Firsts

I realized yesterday that I have never actually rented a car by myself. Now I have. Also, I have never used a GPS, and now I have. I am loving that for LA driving. It is very reassuring to have someone tell me exactly what to do. As for LA, I know it is much maligned, but I am enjoying my visit so far. It is so temperate here. As I write this I am sitting outdoors in a courtyard at the Pasadena Hilton.

It must be a slow news day when....

all university employees receive and email that begins:

Meaningful and exciting changes have been made to the way W-2 forms
are now available to University of Utah Faculty and Staff.

Photo cop out

In lieu of an actual post, here is a lovely picture of Catherine last week in San Francisco.

Long time no blog

A few items to catch up on:

1) The kids left for California on Sunday and that evening Craig and I checked into a hotel downtown that features real tempurpedic beds. My little empiricist determined to try out a possible replacement for our perfectly fine bed. The next morning we awoke and agreed that we had had a legendarily uncomfortable night. But my little empiricist decided a second night was needed to be sure and we needed to bring our own pillows. I suggested we bring our own sheets and blankets for the best controlled experiment but we stuck with pillows only. Morning two after another uncomfortable night and I am safe in the knowledge that we do not have to invest a few thousand in that new bed.

However, at that point I noticed that we had been sleeping with these two folks staring down at us and began to wonder if anyone could sleep well under these beady eyes.....

2) We had a lovely new years eve dinner over at Dave and Val's and talk turned to the bed problem. Another guest and Dave introduced Craig to the idea that he should convert to being a back sleeper. So, he gave it a try last night and seems to like our bed better now.

First day of xmas holidays

We're not cold; we are just enjoying lunch.Sam and Lars on the slopes together after a few years hiatus. They had so much fun, especially when stuck on the broken lift for 45 minutes listening to the people two chairs back singing Christmas carols to pass the time.
The view at the top when the fog cleared for a few precious minutes.

Winter Solstice

I threw a Winter Solstice party which was a bust in terms of guests-- only three people came, but fantastic content wise. We did a snowshoe hike which was supposed to be by the light of the full moon, but it was cloudy. Still, very gorgeous. Then we came back and ate the white chicken chili I had made. Pictures:

The night sky. Those are not stars but snow on the lens. That blob in the middle is the full moon.

movie

Catherine and I went to see Black Swan. Dementedly fantastic. More cleaning and purging today. All trash and recycling bins packed to the brim for the Monday pick up.