Washington, DC

Made my up to the Albans today for a staff meeting this morning. It was good to see the old staff and meet the new ones. They are a great faculty and better people. We worked/caught until early afternoon. After leaving the Albans I slid downtown for a much needed nap.

When Norm and Virginia got home we headed over to Arlington for Sanko’s 40th birthday celebration at the Quarterdeck. I have been lucky enough to A, get to know Sankt through Billy and Norm over the years, and B, go to his birthday the last two years. Great timing! We gorged ourselves on Crabs and other seafood delights. I good time was had by all. I was able to catch up with many of the DC crew I have gotten to know over the years.

Sanko recieves the gift of adult diapers

The Crab Fest pre-meal

Happy 40th Sanko!

After the “Crab fest” the bulk of the group returned to Norm’s porch for conversation, spirits, and corn hole.

View from Norm's condo patio

If you would like to view more photos of summer shenanigans.

Washington, DC

I arrived in DC this afternoon, love the direct flight, around 11:45am. I ran into a professor from my days at Rhodes who was also on the flight. Dr. Nelson was heading down to UVA for symposium on the American Presidency, one of the areas of his expertise. We had a nice discussion as we waited for our luggage. After I snagged my luggage I took the Metro to Albans to finish the last of my paperwork for the program. Once I finished with that I hung out in the office helping with a few last minute items then I went to go meet Norm and Virginia at there place downtown.

The kids do not arrive until Sunday so I have a few to days to take in the fun of DC before I have to actually “work”. After I dropped off my stuff at Norm’s I walked down to Billy’s office to meet up and walk over to “our” softball game. This summer marks my fourth year with the Ugly Mugs. For better or worse for the Mugs I am only playing in one game due to my crazy summer schedule. In the year since I have played the team has apparently been busy. The team fan base includes a few more toddlers and even one on the way. To copy a phrase heard earlier in the evening, “Apparently a few couples “pulled the goalie” and the team expanded.”

In the end, Pete took the mound and the loss as the Ugly Mugs went down 13 to 8. We played on the mall which made for better views and worse playing conditions. One nice thing was that the President’s Marine Corps band was playing about a hundred yards away so we got to hear, “From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli as we were at bat.

View of the mall from the ballfield

Billy at bat

Despite the loss the several members of the Ugly Mugs were ease their sorrows with a few beers and several mini-burgers and pizza rolls our sponsor bar. Even little Isabella, Billy and Mandy’s first daughter was able to join us for a brief appearance. Norm, Rex, and I stayed for a few more beers to dissect the game and develop strategy for future games.

Isabella gives me her best "Blus Steel" look.

Norm and retired to his abode to play a few games of “corn hole”. Due to his numerous corn hole expertise I was only able to manage one win that night but since it was the last game of the evening my spirit was buoyed.

One of the few times I scored a point

Memphis, TN

I have been working on an application for a study tour of Japan and China in this fall. It seems like a great program, specifically because it would allow my students to partner up with students in China and Japan. The application was long but it was worth the effort. The program would not cost me or the school a dime, the students would benefit, and I would get to travel:)

The rest of the week I got ready for DC and just caught up with friends. Weiss, Brittany, and I went to Soul Fish Café for dinner. It is one of my favorite places that I do not get to enough. It has one of my favorite sandwiches, the Cuban. Very yummy.

Heading to DC for little over a week to visit friends and teach at the St. Albans School of Public Service. The last three summers I have worked with that program and this year they were nice enough to have teach for a week before I head off to China.

Group photo of SPS at Meet the Press

View of St. Albans School

Memphis, TN

Quick updates on the goings on of Pete. It was great to see Brittany when I got back from the road. She made a great dinner for me. It is going to be tough when I go away to China.

The week back in Memphis was spent sleeping in and hanging out. Some of the highlights were a trip to the new Blue Monkey downtown. I love the new Monkey; it has been a long time for the place to open/re-open. When the old downtown Monkey burnt down it was sadly missed. I love Beale Street but it can be over the top at times. I love the feel of the new Blue Monkey. Brittany and I went with a couple of friends and had a great time.

It is sometimes better not to ask

After spending some days vegging out on the couch watching TV and reading up on China. Later on in the week we went to the rooftop party at the Peabody. It was a beautiful night and we all had a great time. I went with Brittany and some of our friends. I ran into one of my old students from my first year at SBA. She finished her Masters and started working as a counselor at Youth Villages, my old workplace. I guess I am getting old.

Hanging on the rooftop at the Peabody

View of Autozone Park from the roof of the Peabody

The weekend was spent hanging out with friends. Brittany and I hung out Truk and Kath and had a good time catching up and just shooting the breeze. On Saturday we grabbed some ribs at the Rendezvous and then some drinks at Silky’s. I was good spending some time with the old gang. I love my summer of travel but I do miss spending time with my friends in the summer.

Tusky enjoying a drink at Silky's