So, Chitunga and I Stumbled Upon the Best Seafood Restaurant in an Inlet of Montauk Point and We Ate Like Kings (& Would Do It All Again).

I think I hiked 9 miles yesterday, including the incredible state park that was upon the cliffs that overlooking the ocean at Montauk Point. Chitunga went to the gym with Milford, so I also took the dogs hiking to Indian Hills Beach so they, too, could see the waves. How the dogs are standing is beyond me because they haven't stopped playing since they met. 

I had Zoom meetings, but when they ended Chitunga and I headed east for trails and to find dinner, which resulted at Gin Beach fishery, where we had the most outstanding meals. Fresh sea bass and Montauk fluke. There is nothing like fresh fish. We also got appetizers, too - mussels. Superb. 

We returned at night to talk and reminisce with Mark, which was extra special, as always. The dogs finally settled in, too. 

The rain they were calling for today is actually going to occur over night so I believe we might have a dry Saturday, which will be a bonus for the weekend (update: the dogs are snoring ...that is good news)(It means they're asleep).

We're hoping to be able to get Milford and Sue out for lunch this afternoon. That is the goal. 

For this morning, however, I'm simply thinking about the great food from last night. What a privilege to have such deliciousness in this life time. 

Nice to Visit Hotel Amagansett & Stay at My Cousin's Place for a Few Days of Rest & Relaxation. The Mental Retreat is Worth the Trip

Yes, it's overcast and the rain is constantly a possibility. The air is cold and getting chilled is a bid odd for May. But staying at Mark's with his decades of living between two continents makes for a home with many interesting corners. Artifacts exist everywhere and every room is a museum of story. 

I'm writing as he and Chitunga are talking global politics over a cup of coffee. The two dogs didn't stop playing yesterday and so, this morning, they are quite wiped out. When I say they played, I mean they PLAYED: ran, pulled ropes, wrestled, boxed, sprinted, rolled around, and tagged one another all day long. We had to separate them at night so they'd stop playing and settle into rest (which they did very well). 

I also spotted a Bouillabaisse special at a restaurant down the street, so treated us to a great meal last night, where we ate muscles, shrimp, and fish in an incredible spicy soup. Delicious. 

This morning, once we get going, I believe it will be a day of art museums, hikes, and simply flowing with the day. I also think Chitunga will go to the Y for a workout with Uncle Milford (to make sure he doesn't fall of the treadmill again). 

Knicks looked better last night than they've looked in the other matches with Indiana. Will see if they can turn. I want to finish a book and go for a long walk with Karal. 

It may be gray, but we're making the best of it. 

Spur of the Moment Roadtrip with Chitunga to See the 'Tives in Amagansett. Made it Just in Time for Linguini with Clam Sauce

Chitunga arrived to Connecticut at 1:30 and then suggested we hit the road and take a ferry over the Long Island via New London. It was 2:30 when he made the suggest and I said, "If I pack now, we might be able to make the 4 pm (although I had reservations for 5 pm). We made it with only a few seconds to spare, hence able to make it to dinner, where Mark was being hosted with a friend from S. Africa. Couldn't catch up with Milford & Sue too much, but did get to eat and toast them before heading back to Mark's for sleep.

I know Abu, Lossine, and I made this trip 13 years ago this time, but I don't think Chitunga and I have been here since before Covid. I know Mark and the girls came my way a few times, but there hasn't been a visit to Holly Hill Lane in quite a while.

Karal was a little nervous because we went in the opposite direction of Syracuse. I think she was a little nervous on the ferry, too, only because she wanted to run free and not be pulled back by a leash.

The rain started as we arrived to Amagansett and it will be with us until 11 a.m. today...then just clouds. Not the nicest forecast, but we're here for the get-a-way of it all and to see family. If we get outdoor time, too, that will be superb (after all, it isn't summer swimming weather).

I always love driving the tip of Long Island. There's little commercialism, beautiful landscapes, and water in all directions. Always felt these parts were a blessing, and the older I get the more I realize it is true.

Thankful to be here.

We Said Goodbye to the Crandall Chair, Today. Over a Decade of Writing Use and Window Peeping, But She Had to Move On

I'll never forget the day we found her. Abu, Lossine, and I were working the summer institute and teacher labs and I had enough of being booted from a chair while watching soccer, so I sad, "We need a place for me to sit, so the two of you, Chitunga, and Rhiannon will be fine." This was when they would be up all night screaming and talking and I'd have to tell them to be quiet.

Anyway, we stopped at Pier One Imports and there was one chair in the back marked down for like $50 on clearance. Better, it was a Crandall chair from a Crandall couch sectional. It was the only piece left, so we stuffed it in my car and drove it home. It quickly became my seat and, over the years, became the primary place for my writing. When I rebuilt the front porch I put it there, and when Karal arrived, she loved to perch on my shoulders while I wrote on that chair. Spinal pressure, broken springs, destuffed cushions twice over the years, I finally realized it was not healthy to be sitting on it any more. I got more pains than comfort. But that was two years ago, and I was stubborn to find a replacement. 

I did a week ago, and I put the Crandall chair in the garage. Ah, but yesterday I cleaned the garage for summer and moved winter to the shed, which made me realize the Crandall chair needed to depart. I took off the legs, undid the cushions, and it fit nicely in my Subaru. I took her to the dump and tossed her. 

She was with us before Covid, through Covid and all my online classes, and five years following Covid. Karal was famous in classes and episodes of The Write Time as she often jumped up to be on my shoulders if I was on ZOOM doing something. She didn't want to miss out. I picked up a sofa, so there's plenty of room for her to lay down next to me and to look out the window, although at morning coffee, she still likes to rest on my shoulders with her morning yawns (mourning yawns this week as she said goodbye to our ol' friend).

I'm anxious to see how the boys react without her in the home as they were/are accustomed to me always being on my front porch spot working. There's room for them to sit with me now (which is weird). 

I don't have a picture of the Crandall chair, but I do have this photo of Karal sitting next on my shoulders one last time before we sent the chair on its way. Phew. She was a good find (and good friend) for many years.

This is the Way. Tremfiya Will Have It's Say. Hoping for Normal Skin Again One Day. But Today a Bandaid on Display

I self-administered another Tremfiya shot. Also said good bye to a very crowded house, took Karal for an hour hike, and used my Memorial Day coupon at Mellow Monkey to purchase two framed pieces of art for the upstairs bathroom. I was worried they were impulse-buys, but when I got them upstairs, I know they were what I wanted for the space. So good job, Crandall.

Kaitlyn and Dominik had a Memorial Day gathering and I was simply thankful to have someone cook and feed me: burgers, dogs, potato and pasta salads. The kids are all cute and four of them have definitely changed the tempo of the gatherings a week bit. 

All the beds have been stripped and are in the wash, only to be be made up again this week. Most of the leftover food was packed up and brought back to Pennsylvania with the Wooley, Sealey, Johnson crew (they had one more gathering at Stacey's before heading back to their house).

Karal is zonked out, as it's hard for her to nap when there are so many people to annoy and bother. The past four days about did her in. Now I await (we await) Chitunga's arrival and see what comes next. I'm always perfectly find sitting still and enjoying a home-cation, but he's in the adventurous phase of his life, so I'm sure we'll figure something out. 

I like weeks that skip over Mondays and simply jump right into Tuesday. Other than a quick shower, the day was absolutely beautiful. 

And with that, time to go enjoy today.

When Karal Shows She's Content, It Must Be She's Sharing Couch Space with Someone...or Someones. She Does Love a Full House

It was a day of food. Two big meals, lots of conversation, and multiple moving parts. The Wooley, Johnson, Sealeys were in town and staying on Mt. Pleasant, and thanks to Isaiah we learned how to get the Knicks games on my Apple TV twice. I am happy to say that because I "didn't" watch the game, the Knicks actually won. I did that for Dave. I'm a good friend. He got me dinner, so it is the least I could do.

Also got the lawn mowed. For probably the only time synchronously with neighbors on the left and on the right. We all have smooth lawns. 

And watched Torrey Maldonado's commencement speech at Vassar from yesterday. Nice job. 

But it's Memorial Day and I'm thinking of a new work week, although it should be 'hey, I have another day off!'. I'll get there. The house has to grow comfortable again with the quiet days ahead without company until Chitunga returns on Wednesday. 

Always wonderful to get the squad back to Stratford like old times, and yet so much is moving forward quickly. Ah, that's the life.

And today, more transitions. Soon another generation will be born and look at that. A total blue-sky holiday in Connecticut. No clouds in sight.

A Year Ago This Weekend, I Presided Over the Wedding of Justin & Juliet. Yesterday, I Attended Their Baby Shower. Things Move Fast.

The wedding last year was beautiful and the shower yesterday was just as nice. I don't think I've ever gone to a baby shower, but there's a first for everything. I was drawn for a good Italian meal at Via Sforza on the edge of Norwalk and Westport. Best Penne Vodka I ever had and the bread...well, I brought two loaves home. Delicious.

And their new boy will be loaded with shoes, onesies, bunnies, and green-colored everything. It truly was an amazing celebration of life, happiness, and the continuation of our beings. Of course, Justin will be finishing his doctorate this year, too. 

Nothing sits still.

Including the incessant, over the top, barbaric allergy season of nose drips, dry hacks, ear aches, and sinus pressure. Cynde reminds me that I get this way every year, but how quickly I forget that pollen and my head are not friends.

Today is Sunday and there is one more gathering at my house this afternoon for the couple, who'll have to endure Karal, too. It comes with the territory.

Happy Sunday. Hope the sun stays out.

The Air of Ideas is the Only Air Worth Breathing - Edith Wharton. I'd Also Enjoy the Air of Calm Down Brain. Stop Coming Up with so Many Ideas

I used to tell my high school students that I only let out of my head and mouth 1/100th of the thoughts that fly through my brain at any given moment. Maybe it's actually 1/1000th, because having ideas is never the issue. It is finding the time. One of these ideas was to redo the bathrooms and, because my brain doesn't stop, I had to make the time to get the idea done. 

I go to bed each night, too, thinking of a million and one storylines for novels, movies, and scripts. What if this? What if that? How about? I wonder...

Often, the ideas follow whatever show I'm binge watching at the time...the angst of Adolescence, the everyday people of Andor, the witty humor overcoming anxiety of Ted Lasso...not sure what I'm taking from Sex Education right now. I just know that the show has me cheering on the characters, appreciating the depth and layers of each character, and laughing at the honesty/absurdity of it all.

I needed a pencil to mark the painted walls for hanging and grabbed the first one I saw...one from Dr. Emily Orlando who is an Edith Wharton expert. It feel right to fulfill an air of ideas with the kindness from a friend. The pencil came with the quote.

Today, I'm off to a baby shower. The couple I wed last spring decided to fulfill their episode of Sex Education and will be having a baby soon. The parents are throwing a lunch at a foo foot fee restaurant this afternoon. I'm here for it. Kris, Dave, Isaiah, Ishmael, and Maddie arrived last night and I had cooked to fill all their stomachs before settling to a disappointing Knicks game and bed. Bourbon was involved, of course, so that is why I am only getting to today's post right now.

Again, I wish someone would take my sinuses out of me and give me a set that is better at breathing the air of idea...because I'm sick of the hay fever coughing and sneezing. Alas, this too shall pass. 

Bathroom Restoration Result: Upstairs is an Indonesian Hut Space & Downstairs Looks Like the Atlantic Ocean Vomited Everywhere.

What can I say? I am Crandall. It's hard for me to get rid of things and I tend to be a wee bit excessive. It is what it is, and I'm sure when the curtains arrive, I'm going to be like, "Dude, enough underwater bullshit. You're four miles from the beach." I can say, though, whoever showers in either space or uses the loo, will find themselves in festive waters and territories. The upstairs will be my GOOD MORNING, WORLD. AIN'T IT GREAT TO BE ALIVE and the downstairs will be one of the JAWS movies. Photos to come. I'm not done yet.

Dave, Kris, & the boys arrive tonight and I really hope to have a couch day reading, as yesterday didn't allow one to happen. I convinced Pam she needed to visit stores with me to find a new cabinet for the downstairs bathroom. We also got onion, garlic kettle potato chips. They're worth mentioning here.

I only have one item to return...the curtains I bought that are too long. No one seems to sell 45 inches curtains...they're all 65 to 90 inches long. And there really isn't anywhere to shop anymore. I'm avoiding Targets and Walmart. And sadly, I admit, I resorted to Amazon. Consumerism is definitely changing quickly. 

I did find a great octopus for my downstairs sea voyage. I will look at him every time I pee, which will make me happen. On other occasions, I'll look ahead to a starfish and a seahorse (also a frog and a Buddha...need to mix things up).

I believe Karal will be delighted when I stop moving shit around and simply settle back to my normal routine of reading, writing, and rubbing her belly. It's coming. 

First, I need to get through this Friday.

Inaugural Inclusive Excellence Summer Session: Our Mission in This Moment: Advancing Inclusive Learning in a Time of Pushback

Was sent a spur-of-the-moment invitation to attend a workshop on campus hosted by Dr. Don Sawyer for faculty and staff. He's my Cuse brother, so when I saw his name I was on it immediately. After painting for two days, I simply when to the gathering to absorb what 120 or so others had to say.

Dr. Sawyer brought in Psychologist, Dr. JT Torres, Director of the Houston H. Harte Center for Teaching and Learning, who brought humor, mission, drive, and good conversation for all of us to think about, especially in our multiple insider/outsider roles we play at institutions with a mission for the word belonging. Belonging has already been on my radar for readings in the upcoming year, especially after meeting James Bird and Reading his middle grade novels. Drawing on brain functions, relationships, connections, and humanity, he featured a conversation about mentoring - critical mentoring - which has also been central to my past year: Tricksters, Healers, Lovers, Sages, & Saviors. He discussed how belonging is a foundation for learning. If the relationship is not there or the space is not loving and supportive, learning will not occur. 

Sue McV 101. Brown School 101. I was blessed to learn this several decades ago in a K-12 school.

Although I had plenty to say and was anxious about speaking up at open mic time, I simply sat back and listened. I love hearing from faculty and staff across campus and to gain perspectives from the ways they see the world. I put on an ethnographer hat and simply typed up the day as it was happening, so I can draw from it in a grant proposal I want to work on this summer as CWP heads past it's 40th year on campus

Today and tomorrow calls for nonstop rain, so I'm pilling up books, lying around, getting ahead on reading, and slowly putting both my bathrooms back together. The paint now makes me see that I probably should do some redecorating to match the colors, meaning my bachelor tendencies will be challenged. 

What makes you memorable? Hmmm. Good question. I don't want to be remembered as much as I hope the actions I've taken in my life will be carried by others in the future. 

I'll Be Danged. Proud of Myself. I Had Goals for Monday & Tuesday and I Got Them Done. Went into Painting Mode All Day

I'm glad I taped the rooms the night before, as it made it easier to get to the nitty gritty in the morning, always taking much longer than I anticipate. Bathroom one was done by 1 pm (3 hours) and bathroom two was done by 5 pm (3 hours). I took a break between both, as I had different colors and needed to reset the equipment. I'm share pictures down the road, as both rooms are drying and, sadly, I painted myself out of a shower. They need to dry and I locked up both spaces without thinking.

I finished in time to record an episode of The Write Time with Ellen Oh, and afterwards found time to walk Karal before it got dark. She's weirded out when I get into project mode because I change everything around and make quite a mess. I cook the same way. I'm all over the place but it gets done.

I return back to campus today for professional development (actually to support a Syracuse faculty member also with me at Fairfield) and then I will return home to finish the bathrooms (well put everything back together. 

Pam said, "Bathrooms are the worst to pain because of the crevices and corners." Yup. I will be sore all day today as I was in every sort of Yoga position getting it all done. 

But it's done. I've only painted one wall in the living room for contrast. Chitunga painted his room when he moved back after his Masters. Now both bathrooms are done and the hallway upstairs. I like a lot of light and the home to be bright, so I was good with the neutral paints the house came with. Without Cynde to help out, I don't trust my choices. I'm happy, though, with the way the bathrooms came out, but now I'm rethinking the curtains and wall-hangings. We shall see. I love being in my home, but I'm really not the domestic upkeep type. I bought the home I did because it was move-in perfect without needing much. 11 years, the walls have started to need attention. Now that the house is quiet and there aren't a million other things going on, I'm focusing on the space I live so it is inhabitable by me.

And with, I'm gone for the day. Ciao.

When You Say, "Hey, It's Summer," and Lose an Entire Day Answering Emails, Gardening, Whacking Weeds, & Preparing for Indoor Painting

I was ambitious, yesterday, hoping I'd set myself up before the busy summer season begins with the Connecticut Writing Project. Although I was up early, I remained on my porch responding to emails until into the afternoon. Then, I got more annuals for the flower pots, began the massive job of weeding and prepping for the thinking of perennials that were seeped, crept, and leapt. Not having the backyard trees is changing how we view life from the back porch. It needs work.

Without having Cynde to guide me, I went and got two colors of paint, a faint yellow and a sea blue, as I intend to paint both bathrooms.

I also took time to pull pictures of Jake Kelly, Pam's dog, who crossed the rainbow bridge a short while ago. Mourning the loss has taken time, and I wanted to respect the sadness, as it hits me every time I head their way. 

When Glamis died of pancreatitis in 2022, it came suddenly and unexpected. She was only 6 years old, and living with her, I didn't see how thin she became. It wasn't until she couldn't eat at all that we found what was wrong. After she left us, I drove over to see Jake, because I needed his therapy. Mr. Mayor of Walnut Beach. I took him for a long walk and I sat with him until he let me know he was there, and I could let the emotions out. 

I said no more dogs, but I had Karal a few months later. As Pam says, "They find us," and that is exactly how it went down. 

Quickly, Karal took to Jake as Glamis did. He was more a paternal figure to all of us than he was a dog. There was just something extra special about him. 

After Glamis passed, I was participating in #VerseLove and penned a poem to/about Jake, and that day he helped me to begin the healing process. I revisited the poem last night, as well as some photos from over the years, simply to pay it forward to Pam, who lost a beautiful friend. 

The beach will not know what to do without Jake's residing over it. He was such a proud, convivial fellow who simply wanted everyone to know he was the Zoolander of all dogs. 

Here's to you, big fellow. My ears will never be the same, now that you're not with us for the washing.

Rest in peace, you beautiful animal, you. You were loved by all. 

When You Find a Glimmer of Brown School, No Matter Where It Is, You Simply Embrace It, Hug It, & Enjoy Every Second of the Ride While It's There

Yes, I left public school teaching for a parochial institution, and I didn't know what I was getting into when I arrived, but I know/knew all the brilliant zest for life from my decade of teaching in Kentucky. There is only one Brown School, and it was a location that simply attracted creative, out of the box, brilliant minds. It's been rare to find a Brown-like kid beyond Brown, but they do exist (just not en masse like they did in Kentucky). 

Allison "Nohea" Breeden was introduced to me after she discussed with Dr. Elizabeth Boquet, her interest in becoming an English teacher. On campus, all the way from Hawaii, she was always shy about her skills and apologetic, conscious that her "Island" education wasn't like the college preparation of other kids at Fairfield University. Beth saw it first - the amazing brilliance and unique abilities to a young woman. Soon, I was mentoring Max and she was mentoring Nohea, and I had both in class (but Nohea kept quiet...it wasn't until the end of this year that she started to unleash her true personality and she was irreplaceable). 

I knew at the Martin Luther King Youth Leadership Academy that I had a keeper. She was awesome in Boston, too, presenting to teachers, authors, and schools at NCTE, but it wasn't until I saw here with kids on campus, over 100 middle school students, that I said, "Yep. This girl has it. PERSONALITY." I handed her the microphone and she kept the kids engaged for 20 minutes while we waited for the last bus to arrive. Then, a week ago, I watched how she worked with authors Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander as if she was a pro....always three steps ahead of them helping the program to go forward and the day to be a success.

Nohea said I was a wimpy teacher, when I admitted that her lesson plans in The Literate Learner brought me to tears. It wasn't just the lessons, but she set up a song from Moana II, Disney, and I was listening while I was grading her over-the-top awesome work. I couldn't believe how far she'd grown and how special her project was. Connecting with college kids is not the same as connecting with high school kids, as there are many more guards up...and maturity rails. Connecting with Max and Nohea this year made everything that much more special. As Beth texted, "I'm going to need some time to mourn the loss of Nohea." She's chosen to return to Hawaii to get her Masters and her certification.

This is probably why when, Dr. Boquet sent me the photo of Nohea crossing the stage and posing, I had to stop and catch my breath. Red boots. Funny Face. Zest and class. Nohea all the way. Academic All-Star and irreplaceable personality.

Nohea's work on indigenous Hawaiian languages and her desire to lift kids up to be their best has been an ongoing mission. She's funny, alert, intellectual, but also humble and on the ground. Yes, Beth, I'm going to be mourning with you. I just put the note she left in my gift bag onto my wall of love. I have been her Fairfield University Dad and I've always seen her as a precious daughter. It was so wonderful to meet her father this week, her mother, and her little sister (we are lucky to have the brother a couple more years). Grandpa, too.

When the special ones come your way, you have to celebrate them. Embrace them. Share them with the world and simply wish them nothing but the best. 

Here's to you, Nohea. You are loved. Go save as many starfish as you can. Whenever I think about the purpose of life, what we do, and how we go about it, I'm always drawn to the free spirits like you... that of this young woman. Absolute admiration all the way. 

A standing ovation. 

First Fairfield University Luau, Thanks to the Incredible Nohea Breeden, Class of 2025, English Education Student

We did the graduate commencement in the morning and I was on campus at 7 a.m. to begin the conveyor belt process of herding the cats to line for walking in and receiving diplomas. They are graduate students, though, so tame. This morning is undergraduate students who typically come from partying all night and are often not able to walk straight. It will be a beautiful ceremony, though, with some clouds and a high of 65. Perfect for an outdoor graduation.    

Yesterday afternoon, members of the English Department were invited to Nohea Breeden's Lua, as her family flew in from Hawaii and they wanted to give us flowers, beads, gifts, and a traditional Hawaiian meal (even brought the leaves to grill the meet. Amazing (and very Fairfield, in the sense some of these families go all out for the faculty). Also received this captured photo of my two of my English department mentors, Nels and Peter. They've been great at guiding my time at Fairfield and I respect the work both of them do tremendously.

I forget how tiring the commencement weekend is with all the activities. One more day, I keep telling myself. Just one more day and then there is a slight break from the chaos.

A Day Later, It's In. Not Sure If It is Too Big or Not, But I Will Live With It, & Karal Has Already Claimed Her Spots

The whole plan was to get my spring/summer/fall writing space without discomfort. I've achieved this and am thankful to Patrick for all his help (well, driving a pick up truck) to muscle the sofa onto the front porch. Of course, now I have to find a trash bin for the old materials, but I did move one swiveling chair up to Chitunga's room. I already know this is too much space and too many things for a single-household. That is why I invite everyone to visit Mt. Pleasant, as there's plenty of space to stay (and furniture to sit on). Cough Cough. I have three dining room sets, but can't depart with those of my grandparents. They mean too much (and when Chitunga moved one of them came back to me).

I did a pharmacy run to load up on allergy meds, as my nostrils are in my chest and the dry throat is too annoying. This morning I'm at Fairfield University by 7 a.m. for the graduate school commencement and I return to do the same tomorrow for undergraduates. I know the students love to see faculty and get photos with them, but it truly gets harder every year to give even more when you've already given so much. 

I'm looking forward to Nohea's Hawaiian luau, though, as her family flew in from Hawaii to cook her favorite professors dinner. Funny, because the last time I was at a liquor store I asked what a Mai Tai was. I guess that is what we'll be served. 

It wa interesting to see how much the carpet on the porch fade in five years, as when I removed the Crandall chair, I saw the ol' vibrant colors. It's all good. This is my rec plex and where I come to write, think, do and chill out. At first, Karal still tried to climb on my neck and head to nap, but she eventually discovered there's a whole bed she can lay on. I'm looking forward, too, to having conversations with guests from either end of the porch sofa. Not bad for $450.

Also, I got my air condition in the Subaru fixed and I was read for a $$$ replacement. Nope...just needed one gasket repaired and now the Hulk is arctic again for the summer months. 

Finally, I started to get rid of outdoor porch mold as it's been bad the last few years because of global warming. I need to return with Clorox and my pressure washer, but I got the majority of it wiped away. It thrives in coastal climate. 

Ah, but now for the Classes of 2025 (yes, many of us are still partying like it's 1999). Onward, and onward, and onward it goes.

It is the Way. The Crandall Way. Making an Investment for My Front Porch Writing Space. There Has to be a Story. Always.

Before my front porch collapsed during Covid, when the twins were on Mt. Pleasant and Chitunga, we learned that we needed another sitting space for soccer games (the twins...Chitunga and I were more football, American style). On the way home from Young Adult Literacy Labs one summer, I told Abu and Lossine we were going to stop to see if Pier Import might have something. They did. A corner of a sectional for like $55. A steal. Better yet, the sign said, "Crandall Chair." It was the company. No brainer. I bought it and used it in the living room until I rebuilt the front porch and turned it into my writing space. It's been good to me, but the cushions are faltering, the fabric ripping, and the springs poking straight into my sciatica nerve. Plus, Karal perches on my shoulders when I write to look out the window.

I've been looking for several years, but I'm picky, stubborn, and rather cheap. I found a couch I could live with but it had a stain. It was marked $600, so I left. I went back, though, to see if they could take off money. The manager looked up the couch and said, "That is the wrong price tag. It's $1,200." He said that the best he could do was $600. I said, "Forget it then." He rebutted with, I tell you what, I'll take off another $100 if you open a card with us." I said sure. 

Of course, that card also came with a 10% coupon, so it was given to me for $450. Knowing the way I like to feel like I'm getting a deal, I simply drove away thinking, "There's a story here. I got the exact one I should have." I'll pick it up today, as Patrick Kelly said we could use his truck. Because of my savings, I bought him and his wife a bottle of bourbon and another of wine. Sweet.

I'm hoping the lengthier lounge will be good for Karal to look out, so she doesn't push down on my spine, roosting like a chicken around my neck. The color matches the rug and I'll have space, too, for Karal's bed, a table, and the light. I live in this space (the smallest in my house) because I love looking outside, the natural lighting, and typing from the front of my house. Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together before graduations this weekend. 

I wish I could be normal and simple when I actually make a purchase, but since I was young, I've always hopes for the deal (& the narrative). I'm a lucky son of a Butch. Once again, I got both. 

No! You Will Not Nap, Crandall! Absolutely Not! Even If You Think You Might, You Are Not Allowed.

I finished a 4 hour training by 1, went to Central High School until 2:30, came home to walk Karal, and gave in to the end-of-the-semester exhaustion. The pollen has me drained, by head is clogged, and the incoming rain made me realize, "You aren't going to keep your eyes open much longer," so by 4 I laid on the couch (which I only do when I'm sick). I dozed for a short period when Karal pounced on me with a look of, "What do you think you're doing? You're not napping. If you're home, you're going to pay attention to me." It was kind of funny, so I got myself out of the grog, made hot tea, and poured in some honey to ease my throat. 

I also attended a webinar last night, but was a lousy participant. The information provided was not new and the style of presentation was extremely dull. I ended up answering emails and returning phone calls.

Back to the oral surgeon today to check on the screw in my jaw bone and on the fact I'm officially an idiot with no wisdom teeth. Perhaps there might be a dinner tonight, but I'm unsure.

Definitely walking the dog. Definitely working on grant materials. Definitely watching the video with instructions for marshaling graduation. Definitely going to ride the day in hopes that these sinuses calm down. 

Seriously, Karal did not want me to nap. She burrowed under me to flip me off the couch. Maybe she thought I was dying and she was trying to keep me alive.

A Fairfield University Tradition That Has Yet to Get Old: Celebrating Retiring Faculty After the Presidential Address Each Year

It is rather normal for tensions to run high during presidential addresses to faculty at most universities, because often the mission aren't collaborative and parallel. Faculty seek truth, scholarship, and investment in knowledge and administration needs to see the bills are paid, narratives attract students, and enrollments are up. Often, the two worlds don't meet eye to eye, and this can be perplexing to faculty. 

With this noted, I have made it a habit to stay after the meeting for the retirement parties simply because I think the greatest wisdom arrives from faculty on their way out. Here are brilliant minds who have spend their careers teaching, doing scholarship, and offering service, who often have to work at institutions that claim its importance, but who do little to invest in faculty and staff. It's an ongoing tension that, I suppose gets influenced with corporate America which has completely opposite intentions for the work they do: profit. Of course, a University needs profit, too (I know because I do small-scale K-12 teacher and youth work, and the more I can make through grants and professional services, the more I can spend on them to do good work).

Yesterday, I listened to the narratives of outgoing faculty and, to be honest, I'm always surprised by the kindness, gentles, and heartfelt appreciation they have as they step aside. For years, I've expected faculty to share gripes, offer grievances, and tell he scandals that they lived through, but the truth is they are 100% genuinely sincere and kind. Some of the loudest, and most abrasive personalities I've see over the years at faculty meetings come to retirement with purring praise and respect for their students and colleagues. They love the Jesuit Tradition and, sometimes, they see glimmers of it shown through administrative choices. They thank leadership, of course, but share that the heart of their work is in the classroom, with peers across the nation, and with colleagues on campus. That's what makes the work great. 

It also brings me back to the retirements of both my parents (all the years of hearing the complaints and then, well, seeing the ending and how brutal are employment really is....poof & done). I also recall the year-by-year retirements of fellow teachers in Kentucky, especially at my school, where the base faculty had been there from the inception of its design. The retirements hit everyone different and I studied the behaviors (especially the grace) of those saying goodbye. 

I'm also thinking my numbers are getting there, as most share stories of 40-45 years of teaching. I'm guessing I'll be there around 2040, if I'm still alive. Walter Hiawitschka, Ph.D, one of the retires last night, has spent his life in finance and health insurance and discussed the importance of investing as starting-out employees. The same advice I was given by Sue McV in Louisville. I hope I've done it right, as Sue always said, "Just start it young. You won't miss it, because you'll ever experience it. Put some away each paycheck" which I've been doing since I was 25.

I'm off to training all day in hopes of, well, re-establishing my love of global travel. I am not one to vacation, but if I can bring students and it is a learning event for all of us, then I'm in. I miss my worldly days, and although I wish we had a different world right now, I'm hoping better days will return and, once again, seeing the beauty and brilliance of every nation might continue.

Congratulations to the 2025 Fairfield University retirement cohort. We see you. We watch and we learn. It's obvious where the integrity always lies.

Officially Hosted the 14th Celebration of Teachers and Teaching Last Night at Fairfield University (Small Crew This Year, But Mighty)

We saw our Freshman Covid students graduate last year, the ones who spent their first year of college online, although they lived in dorms. We think, as a result of this, a generation of kids soured to the idea of teaching, so this year we only certified 21 students (only two in English). The good thing about my position at the University is I get to see the kids as undergraduates and graduate students...the growth is amazing, and these few were dedicated to the purpose and cause. 

In true Crandall fashion, I wrapped a gift for each of them and this year, instead of the perennial tradition, I gave them a starfish to go with the Boy and the Starfish story. I told them that teaching isn't about content all the time, but about working with the kids who want the least from you...but giving them your most.

Dr. Covadonga Arango-Martin, Director of the Spanish Language Program, and winner of the Jeffrey P. Von Arx S.J. Community Engagement Award this year, offered keynote remarks. She shared here teaching in Spain, then Iowa, followed by a doctorate and doing the incredible partnership with Cesar Batalla K-8 in Bridgeport. It was a great way to start the event.  From there, each of the seminar instructors introduced their students and gave special remarks about each one of their students: intimate, sincere, and personal.

I'm actually waking up this morning with only one meeting needed in their afternoon. There is no grading to be done. No classes to prepare for. I might float around in my imaginary pool all day. Wouldn't that be nice.

My need sent me this action shot, which is pretty cool, because it shows a body covered with poison ivy covered up. While I spoke, I didn't feel the need to scratch and itch. I'm ready for all that to go away. 

Now, I have deprogram myself some for waking up at 6 a.m. and working until 11 p.m. each day. It takes a while to do this, especially when the job goes 7 days a week for 30 straight weeks. I have writing needing to be done, the summer program for youth to get going, a teacher institute to plan, and perennials needing to be divided and annuals needing to be planted. 

I'd also like to unwind some of the crazy intensity of a semester that just was (once again full of insanity, impossible expectations with little to no support, and pretty awesome students - the students make it all worthwhile...as always).

She Called Me Out for Spending Time with Other Dogs the Past Few Weeks and Now I'm Getting the Cold Shoulder Treatment.

I can't help myself. If a friend gets a puppy, I say I'll be there in 3...2...(and then I'm there). My colleague Sonya Huber picked up a black and white speckled dog named Izzy and I dropped of puppy treats to welcome her to the neighborhood and ended up staying over an hour. The puppy loved playing and nibbling my ears and climbing my shoulders. I knew Karal would be made. I was right.

Yesterday, I finished grading at 10 a.m., walked Karal (I'm good to her), mowed the lawn, then started my Spring cleaning yard work. The poison ivy is everywhere in CT this year and I'm not the only one covered in it. When I got the lawnmower out of the shed, I saw that vines were creeping inside the walls. Nope. Sprayed them down, but you never know if it touches you. 

Today, we have ESTP Teacher Celebration, to be followed after meeting, after meeting, after meeting. IN fact, my entire week before graduation is one gigantic meeting, in which I'll be planning what I want to do as soon as this craziness is over: clean garage, paint bathrooms, get new front and back porch furniture, read, write, and lose 220 pounds so I can be the weight I was when I was like 2. A guy can wish, right?

I'm thankful to my Brazilian neighbor for bringing me an out-of-the-blue dinner, which resulted in me not having to cook. I'm not sure how he prepared the meat, but it was delicious. Asparagus, too.

I'm writing this morning, shaking my head. it's been a year, followed by a year. It's so easy to get in the rat-race, 14-hour days craze, so when I see that there is a letting up of hours, I'm almost beside myself. Talking to an ol' friend last night I simply said, "It's so nice to have a second to reach out. That's not the way academia rolls, and I rarely have a second to stop and reflect. That is what I'm hoping for the next couple of weeks. Rest and reflection before the summer programs begin.

Happy Mother's Day - Each Year the Celebrations Are a Little More Insightful, as Time Is a Peculiar Creature

Phew. I think it just hit me that I'm old, old. Well, in the working life, HOLY COW, 30-Years of Teaching OLD. 

Next weekend, I'll see my 14th class graduate from Fairfield University. It seems surreal to even think about it. On Friday, we celebrated outstanding students and I was lucky to nominate Joanna Dalton with colleagues, including Dr. Brittney White. I recognize Bryan in the picture, but how has so much life begun to show in his body. Remarkable, actually, because I remember my own graduations, all those of Brown School graduations, the Syracuse doctoral graduation, and now the convocations at Fairfield U. 

That means there have been years where students have had to endure my semi-intellectual, always comedic moronic ways in the classroom.

I guess it is an inevitable fate to age, look back, and wonder...how did it all go by so quick.

And I'm sure for my mother, Sue, it is even more incredible...as she has 80 years+ of such reflections (we captured some of them here for her birthday). I mean, it's Mother's Day and my mother is wearing her Sally Jesse Raphael glasses and dressing like an audience member in the Oprah Winfrey audience.

I'm reflecting on what she's reflecting and I wonder if, as a mom, she ever listed her top ten best and top ten worst moments of being a mom after 80 years, 55 of them with children, 20-something with grandchildren.

I was trying to remember the diet ice cream shop that became a fad when Lori and my mom started their Weight Watcher craze. I just remember we always had those cups in our freezers. I was also thinking about the time she, Chitunga and I visited Hamilton, and he got to hear and see stories from my mother's house, the town, and a ride up to the old camp.

I know the pictures behind my mom have been updated from the ones in this photo, but for years it was our senior photos and the one of Cynde and Mike (before or after marriage, I can't remember). I believe here she is opening one of my sent-from-Kentucky gifts when I missed important days like Mother's Day. I'm guessing this one is a birthday...20 or so years ago. 

Yep, I'm simply blipping my time in life in the ways all my aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins have been blipping, leaving their marks and moments onto me as a younger version of myself, as I blip, blow, and bloop the memories I create with those who look up to me (or at me)(or with a tendency to ignore me). 

As I age, I'm starting to see more of my grandpa Spence - the Ripley genes have always been strong with Cynde and me, while Casey favors the Crandalls (although Casey's son sort of favors Cynde ... it's all messed up, but it's life)

Ah, two more project to grade, the lawn, and then the panic of: WAIT! What now? 

Pretty Opportune to Have a Papillon Piper Paparazzi Picnic at Dr. Boquet's House Yesterday Afternoon. What a dog!

Ah, it was a rain-fest...a monsoon in Connecticut, which worked out great in the morning to grade, but not so great for a picnic at my colleagues house, who had me over with three of our favorite students. It was a perfect day for chili, but also to taste her homemade key lime pie. I got the recipe. I will wow people with it one day. Of course, I used the yogurt on top to spread on my poison ivy blisters because Michelle Farrell told me it works. It does, but I think I horrified everyone at the table. 

The highlight of the gathering was Princess Piper the Papillon who is the most entertaining little creature, and after dinner, she nestled in my lap. What a beautiful dog, and I simply imagine trees (or bushes or dens or caves) full of them before they were domesticated by humans. Actually, I think they were bred down over the years from other species. The ears are simply fantastic.

I was commission to bring drinks for lunch, so I did soft drinks, but also margaritas in case anyone wanted them for lunch. Guess what was chosen? Yup. Dan had two. I abstained until I got home from the evening SEHD celebration where my student Johanna Dalton received the Deans Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Service.

Today is supposed to be better weather and I will spend it indoors getting these last projects graded. You know it is insane time when you look forward to have a few moments to read student work. 

And there's a lawn to be mowed. I need to do that, too. 

This is What I'm Talking About. 24 hours Later and J vs. K is Already Put in Action in Southern Connecticut Schools

A million and one fingersnaps to authors Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft for having the arm, hand, and phalange muscles to autograph 300 copies of J vs. K for Southern Connecticut schools. I spent yesterday visiting classrooms of students who attended the presentation at The Westport Library and each presented desktops with the book ripe, eager, and ready-to-go. One teacher from Marvin Elementary in Norwalk said, "I came back to school yesterday and collected all the books of the authors from the library and I'm so excited to keep the students excitement going. The presentation was incredible, and now I have two new authors to read."

Principal Kathy Silver wheeled her copies into Dunbar and shared her stories of the enthusiasm for reading the students took with them and their constant begging, "When can we start reading these books?"

Dr. Chandra Maxwell felt the same. She shared a story of one reader at Wooster who was brought to stage during the performance. It sparked excitement in him and he now overjoyed to be seen as a reader and writer, eager to go after whatever comes next (to be fair, author Torrey Maldonado visited the school earlier and the energy was already pumped up...the school is on a roll).

This morning, I'll be working with Mr. King's ESL students from Central High School and gathering knowledge for building this summer's Ubuntu Academy with his language learners. I'm anxious to learn how older kids experienced the day and feel about the autographed books in their hands. They are such remarkable kids. 

The Fairfield University spring semester is coming to a close and I'm on my final countdown of getting the last projects graded (and I had the best cohort of Literate Learners to date). An afternoon celebration with seniors, followed by a School of Education Awards ceremony in the evening will end the already exciting week. 

As for sleep. It's coming. I can feel it in my bones. 

I Am Proud to Say, "We Pulled It Off!" - J vs. K (Jerry Craft & Kwame Alexander) Book Signing for 300 Norwalk, Bridgeport, & Stratford School Readers at Westport Library

I've always felt I was pretty good at keeping secrets, but this one was a little challenging. There were the schools to contact, the buses to arrange, the books to be ordered (all love to POSSIBLE FUTURES in New Haven, Connecticut), and then the anticipation that everyone would make it to The Westport Library in time for the event. TRAFFIC WAS OUTRAGEOUS, but everyone made it in due time (a little late, but alas) and there is a round of applause to give to everyone, especially authors Kwame Alexander, Jerry Craft, the teachers and administrators at wonderful schools, the Center for Social Impact at Fairfield University, and the beautiful young readers of Connecticut.

I'm thankful to colleagues from the English department and students Nohea, Max, and Bianca for being A+ assistants to make sure the day ran smoothly. And Dereje, soon to be a freshman at Stanford University, you were the best co-emcee a National Writing Project Director could ask for. 

We've loved having Kwame doing his thing with CWP since 2013 and were so lucky to have Dereje introduce us to Jerry Craft a few years later. We also loved continuing collaboration with Marvin Elementary, Wooster Middle School, Dunbar School, and Central High School -- investing in the teachers and administrators who know what kids love to have at their desks.

J vs. K is the first collaborative publication of Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander and it's about 5th grade boys rivaling to be best at their game: a writer and and artist. The book is fun, educational, purposeful, and intentional -- there's room to win when forces of greatness are joined.

I'm beyond thankful to Alex Gianinni at The Westport Library (a fellow resident of Stratford) for his fluid vision, courageous partnership, and stellar effort.

Ah, Thursday, I need to grade, clean, grade, wrap graduation presents, sleep, take allergy medicines, tend to my poison ivy wounds, and appreciation a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for teachers and students in southern Connecticut. 

And with that, time to make the donuts.

Nailed It! Not! Well, Taste-Wise I Got Close, but the Innards Looks Like Cut Grass or Oscar the Grouch. Oh, I Tried, Oprah. Really I Did.

Several years ago, my buddy Dave brought me Oprah's blue devil cake...her favorite baker in Nanuet, New York. It was easily the best slice of cake I ever had in my life. Ah, but it was blue with white icing. I found a few recipes that claimed to be similar, so I tried my hand at making a Mermaid cake for Pam's birthday yesterday. The cream cheese frosting came out the right color of green, but the inside cake darkened in the oven. I said, "This is what you find when ye cut into a mermaid, sailors."

It was good. The cake and the frosting, although I didn't quite get the OH MY GOD feeling of the cake from Nanuet. I will keep trying. I found aquatic candies for the top and a mermaid balloon to go with it.

The cake looks like something that would fall of my father's riding lawnmower after he insists on mowing in the rain.

Ah, but I need to head out early this morning. 300 books ordered. Kids from Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Stratford Public Schools. Two special authors debuting their collaborative new book for middle grade readers. It should be exiting, and I simply hope all the buses I ordered pick up the schools on time and that the author-mobile pulls into the Westport Library when it's supposed to.

In the meantime, I must deal with I-95 traffic at the worse part of the day. Wish me luck. 

To my credit, this is what the cake looked like before we cut into it.

Barometric Pressure, Hayfever, Poison Ivy, End-of-the-Semester Exhaustion. Well, It Called for an Earlier Night than Anticipated.

Oof. That was a Monday. I made it through an extended Academic Council meeting, continued with grading, checked on buses for Wednesday, and realized, my energy is at an all-time low. The sneezing moved to my chest, my head is heavy, and I just wanted sleep, so that is what I gave myself.

Of course, Saturday - when the weather wasn't cold and rainy - I did a lot of work outside, including weeding that apparently exposed me to poison ivy, because I have it up and down my arms. So in addition to a pulled tooth, a new pin in my jaw for a future implant, and the sinuses, I have itchy rashes to contend with. Woe is me. And I ache in my knees, hip, ankles, wrists, and sciatica. I'm just a hot mess (who needs sleep, takes sleep, and will sleep some more). 

I know it's not just me because everyone at work was dragging, too. We've been go-go-go, and haven't had the time to do the self-care we preach so much to one another. That is why I was out by 9 pm last night. I didn't have anything else left in me. I drank some Ther-a-flu, did the dishes, tried to unplug my ears, and settled down on a pillow. 

Good times. 

If it's three, let it be. But right now it's a bunch of vines trying to suffocate my perennials. I am paying my dues.

The last of the projects come in today and I know there are celebrations every night (plus ZOOM meetings all day long). Ah, but we must make it to the finish line. I've never wanted a pool, a raft, and rest in hot sun more. I need to unwind for a long period of time. 

Dogsitting Shanley for the Week (Named for the Street He Lives On). Whoever Said Labra-Doodles Are Insane Was 100% Correct

It's like living with Tigger from Winnie the Poo, but as a dog built like a mop. I've never had a bouncier dog in my life and every step I take, he needs to be under it. He runs defense as if he's playing the Super Bowl and he does every thing possible to keep you from moving. If you sit, he wants to be on your lap. If there's water, he wants to play in it. Beautiful creature, but in definite need of socialization, interaction, and training. 

I'm proud to say I got one class graded and now the other set of materials are coming in. It is much more lenient in the Spring semester than the Fall one, when you are up against the clock to get ready for the holidays, too. I can roll with materials coming in from this point onward.

Last night, Pam wanted guac so Leo, Bev, Nick, and I took her to a restaurant that just opened (we won't be going back). I love good S. American food, but I suppose my time in Santa Fe, New Mexico and all my trips to Texas have ruined me. I can't do these pop-up Mexican restaurants in Connecticut, especially if they are owned by White people. It doesn't make sense.  

I think Karal is ready for my dog-sitting experience to be over. She has her routine and she prefers to be the center of attention. Nope. Not with Shanley around. He's like every kid with ADHD wrapped into one furry creature. It is something to witness. Cut as can be....and soft. But as Dr. Ken Preli at Animal Companion would say, "labradoodles are nutcases."

Of course, I shouldn't type that too loud because the spazza-gazoink is actually sleeping right now. We take the rest when and where we can. 

Drat! My Horse Came in Second. Congratulations to Patrick Kelly for Winning the Walnut Beach Derby Pool

Although they called for rain in Connecticut, it stayed away and apparently fell on Kentucky tracks, as the horses had a muddy run for the roses. Still, we got our bets in, the Julep made, the meats barbecued, and the salads tossed. It's a little more adventurous with all the kiddos and I got to hold the latest Anyeh Helena while mama Kaitlin went to pee.

I'm also watching Shanley, a 3 year-old labra-doodle who is full of fuzziness, funk, and friendliness. It's been a minute since I've been around the dog from Fraggle Rock and I forgot how wonderful Sprocket crazy can be. 

It looks like rain for the next several days, so yesterday's lawn frenzy wasn't as misguided as I first thought. I have much more to do in order to ready for the summer, but at least I won't be out there in the rain the next few days.

I just have a few more graduate projects to grade before the next cohort comes in. It's okay, because being trapped indoors will likely give me a reason to sit still. 

Good to know that Anyeh came out as pink as Uncle Bry who got a little sun walking Karal around Stratford yesterday. 

I knew when I talked to Chitunga that the weather wasn't as pleasant in the midwest, as he was at a wedding with overcast fifty-degree temperatures. It's amazing to see how quickly the annual traditions have changed with all the running around with toddlers and newborns. 

We all missed Jake. It didn't seem quite right to not have our favorite canine to step over. 

The good was great. The race was fast. And Patrick went home the richer man, after Stephanie took her claim first. 

And with that, another Derby is over. Now, back to grading. 

Nice Little Reunion Tour with Anisa Libuya Last Night. Great to Catch up at Lil' Pub in Stratford and Know He'll Be in the U.S. for Another Year

During my first years at Fairfield, a student approached me for help with his memoir...a young man from Zambia who was studying economics on campus. He graduated from the University about the same time that Chitunga graduated from high school....2014. I knew he returned to Zambia, started his own business, and married. I did not know he had a daughter and a son, nor that he was back at Fairfield doing an MBA in Analytics. He's been here for a semester.

I reached out to Dean Zhan Li to ask why he was using stock photos for his newsletter, because I kept seeing Anisa in the pictures. Dr. Li said, "Oh, Anisa is back for his Master degree," so I immediately reached out on LinkedIn, set up a dinner time, and had him over to the house. We had good fish dinners, caught up on his wife and kids, and learned his goal of finding employment in the United States if he can (all knowing that these are not the friendliest of times for intellectual folks in the United States. 

It's wild to think about how much occurs in 11 years, including Chitunga's graduation from college, his move to Iowa, the twins starting their jobs, and of course the round of new kids being born to Edem and Kanyea. While Anisa was at Fairfield, he was part of the crew. It was wonderful seeing him again last night and I hope the visits will be more frequent.

When he saw the photo from 2014 he said, "Who, I was that young when I went to Fairfield?" I said, "You still look exactly the same. You just now have facial hair. It happens to the best of us."

Ah, but know we have a Saturday...a Kentucky Derby Day...and I don't need to think about anything but grading and perhaps a mint julep this afternoon (well, 7 pm for the race). 

Loved the unexpected gift last night of a visit and now am wondering where the decade went. Phew. God only knows...when he was here last, I was an assistant professor. 

The times have definitely changed. 

Emancipated to Free Flow Again without the Poetic Rules. Great to Wake Up and Simply Go Stream-of-Consicousness

Celebrating Max Limric. I know he's a Corrigan Scholar and I've been lucky to mentor him for two years. He also received the Newman Civic Award, so I can mentor him another year (while he stays and earns his elementary education certification). Yesterday afternoon, after a 3.5 hour faculty meeting and two hours of grading in my office, I attended the University Library Awards and Max Limric won the undergraduate student prize for a paper he wrote in Dr. Elizabeth Petrino's class. Her remarks about him were spot on and now I'm wondering (after CWP finishes this summer...he's working for me, year 2), what I'll do without him. It's wonderful when you get an amazing kid.

In the meantime, my tongue is now obsessed with a screw I have in my jawbone awaiting an implant. It fascinates me, actually. 

And the pollen has moved through my nostrils into my lungs. Coughing fests, galore. We are definitely in May.

I'm also glad that Disney has unleashed the second season of Andor, as it gives me evening distractions to get my mind of the world (even as it offers a metaphor for our world in Star Wars terms. It really is wonderfully done.

Today...more grading...lunch with a colleague in engineering....writing time with Max...and dinner with Anisa Libuya, a young many from Zambia who graduated before the pandemic (when Chitunga was still in high school). He's returned and is earning his MBA, so I want to celebrate that he's back with us. 

But back to the Library Prize...it's always wonderful to have spectacular students...but when they arrive with the gifts of a kid like Max...you simply count the blessings.

And VerseLove25 is Complete. Come What May. 30 Straight Days of Poetry for 5 Years Straight. Love the EthicalELA Community...But Now, Onward

What a doozy the last of April was. I know I had the poem to write (which I wrote combining all 30 titles of the prompts for the last Month). Got a hair cut. Washed the car. Walked the Dog, and did all this in anticipation of my last Wisdom Tooth abstraction (no wisdom left) after I had an implant installed (my first). I wasn't not a happy camper about drilling into bone, but the procedure was mild...same with the removal of my last bit of intelligence. Gone! Poof. Now for good meds, ice packs, and a hope for healthy healing (which my credit card says will not be for quite a while). If I could stomach being in the mouths of others all day, I may have taken the path of dentistry. They will always be in business. Ah, but the new technologies they have...perhaps all of it will be machines one day, too.

On campus for meetings this morning and award ceremonies in the afternoon. Tomorrow, I go back to the regular Crandall blogging, so all the poem-haters will be relieved. In the mean time, one last poem. It won't kill you. It's MAY-TIME. Woot Woot.