Getting settled back up in Ithaca. The last two weeks on the Island were a bit of a mad dash as folks came out of the woodwork, my brain continued to "act out" (looking into trephination as an alternative therapy), and suddenly it was very important for me to finish all the gardening I hadn't done all summer. Was able to enjoy a nice day with dad going to the range and then a little classic car shindig down the road. Missed seeing Charlie at the range and though my rebellious headache forced me to stop shooting here and there, I still did relatively well. (There is some satisfaction in doing better than the men with their custom-made fancy-ass rifles, and me with the 30 yr old "Ma Bell" as she's known.) Bid farewell to my horses, I will sincerely miss cleaning their stalls, though I am welcome back to the barn any time. Had a peaceful communion with Cody one of my last nights there. I worry he won't be around the next time I come home. Saw some of the girls from the old days at the hospital and a few from high school (I still have high hopes Jon will save the world). Reminisced, caught up on personal and local news, and ate at many good restaurants. Right before leaving, the local Fire Dept was having their (75th?) anniversary, and randomly decided to set up their parade in front of my house. A pleasant afternoon distraction, and there were bagpipes! Overall a nice close to the summer vacation that wasn't quite a vacation and a little too much summer.

Returning to Ithaca, half a dozen (or so) birds in tow, finished moving into the new apartment. Of course, the first things set up were the bird feeders and bath- I can now spend countless hours staring at the little ones outside instead of doing work or staring at a computer screen. Had seven goldfinches this afternoon, plus all the regulars I'm used to seeing at home, making me much less homesick. The critters down home on the Island in comparison seem much more robust, and I miss being scolded by the familiar chickadees and titmice when I'm refilling feeders. Enough rambling about the birds, eh?

Diving right back into schoolwork, the schedule for the next two months isn't so bad though I remember *nothing* learned last year. The insane pace should pick up soon, however. Hoping to be able to skip out of town here and there before the snow sets in. Crossing fingers for Virginia (and Neil Gaiman!), and looking forward to Rasputina playing locally. More or less all for now. I should be teaching myself about hepatobiliary disease, as if I know what that is or even where to begin.