my MPH program.  Dropping that class has caused lots of shuffling and hustling to try to get into other classes that I need.  I am afraid that too many faculty members might know my voice after all of this!  It is no easy matter to drop or add classes in my program - you have to get permission from your advisor and a department chair, and sometimes beg the professor to let you into an already full class. 

In any case, things seem to be settling down, and I have traded Biostatistics for Epidemiology which is just fine by me.  Today is my first real opportunity to hit the books and so far I am enjoying the reading.

We're also awaiting the arrival of Hanna here.  I'm not sure that I believe this will be a big event, but forecasters are calling for several inches of rain in a short time and winds up to 40 MPH.  I have decided tomorrow will be a perfect day to stay in and whip up my new recipe for Greek Goulash!

By the way, I have been trying to upload the Italy video to the blog, but keep getting error messages.  Hopefully I will figure out the problem soon.  Possibly an operator error.

Another exciting note - I am wondering if Jackson is old enough to be out of his crate when we're not home.  Yesterday I left him out while I was gone for 45 minutes.  When I got home he was right at the front door waiting for me - no damage anywhere in the house, and no barking or clawing on doors - Go Jackson!  Of course Caele would probably prefer that he is caged . . . 

School's In/Stray Doggie Placement Agency

I started classes today!  This semester I am taking Research Methods in Public Health, Biostatistics, and Foundations of Public Health.  I'm tempted to take a 4th class (I would be taking 4 if not for some previous credits I have earned), but it's probably better that I stick to 3 while I adjust to being back in school, and managing my time.  I know that I will be challenged with the work load in this program, but I also feel very fortunate that it is my job to learn about something I love.  Tomorrow I meet my undergraduate students - keep your fingers crossed that I don't have to advise any duds!

In other news, the Sheely/Wood stray pet agency had another placement last week. Christopher discovered a stray mutt doggie (about 35 lbs) digging through the trash across the street from one of his properties.  Picture Jackson in size medium with slightly shorter hair and a more beagle-y face.  Anyhow, Chris lured this little fella in - and he happily accepted the food, water, soft blankets, and toys we offered.  I remembered that our dog sitter's dog had passed away in January - he didn't have a new dog yet this summer.  So I gave him a call, and he came to meet the little guy the same afternoon.  Turns out they were wild about each other - Chris the dogsitter took him home that day!!  Today Chris the dogsitter reports that indeed he is a great dog - independent but affectionate, does not eat furniture (yet), and great with small children.  Although in need of a neuter . . . which is coming this week.  Chris the dogsitter is thinking that naming will happen soon - perhaps something that starts with an "R."  I'll let you know as soon as I hear!

Oh yeah, I know that I kind of fell off the wagon with the Italy posts.  I'll try to at least post the video soon.  It's just awaiting a few edits.

Uncle Tom the Race Car Driver

If you have not heard me brag about my uncle who built and now races his own race car - I would be a little surprised!  On this trip back to Omaha I was lucky to see him race again.  Something about the smell of the burnouts and the noise of the engines revving really gets me going.  Here are some great photos: One of Uncle Tom and I next to his car.  Another of Uncle Tom and his daughter Dana.  He's on his way to line up for the next race, and she's hitching a ride there with him.  How many smokin' hot babes do you know who can also put in a new alternator? 

One Very Cute Baby Lives in O-Town

Saturday morning I flew home to good old Omaha, Nebraska.  One of my first stops was to see my high school friend Ryan's bouncing baby girl.  Ryan married a pretty awesome chica named LeeAnn, and so it follows that Baby Delaney is the coolest.  My mom came along for this very special visit, and it looks like she really enjoyed herself, too.  Ryan and LeeAnn have a very wonderful old house in the neighborhood where he grew up, and they have two handsome dogs named Henry and Jackson.  

They're Purr-fect

The dogs get considerably more blog real estate than the kitties.  So here's an attempt at evening that out - this was taken at the old place in Charles Village.  CDW calls this one "Three eyes a-glow."

JJ Fab comes to town (not really)

To say that I have blatantly ignored the blog would be accurate.  I thought that this month I would be living a life of leisure, waking up a little late, enjoying a leisurely coffee, reading John Irving novels all day - but it was not to be.  The last 2 weeks have been brimming with activities and places to be - I'm sure in great part my own doing.  So here is an update:

- I've been learning how to use my computer.  This has come in super handy since I had to make a video of myself for some people's reality tv show producers (this is all I can tell you right now).

- I've been getting in some awesome workouts which is great since I've also been eating as if it is a sport.

- I've got my first real squash match TOMORROW!

- My BFF Sarah came to town to celebrate (belated) her 30th birthday.  We had a kick-butt time that included lots of relaxing, dog walking, margaritas, and a girls trip to the beach.  Unfortunately the day we went also included severe lightening storms so we were only on the beach for about 2 minutes before the lifeguards kicked us all off.  Weather aside we had a really fun day in Rehoboth.

- I have received some long-awaited electronic photos.  I have included a few with this post  - Chris's baby sister Jenny visited us last fall.  You will see that she is a stunner!!

- I am working on an Italy slide show.

Jonas Brothers/My first Jobless Achievement

So one of the advantages of our primo downtown locale is that whenever someone of any significance enters/exits Charm City - we see it.   I saw Obama's motorcade when he was here for a town hall appearance (this was on my walk home from work - they had shut down the streets which meant I could cross wherever I wanted!), and this evening on our final dogwalk we saw The Jonas Brothers leaving.  They played a concert tonite at First Mariner.  It was teeny-bopper city.  If you don't know who they are (like us) - ask a 12 year-old girl.  Anyhow, we saw bus after bus turning the corner onto 95, then 3 girls in a station wagon drove by us screaming out the windows "Yeah Jonas Brothers!!"  Their enthusiasm prompted me to check these fellas out on iTunes - I'm still not sure I get it though.

The above movie represents my first accomplishment as an unemployed person.  Each of our vehicles needs a repair and I have been to the mechanic both yesterday and today - and yet both cars still need to be fixed - all I have to show is this movie.  Make no mistake - it is amateur hour.  I am just learning iMovie.  I am actually going to a iMovie workshop tomorrow afternoon - but I was so excited about my accomplishment that I had to go ahead and slap this one up for all of you to enjoy.  Watch out - a newer and better version of Ireland 2008 may appear in later posts.  You might be wondering why I am posting Ireland instead of Italy.  The answer is that SOME PEOPLE still need to send me their picts of Florence.  If you happen to know SOME PEOPLE that have these pictures please let them know that you are anxiously awaiting Florence materials.

Italia, Day Three

Pictured above: Corniglia from the trail.  Below - Jody and Chris mid-hike.  I don't know why this pic came out so small . . . 
This was my favorite day in Italy.  We decided to hike from Corniglia where we were staying to Vernazza and then Monterosso.  Each of these towns was vastly different from quiet and sleepy Corniglia, and from each other.  I don't think that either of us realized how long and challenging these hikes were going to be - it turns out that the first leg to Vernazza was 3K, and the next leg to Monterosso was 4K.  There were steep inclines and declines, and we wound around the cliffs and through hillside vineyards - glimpsing some stunning views along the way.

In Monterosso we carved out a little spot on the beach.  We ate lunch there, then began the trek back to Corniglia.  We moved much more slowly on the way back, and stopped in Vernazza for a brief intermission.  There we enjoyed a delicious pesto bruschette, and a drink.  Those probably slowed us down even more on the last leg!

We were covered in sweat and dirt from our hikes, so our showers felt absolutely luxurious! We decided to try a restaurant that was only about 50 feet from our room - we had heard from other travelers that the anti pasti there was tasty and plentiful.  What we didn't realize was that most of anti pasti dishes included some kind of seafood!  We had anchovies prepared 4 different ways, and 3 plates of mussels.  Chris had to pick-up the slack for me on those dishes - luckily one of the town cats was hanging around our table - he also seemed to enjoy seafood.

After dinner we picked up some gelato, and sat on a bench in the town square.  A group of little boys were racing back and forth across the town square - and each time they reached their end-point they would call out "Primo!" "Secondo!" or "Ultimo!" - these little fellas ran tirelessly, and provided us some great entertainment.

 

My Last Day

Today was my last day at the National Museum of Dentistry.  Staff marked the occasion with a special pizza lunch, and some fun send-off gifts for me - yeah new cookbook and tooth pencils!! They also got me a grill.  This is not something meant to prepare meat with - rather a blingy apparatus I can sport over my natural teeth.  Learn about them on Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grills_(jewelry).  I'll try to get a pic soon.  

Anyhow, it was an emotional day for me after 3 years of dialing for dollars in the kooky world of organized dentistry.  I will certainly miss the people of NMD, and all of my very cool campus and dental world friends . . . BUT I am pretty excited about starting school this fall.  In the meantime I have the rest of August to cook, walk dogs, read, travel, see friends, etc.  Pretty cool.  Oh yeah - and maybe I will get caught up on this blog. 

Here Kitty Kitty!

Today I received this e-mail from the University Police in College Park.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND 20742-6011
301-405-3555
EMERGENCY / DIAL 911
http://www.umdps.umd.edu

CAMPUS ALERT

July 31, 2008
There have been several reliable sightings of an animal fitting the description of a cougar on the campus. The description of the sighted cat is: light tan and tawny brown, about 4 feet long with a 4 foot tail, and weighing about 50 pounds. Several sightings have been reported from the area of Cole Field House, near the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, and continuing through the wooded areas to the area of the Comcast Center and Arena Drive Garage. There has been no report of aggressive behavior on the part of the animal, but community members are warned that cougars are a predatory species and that, if seen, the animal should not be approached.
If you see the animal, please contact the university police at 301-405-3555. University police are working with other agencies to
remove the animal from the campus area.

Prepared by:
Captain John Brandt
Crime Prevention Unit
jbrandt@umpd.umd.edu

DOGgone Cute

There aren't nearly enough photos of the furkids on the blog.  Time to pump up the volume. Enjoy these picts of the kiddos as they cheered their dad on at an Adventure Race earlier this spring. Photos of the actual race to come in a future post.

CDW's Portland Marathon

In fall 2007 Chris and Mark ran the Portland Marathon. We just got the photos back so in that respect this post is timely. They had a groovy time, and opted to pony up a few extra bones for the VIP treatment. It included big comfy sofas in their recovery areas, long massages, and prime position at the starting line. Talk about high rollers!!

What is Chris doing with his hands in that picture you ask?? That's a shout out to the Baltimore PaceMakers - can you make out the P and M? We own the road. That's also where we met each other!

And Jody's running?? I'm still battling with my right IT band, but I am able to trot rather slowly around the grass at Ft. McHenry. Jackson and I did a loop just tonite. I'm awaiting new orthotics, and hope to be posting my own race picts sometime soon!