Blinding Me with Science (A Hiking Post)

So as some of you know, Rob got a job this summer as a research assistant for the Mountain Pond Project (you can view their blog here...it hasn't been updated this summer yet but plenty of stuff from last year).  Essentially his advisor's research centers around testing and monitoring high-altitude ponds in Maine.  Rob works with three other college students, Amie, Sara, and Sarah, monitoring pond temperature, depth, dissolved oxygen, and other science-y things. They also create depth maps for some of the ponds that haven't yet been mapped.  I'm probably leaving something out about what they do, but it's all over my head anyway so just go read the blog.

This is the reason that he goes on all those camping trips grumble grumble.  I'd be lying if I said it didn't bum me out a little when he leaves because he's even though he's working, he's also camping and having fun with people who aren't me, and that kind of sucks for me since I'm sitting alone in my house working by meself not really having that much fun at all with anyone.  Cypress's idea of fun, i.e. rolling in dead animals, doesn't really count.

On Wednesday Rob invited me to go on one of their hikes (he's begged me to go on the camping trips as well, but my job depends on cell reception and internet access) and I agreed.  His advisor has been wanting me to take some pictures of the work they're doing for use in the blog and other promotional materials, and I was happy to oblige.

We got up early, met with the girls and set off for Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, Maine.  We walked together for awhile but then separated (Sara, Amie and I went to one pond, Rob and Sarah went to another) and met up later.  The hike really wasn't too strenuous and it was fun getting to see what my husband does on these trips.

I thought you all might enjoy some of the pictures from the day, so here they are. My one regret is that I didn't get any pictures of Robbie and I together, but maybe next time.

  (from left, Sarah, Sara, Amie, and Robbie)

What fun have you had this week?

Thursday: Things I'm Thankful For

Does anyone else love alliteration?  Of course you do.

This week was a little tough on me, starting a new project and being away from my husband and all, so I thought it was a good idea to think about what I'm thankful for this lovely Thursday morning.

1. Finally getting my favorite jacket drycleaned, and noticing that the drycleaners successfully removed two 3-year old stains.

2. The simple joy of getting to fly home after a week of work.

3. Doing well on the project so far and making my team happy and more relaxed about upcoming deadlines.

4. Allegra. Enough said.

5. The aforementioned random morning texts from my husband that say only a single word and that brighten up my day immensely.

6. Finally seeing the sun after a week of rain and dreary skies.

7. This Arrested Development Clue game, which sadly is not real, but still...someone out there was awesome enough to think about it.

8. Going to SEATTLE in less than a week!  Eeek! 



What are you thankful for on Thursday? :)

Some Letters I've Been Meaning to Write II

Dear Weather,

Please stop with the 50-degree, rainy days.  It's May. I want warm and happy and sunny and lovely.  I'm on a lovely campus this week and I'd love to frolic about.

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Dear Windshield Wipers,

I would appreciate it if you would move to the beat of the song I'm listening to both more often and for longer periods of time.

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Dear Sneezes,
 
I take far too much a rational amount of pleasure when you occur on the downbeat of a song, particularly on that downbeat between a verse and the start of a chorus.
 
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Dear Radio Station here in Rochester,
 
You have to be the most random radio station ever. I heard "Baby's Black Balloon" twice in the last few days, along with RHCP, 1990s Alanis Morrisette, and some other unidentifiable crap.  Please play consistently good songs.
 
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Dear Hotel Restaurant,
 
Drinks were delicious but I've been reacting all day from the chicken you served me.  I would ask that your chefs look into gluten-free dining for the sake of your hotel guests.
 
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Dear Myself,
 
It was really stupid of you to eat the chicken that the hotel restaurant served you, especially when the waitress implied that panko breadcrumbs might be okay and then offered you rolls (sidenote: there were no breadcrumbs on my chicken).  Let's both hope that the gluten-free menu at tonight's restaurant is reliable.
 
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Dear TBS,

Family Guy, the Office, and Seinfeld reruns are good. Conan is good.  "King of Queens" and anything by Tyler Perry is freaking stupid.  Please become cognizant of these facts and offer me programming that does not totally suck.

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Dear Robbie,
 
I hope you know how happy it makes me when I get random texts from you that say no more than "Mewf!" particularly because I know that texting on your circa-2003 flip phone is an arduous affair.  Thank you for brightening my day.
 

Love,  

Caitlin xoxo