New tentative defense date

Eeek...

New defense date is August 13th! Friday... the 13th. I'm not superstitious. Not at all.

I've always had good Friday the 13ths. Really. Not like Thursday the 12ths. No, those have been bad.

I really hope my one committee member's baby stays put till the 14th (her due date is the 12th of course).

Other relevant dates:

July 28-August 1- Christoph comes to visit
July 31 - lease in Front Royal starts
August 1- wedding anniversary
August 5- Jim moves to Front Royal
August 6- Jim starts work
August 6- I go to Front Royal
August 9- Interview in Fairfax
August 13- Phd defense
September 10- last day to be in our house

Things are crazy nutso wacky busy.

$@&! Snake!

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not much of a swearer, but nothing brings out the profanity in me more than seeing one of our scaly friends crossing my path. Don't get me wrong, I'm not particularly afraid of snakes, and after the initial shock wears off I love to get right down next to them and check out their total coolness, but that first encounter almost always sparks a sharper response. At least I've improved from the "stand in place and scream" reaction.

The latest reptile encounter was this past Saturday in the backyard. This magnificent black snake was motoring across the yard from the woods, headed to parts unknown in the flower beds. He (or she) was definitely a crusty, old character-the tip of it's tail looked chopped off and it had lots of scars. But he was nice enough to pose for some good pictures...