What's Going On?

Sorry I haven't posted for the last couple of days; life is just too busy. This about sums up how I feel, though the picture is missing a large cup of coffee and I look frazzled and tired. Hopefully some sanity will return to my life after this weekend.

 



Fish Tales

Northern Pike, freshly caught  by Todd in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), northern Minnesota.

And to go along with the fish, some potato from the farmer's market.

Fuzzies!

I went to do some grlling outside and found this fuzzy friend hiding on the leaves beneath the grill.

 Love the color - matches the fall weather.

Not sure what the proper name for catepillar feet are, but they are certainly cute little things.

My feet are ready for fall and winter - got these warm fuzzies on sale and I just love wearing them.  Wish I could wear them to work, not just at home.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee skyline from the river front.

There was a cute duck statue that I couldn't resist taking a picture of. Don't know why, but it makes me smile. Wish I had this for my back yard - though Pancho would probably use it as his pee post.



Another angle of the duck, this one looks like she's leaning in to tell you a secret. What can I say, I'm a sucker for animal stuff.



Conferencing

 Brewing Up Success was the theme of this year's state advising conference; fitting since we were in Milwuakee and their team is the Brewers.

 Found a picturesque place to have dinner, right along the river front. This is my co-worker, Trudy.

...... and Erik.

Signe and I.

Celebrate!

Feeling loved last week on my b-day. Though Todd was not home, he had ordered a beautiful vase of roses w/ chocolate, then the international students I host brought some gifts (something special from China and a chocolate chip muffin).

 At the end of the day it was off to happy hour for some sushi.

 Thanks to Signe (& her hubby Steve) for sitting on the deck, in the afternoon sun, for a few laughs. Here's Signe with our delicious Pink Panther beverage.



Fall Picnic

Each year, the International Education Office hosts a fall picnic for international students and their host families. Only Aleksandra could attend, but we had a nice time catching up.

 The event was held at Lake Altoona beach park; it was a beautiful evening.

 Not at all like the beaches back home, but hey, its something.



A Pop of Color & Love

Some of the new landscaping on campus is looking great. I think this bush is called a Service Berry. I wonder if the berries will remain through winter after the leaves have fallen off?

 A view of our new student Center. It's a beautiful fall day; wish I were outside instead of inside. But I did get some sunshine and chatted on the phone with my mom - nothin' better than the warmth of two mom's (mother nature, and my one and only, awesome mom).



September B-Days

I have two co-workers who have Sept. b-days as well. Since Todd is always gone with his class during my b-day week, I figured, "screw it, I'm throwin' a party." My beautifu friend, Signe, was my partner in crime. She made a decadent chocolate cake and delicious pina coladas. We had lots of delicious munchies and plenty of beverages.

 Our youngest party participant was Sidney, she also enjoyed the chocolate.



Saving the World - One Student at a Time

Last week we hosted our College Achievement Program (CAP) kick-off dinner. CAP is a progam where we offer intrusive assistance to students to get them off to a great start and in the long run, graduate with a college degree. This is my wonderful co-worker, Jasmine, the coordinator of CAP.

 You can't have a kick-off without food. Cheese enchiladas and chicken fajitas with all the fixin's.

Nice group shot of our first and second year students.