Minneapolis Visit and Pet Sitting

Julia went to Minneapolis for Ally's bridal shower. She attended a Mardi Gras party with Sam and Hannah. Jules also spent time with Gigi, Sanath, Wes, Tatiana, Chase (the dog), Sarah, Matt, Anne, Nathan, Reilly, and Jerry. She has so many wonderful friends there. She's coming to DC tomorrow!!!

On the home front, we are pet-sitting Abbey (the dog) and Indy (not pictured). 

Minneapolis Visit

Julia has left Fairbanks for somewhat better weather in Minneapolis. She is visiting friends, which of course includes an epic steak night with Sam and Hannah and many other good eats with Wes, Tatiana, Anne, Matt, Jerry, Sanath, and Ally (to mention a few)!

On the home front, Brenda has settled back in DC with her pets Abbey and Indy. It’s so nice to have her less than a mile away and working at the World Bank Group. Steven caught up with Aaron for coffee. We enjoyed a chill Valentine's Day and special cards from our GT daughter, Elizabeth!

 

Packing It Up

The focus for the next couple of weeks will be on packing up Julia's apartment and making some final great memories with her friends. She went with Sam to Maya's (the dog) first birthday party. Julia hung out with Jerry, Diede, Ally, and Sanath, and saw Cornbread, the 98-year-old jazz pianist. The best news I heard was that the friends also took a bunch of stuff from her apartment—yay, less to pack.

On the home front, I spent time with my dear friend Vera and her wonderful girls, Vickie and Maggie. I finished a quick and simple cat puzzle. Also, Mom has been in Florida, enjoying her time with Regina and finalizing Regina's next move. 

Heat Wave

Julia went camping with Hannah and Sam over the weekend. Just like DC, it was HOT. Julia's apartment hit nearly 90 degrees; she had to sleep with ice packs in her bed. :) She also went to a jazz jam with Jerry and friends. 

We met at Kazan's for Juneteenth Day. It's always nice to see family, and the Turkish meals were delightful.

 

Stand Up for Science

Julia and friends attended the Stand Up for Science rally at the state capitol (hi Jerry!). Unfortunately, what this administration decides to fund and what to cut will greatly influence her research and job prospects. :(  

She had "breakfast for dinner" with friends Sam and Hannah. They also went together to get their flu and COVID shots. Additional events included a party at a friend's thrift store, a charcuterie night with friends, and a big snowstorm. Winter is not done in Minnesota. The cow sighting is from her walk to campus. 

NYC and Pre-Holiday Events

Julia and Jerry headed to New York City last weekend--Jerry's first time in the Big Apple. They stayed at Laura & Clarkson's and squeezed in as many sites and friends as possible over three days. 

We were invited to a pre-Hanukkah dinner. I made a pre-Christmas turkey in our new oven. Also pictured is mom with her bells choir. 'Tis the season!