MAGICAL BLOG

Oh, hi, mid-October. It's too bad that I equate you with an impending onslaught of due-dates and deadlines. On the bright side.......

I have a magical blog! When I wish for something on my blog, it comes true. I realize that I have to be careful with this kind of power. If you have a request, feel free to post a comment on my blog and I will integrate your wish into my next post. Here is how I know my blog is magical:

1. Dinnertime friends. On my very first blog, I hoped to soon be, "nestled in the comfort of a new community, with friends around a dinner table like those heavenly nights at the Wendell Berry House." With a disclaimer that there could NEVER be a gathering of women like at the WBH, I will say that I had a beautiful Friday night last week, when I made dinner with a house of friends, and we sat around a giant table, drinking Cuba Libres and laughing all night.

2. Fall adventures. Last week, I mentioned that I was yearning for applepicking adventures of a Midwest fall. GUESS WHAT I DID ON SUNDAY!?? Apple picking and cidering! If you have never gone cidering, you should do it before the apples are gone. Here is why:

I mean, just look at the blurring motion of the apple crushing. What a hoot.

3. Multiple times, I have referred to missing my family. And now my sister is coming for Thanksgiving! We are going to tromp around Seattle in rubber boots and probably drink many-a-latte and giggle about things that aren't necessarily that funny to your average person.

So, in closing, I just want to mention... I wish I could find a cheaper living situation. This apartment is nice but way too pricey. *****come on magic blog, do your thing!!!******

I know its cliche to say this, but I can't believe summer is over. It is October already! And I can't tell you how much I'm aching for fall on the hill: bright leaf colors contrasted with white limestone, going to the apple orchard and trying to bake crisp in the tiny dorm kitchen, the WB corn roast and spectacular view from the fourth floor of Regents.

I'm also yearning for home. No matter how long it has been since I had to catch the bus every morning, I still equate fall with the frosty yard in the morning, watching my breath form a cloud as I squinted towards the intersection of Echo Rd. and Eau Claire River Rd, where the bus would pull out and turn towards my house. In Moscow, fall means rain. It is a different type of cold- not the clear, crisp Midwest cold, but a wet, soggy, Northwest cold. I feel a bit out of sorts.

Fortunately, there is also a whole new world of fall scenery here! Last weekend, I went to the Seven Devils Mountains with some of my friends. Behold, fall in Idaho:

How's that for Famous Potatoes? Also, we hit a deer in Zion's car- it was just like being back home!!!

Anyway, in other news: school's great, I've met some amazing people, and I have way too many meetings a day. And... my interdisciplinary team is the best: