Macedonia Brook State Park, Kent

Before I write, I spend a lot of time watching and rewatching videos of whatever I'm writing about. This morning, I hit the pause and play button repeatedly, took notes, jotted down descriptions and transcribed quotes. I found some great quotes.

Thank you Denise for nominating this blog for the "One Lovely Blog Award." That was a nice surprise (see comment 2 posts before this one).

These photographs were taken on a hike with my brother in Macedonia Brook State Park. As you can see in one photograph, the blue-marked trail went down a very steep rocky face. I had to laugh when Dom said, "I CAN'T believe they made the trail down this way." Naturally there was ice in the crack in the rocks. At one point I took out the map to check where we were, only to realize the map had fallen out of my back pocket. Stellar. Good thing I wasn't carrying the keys! Little did I realize, a hitchhiker made it all the way home with me. It wasn't until the following day that I discovered that the sore in my side was actually a dog tick burrowed in my skin. It's been a week and there is still a wound from that ugly beast, who was flushed for exceptionally rotten behavior--and I mean rotten. I AM NOT TICK FOOD, DO YOU HEAR!

I am almost done filling out a biographical questionnaire for the Highlights Foundation for the Chautauqua writing workshop in July. Those things take more time than they look. It's interesting that I happen to be reading about "the dominant impression" of characters as I answer the "tell me about yourself" question. So it has got me thinking about what is the dominant impression that people get when they meet me? Maybe I'm too afraid to ask.

Here's my shot of the supermoon rising in the forest! The first sight of it was stunning, a glowing orange orb rising in the night sky. I now wish I had captured it from the top of a hill where the view was better. Next time.

I ordered new full color glossy business cards today. The old ones were circa 2002 and were missing vital information like website, facebook info and the mere mention of the word "science." I chose a background that reflects my most significant accomplishment. Hopefully, it won't make me ill to look at it if things don't pan out.

In Newport, I sat on the shore at this point that juts out right where the Cliff Walk changes direction. Water smashed the rocks at the top and it also came swirling in from the right. I was mesmerized by the waves rushing in and slamming against the boulders creating an ever changing pattern of whirlpools and white froth against a turquoise sea. I could have sat there for a long time.

I finally finished the outline for another chemistry article and emailed it two days early. I was crunched for time because I didn't realize I'd have the opportunity to spend as much time in Newport RI as I did and I wasn't about to turn it down.

Here are some wildlife photographs from the long walks we took. The seagull was our lunch guest on the Cliff Walk. The top photograph of a llama made me wonder how to distinguish it from an alpaca. I found this information that explains the differences.

Tackling a new topic reminds me of picking up a rock and turning it in all directions to try and find the most interesting angle. The subject I'm working on now is a lot simpler than the last one I did. I don't need all the upfront explanation (or so I think). It's due in four days, so I really need to get moving on it.

Speaking of rocks, earlier this week, I slipped away to Newport RI for a few fun days with friends. These two photographs of the rocky shore were taken on the Cliff Walk. The top photograph of Emily, I named Buddha on the Rocks. I made her nervous in the bottom photograph.

I've been hot on the research trail of another scientist who uses cutting edge technology. The more information I find, the more interesting it gets. This evening I found a video that would be perfect for high school students. It's captivating and funny too. I can't recall ever finding a humorous video that I used as a source (at the bottom of the article) for students seeking more information.

I'm hoping to do my first public presentation in celebration of Earth Day in April. Since Earth Day inconveniently lands on Good Friday, that is not the date I've picked. More on that when and if my form gets approved.

Yesterday, I was delighted to get a check from Highlights for the resale of an article (actually it was a game) to another organization. It amounted to getting paid, but putting in no new effort. I am liking that!

West Rock Ridge State Park, Hamden/New Haven, Connecticut - part 2

These photographs were taken at Judge's Cave at West Rock Ridge Park.

I had a great week of accomplishment. I put four packages in the mail and all were different: a contest entry, a grant, a complaint with substantial supporting documents, and a package for NASW.  So, I guess I'm a writer and a fighter and I always have been. I got into this business because I thoroughly enjoyed contesting two different planning and zoning meetings and producing evidence to support the facts. And yes, the big-box proposals were turned away both times! The errors I found in one planning and zoning proposal were enough to sink the ship.