Please welcome Nigel

After contemplation of many name options for "Uncle Wiggley," we have come to a decision. "Uncle Wiggley" is now Nigel.
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And,as you can see, he is completely at home already.
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Our new cat!

It's a big day! My cat-free life has ended. We have a new cat companion!
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The Ann Arbor News features a Pet of the Week from the Humane Society shelter every week. Last week they listed a little blond cat named (and believe me, we will change this!) "Uncle Wiggley." This little guy is about seven years old and was a stray that was brought in about two months ago. Two months is a long time at a shelter, which is probably why they featured him.
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We just kept finding ourselves thinking about him, and then, in the Sunday paper, they printed a link to a little video. We watched it and that was that. We wanted him!
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Today, while I was at work, Scott went to the shelter and adopted him. Right now he's perched on the back of the couch, peering out the window, as though he's always been here. He follows Scott around the apartment like a little shadow.
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So great to have a feline housemate again!
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Now to come up with a name...!
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A brand new camera!

Wow! It's been ages since I blogged, and I still don't really have time right now... what a crazy time. I never knew the meaning of busy until the last few weeks!
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In the midst of all the whirl of work work work, a package arrived on my desk. Thinking it was just more work work work, I ripped it open - and discovered - a new camera! It's a Canon Power Shot to replace my mysteriously defunct Sony. A surprise present from my generous parents!
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I was thrilled!
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Traditionally, the first photo I take with a new camera is of my cat. Alas, I now have no cat. But I have a canine friend named Dottie who didn't seem to mind having her portrait picture taken!
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The best vegetarian chili in the world

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For months, maybe years, we've had a recipe on the fridge, which Scott cut out from a newspaper. The headline: "The best vegetarian chili in the world."

Well, Scott made it today. And I have to say. The headline does not lie.

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Still here

I have to wonder what my deal is with this blog. What has happened? Why am I not writing anything any more? It's not as though I have nothing to say or no time to say it. I spend more time online than I would like to admit. Yet I'm not blogging! A puzzlement.

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Some random observations:

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1. Silica is a magical supplement. I had a manicure (my first ever!) in New York City with Penny, and all but one of my nails are still intact. Not only intact but strong. The only thing I'm doing differently is taking silica, on the advice of my mother. That's got to be it!

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2. Hanging out with old friends is a pleasing thing. Scott and I visited Jesse and Rona, and their adorable daughter Maya, yesterday afternoon, and it was wonderful. We also managed to find a restaurant table, at dinner time, without a reservation, in downtown Ann Arbor, on Graduation Friday, and that's nothing short of a miracle.

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3. Book club on Christine's beautiful deck is also a pleasing thing. Spirited discussion, a gentle breeze off the lake, and good food and wine. Yay!

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4. I'm looking to rent a house, preferably in Depot Town. If not a house, then a nice, big, two-bedroom apartment, with doors. (Our current place has only one door, the one to the bathroom. I'm very glad it's there. But a couple more might be nice.) If not Depot Town, then - well - I guess I could be convinced if everything else was right. So keep an eye out for me, please!

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5. The Ann Arbor to Detroit inter-urban train is really going to happen! See this video for all the exciting details. Imagine hopping on a little train to Ann Arbor from Ypsi and taking one back in the evening. Or dropping by downtown Detroit for a matinee at the opera or a Tigers game, and then zipping home on the train.

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6. There have been huge developments in my workplace. I am ready for long days, few vacations, and probably travel. It's going to be a stressful few months. I'm a little scared. But excited, too.

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Guess that's it for now! It's good to be back. Let's see if I can keep the ball rolling this time.