I've been back a week now, and it has been a bit of chaos - good, but chaotic. We've had 8 people and 5 dogs in our house most of this week, since my sister and her kids finally made it in from Colorado! After they got to the airport on Monday their flight was delayed it got canceled because of thunderstorms.....sound familiar? But they are here now and it has been wonderful to have them. Everyone says it, but it never ceases to amaze me how quickly they grow up, and not just physically. They've been helping cook, clean, mop, clean stalls at the barn, and they bring so much cheer wherever they go. I've also gone to visit my cousin and his new wife from Alaska, 2 of my aunts and uncles, my grandparents, and a few friends. Somewhere in there we managed to get a bit of work done on the house. But some of the most fun was today:  I spent the day playing with the boys and pistols, rifles, and dirtbikes. I've ridden on a few motorcycles, but have never driven one.....and I can't wait to do it again!

By the way - feel free to comment on the blog by clicking the "Add Comment" link below a post instead of sending me e-mails. The e-mails are always welcome and appreciated, but you may find commenting simpler, and enjoy reading what other people think of the pictures and adventures.

I got the conformation today from Trinity College that I am accepted as a member of the Masters program in Biodiversity and Conservation for 2011! Now comes the planning and working out the details, but the long wait is finally over. Not too much exciting other than that - just dog walking/running, cleaning carpets, grocery shopping, and getting the grill ready for summer. But boy am I excited!

Today was my first day officially back in Pittsburgh - mostly a lot of cleaning, unpacking, and reorganizing, but I am now moved into the loft. I got to have dinner at my brother Jack and sister-in-law Carla's house, and play with baby Luca. Luca loves to play his piano and dance to funk music, and has 6 teeth with a wonderful smile....which he uses to charm the ladies, of course. After dinner I spent an hour and 15 minutes getting all the dogs walked, though I suppose I better get used to that. The real fun starts on Monday....I'll begin working on the house and Jenna and Zeya and Kyan (my sister and niece and nephew) are coming to visit for 2 whole weeks - I am so excited! I do miss my friends in Ohio though, so I decided to post some pictures of the fun we had in the last year: