I watch people. I love observing group dynamics. Reno is definitely the town for it. Incredible. Later tonight, after the presentation, I'll try to verbalize what's happening inside me during people watching.

I had a luggage accident - a bottle 'sploded and secondary containment failed, and I had to do laundry. Thank the goddess no dry cleaning.

Family is great. Aunt Tork has a "well put together life." Uncle John is a bit of a mess, but he's surviving and his heart is in the right place.

For a flatlander, the mountains are fabulous! Never get tired of gazing at them. Driving up to Lake Tahoe for some hiking before the tour starts.

Sister K is blogging about her trip from PHX to SEA.
http://trek2wa.blogspot.com/2009/08/giants-do-exist-and-videos.html

Other travel blogs you may remember and treasure:
Three Sisters (Utah) at http://1suv2states3sisters.blogspot.com/ (2007)
Three Chycks (CLE-PHX) at http://threechycksandabytch.blogspot.com/ (2008)

I am going to blog from China later this month but won't really know until I get there how much internet access I will have.

I will definitely blog my lecture circuit around CA/NV/AZ/NM in September.

Picture Post
( under here )

Sister K and I will be heading to Pere Marquette State Park tomorrow. We will be staying at the Lodge or in Grafton, IL on Tuesday night. On Wednesday, we will take the convertible onto the Golden Eagle Ferry across the Mississippi River to MO-94 and then south to St. Charles. I would expect ETA to be around 1 pm on Wednesday.

Pictures follow.

Sister K is here for a visit.

Homegrown!

Herb Mayonnaise: Mayo, thyme, basil & cracked pepper

Jerk spice: allspice, clove, cardamom, pepper

Local chicken grilled last night

Thinly sliced - radish, red onion, lettuce

Assembled on toasted organic ciabatta roll.

Voila!

I wanted to get Brother T a wedding gift - the 12 piece Caphalon Anodized cookware. After waiting patiently, I got it at substantial discount. First, it went on sale at $279, marked down from $349. Then I had a coupon for 15% off for $237, then the cashback extra for -$20 to $217. I got $40 kohl's cash bringing the total sale to $177. 50%. I'm feeling good. Patience is a virtue.

In further analysis, if I count the cashback I got from the CC which was $160 than I almost got it for "free." I use the term loosely since I had to spend money to get it, but I was going to buy things anyway so it prolly is a wash.

Still feel great.

dark roast fair trade coffee with cream
sizzling pepper bacon
corn cakes using farm eggs and dripping butter & real maple syrup
fresh grapefruit juice
green tea from taiwan
gala apples & nutmeg

and a handful of pharmaceuticals.

Sacred Mystery.

Un Padre Bueno.

Si. Hablo espanol.

I do look good in tourquoise blue.

The bride is gorgeous.

Brother T has a lot of friends - personal and professional.

The family was well behaved.

Men look fabulous in tuxedos.

The 12 apostles are secure.

Another cold day of ice. Enforced solitude. Good for recharging. Solstice nourishment.

I made a version of shepherd's pie using the leftover potroast.

( Pictures )
In the realm of "great minds" prepare "great food" aisa0 shared this Tasty Tasty."

I spent an hour in the sun while the Sisters went in search of a printer.
( Sunshine. )

Two pitchers of beer: $25.00
Pizza & salad for three: $20.00
Inserting your own narrative to "Ozzie & Harriet": Priceless.

( More pictures of the Sisters and Brothers )

Went well.
I love crowds and watching group dynamics.

( alcohol is a great equalizer )

People are in big groups, break into small groups for directed conversation, come together again to review and check-up on friends, then break apart to other groups with new people. Some cliches stay together and the savvy "host" will subtly intervene introducing new people to the group, directing conversation to global rather than local topics. In my leadership training, we talk a lot about organizational psychology. It's amazing to watch.

Homemade bloody marys this morning (virgin for me) with wild caught smoked salmon, bagels, local cream cheese, red onion, capers and tomatoes.

Turkey with mole sauce and a glass of fine wine later tis afternoon. The rain is clearing and we are looking good for sunshine!

It's raining this morning in PHX; a light, gentle rain. I sit outside on the patio and breathe. Sip tea. Breathe. Listen to to the wind. Breathe.

Sister P, Brother D, and Sister K.
( under the cut )

Sister K and I took the puppy dog on the circumference trail around North Mountain yesterday. I feel pretty good even after a 90 minute hike. I expected more stiffness.

Today is Four Peaks.

A 3 hour direct flight is wonderful. Sunny and 78F when I arrived. Gorgeous.

Brother D (Sister P's BF) is growing a garden in Sister P's backyard. The basil is chest high. Envy!! Brother D and I spoke about gardening, composting, and other garden related issues. D is a PhD biophysics dude so we talk science and publications - the business of doing research. Looking forward to many other conversations.

Sister K (relocated from CLE earlier this year) is teaching a 7 am math class at the CC. I would have never thought she'd be a morning person. People are adaptable. They do what needs to be done.

There is a brown fluffy puppy dog living at Sister P's house. She's neat.

Brother D brought his juicer over for me so I can continue my antioxidant/phytonutrient juices.

Family has gone to work. I'm enjoying a nice cuppa chinese herbal detox tea while sitting outside relaxing.

Me: What happened to my ambition to be the vice president of research for a major international corporation?

Brother T: Maybe you grew up.

Sister K (Ky) is relocating to the great southwest and is car-tripping with friends (Cy) and family (Py, Jy). Their blog, in the spirit of Three Sisters, is located at:

http://threechycksandabytch.blogspot.com/

If they can remember to blog, it will be fun to watch their adventures. Wish I was with them, but alas, responsibilities conspire. I actually fantasized about calling in and taking 3 weeks off. Crazy talk.

re: solstice task list
I accomplished 13 out of 17 items this week. Human beings are wired for "getting things done" with a delicious shot of endorphins when one sets and fulfills a goal. I highly recommend it. I'm happy.

Sister K was really depressed last weekend about her big mid-life "crisis." She quit her teaching job and is moving to PHX from CLE. She was getting rid of everything from 15+ years of living in CLE but a few boxes. I convinced her to put up signs in the apartment complex and list her big ticket items on craigslist. Success!! She managed to get rid of all the big items (king bed, exercise equipment, furniture) and most of the small stuff in less than 3 days. She removed the old post and posted an updated version of what was left until finally, today, she is giving away things for free - like her heavy winter clothes. K is much happier now that "it" worked; people are using her stuff, and she made a little cash. I'm actually quite proud and envious of Sister K. She made a big, life-changing decision and, while experiencing doubt and frustration, she is carrying on. I admire K's courage.

Work is fabulous. Research projects are humming along. My people seem happy in their work. I'm getting more done in less time and not stressing too much. I have time to sit in the garden and read.

I bought some much needed clothing on sale this morning: blouses and undergarments. In keeping with simplification efforts, I went through my closet and donated 12 items that I haven't worn in at least a year to make room for the new 4 blouses. I am seriously considering the "100 thing" challenge. It will take some thought to define my own guidelines.

I am having the annual "Burn Baby Burn" BBQ at my place next Saturday. Family will be in town, and I invite all my co-workers and friends. We play bocci ball and croquet. Good conversations. Fine food. Frosty beverages. This means I am looking with renewed interest at several home repair tasks that should be done before guests come over; another list in the making.

This week has been filled with breath, light, and growth.

Gods! What a great life!

Thank you. I am completely satisfied with all that I have.

My BFF Jill is departing in 8 days for France with her family. I spent yesterday evening with her at a local winery. A perfect evening. Warm. Beautiful sunset. We agreed to be penpals - not just email, but real letters so we can include special items like, perhaps, pressed flowers or leaves.

She invited me to visit so I am looking at the possibility of taking a European vacation or lecture circuit in 2009 or 2010.

acceptable development
continued infusion of change
not a simple task
achievement complete in partial images
masked in smiling contentment
I am afraid

Those that can have fire!
Family & friends



Darin and I are gods of fire! (more pics later)

I'm not confident enough to ride my new bike to work today, and I'm out of town tomorrow. I don't have all the logistics figured out - clothing, shower, work papers, laptop, route, etc. At least I'm spiritually with all the bike-to-workers.

I'll be gone F-M for Sister K's 40th birthday. I am not bringing the laptop even though there is a grant/manuscript due by May 30. If I work hard enough today and concentrate without distractions, I can write enough to be able to get a hard copy to edit on paper over the weekend.

The big 4-0 was not such a big deal to me, but K made it plain that it IS important to her so we (her sisters) are planning a big weekend getaway. It will also be her last party in CLE as she has decided not to renew her teaching/admin contract (HS math) and is relocating....somewhere. I admire K's courage, determination and confidence to be able to walk away and start fresh.