Missoula Montana: third stop on northern sabbatical circuit

greenhough park5
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

I left Moscow and discovered that not only was the stereo and clock out of commission, but now my cruise control was out too. ARRRRGH. This was a tad scary, so I drove without much stopping to Missoula. My luck held out and this time my hotel was next door to the Toyota dealer. This dealer seemed much more above-board, and I made an appointment for them to check out my car the next day. I had scheduled two days in Missoula just to have a break.

Dropped my car off in the morning and went back to the hotel to read and watch tv. It was kinda nice to NOT be able to go do anything. They got my car done in record time. Apparently the people who "fixed" the fuse in Moscow had actually put a fuse in the wrong spot. Everything was functioning fine. Whooo hooo! I drove off and went birding at McCauley Flats and then Greenough Park. McCauley Flats was near/in the forest and I became brave and actually did the 1 mile loop walk even though there were few people. There were signs that people used the trail a lot and I'd be fine. I was. There were pygmy nuthatches and osprey. At Greenough Park there were more osprey.

The next day I stopped at both the public library and the University of Montana library. Both were excellent visits. I began to crave Chinese food so I braved the Internet till I found enough positive reviews for a little place called China Gardens. It has AMAZING food. I highly recommend the potstickers. Before calling it an evening I went back to Greenough Park. There is a big sign talking about the Pileated Woodpeckers that live there and I was hoping to see one. No such luck. :( Still, I got to see more osprey.

I did try to get the car back in to the dealer, but they didn't have time for me. They too tried to pin the blame for the electrical failure on the aftermarket cruise control or stereo.

Photos
To Missoula: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604595179026/
Birding Missoula: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604599394393/
Missoula Public Library: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604599551319/
University of Montana: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604595964060/

Moscow Idaho: second stop on northern sabbatical circuit

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Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Another early morning with lots of driving ahead. I had hoped to go to a nearby wildlife refuge before leaving the Seattle area, but with snow expected in the passes I just headed out. A fuse had blown in my car making the stereo and the clock inoperable. Twas very frustrating. The scenery is stunning on the way out of Washington, the passes, misted over and snow would occasionally fall. It didn't stick to the roads so I was fine. While driving through the mountains I came to a snow covered, partly frozen lake. One of those concrete barriers was on my left, as was the lake. So I'm looking at the lake and driving and suddenly I spot a Canada goose. The goose was standing on the other side of the concrete barrier watching the traffic. I have no idea why. Just another one of those wacky bird moments I guess.

Once out of the mountains I came to the rolling farm country of Eastern Washington. Here I did find the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. It was remote and reminded me of Idaho, sagebrush, wetlands and small reservoirs. There were a LOT of blackbirds here. I got to Moscow and checked into my hotel and then drove around the corner to the Toyota dealer. There, they said they fixed the burned out fuse, but stuff still didn't work. They wanted me to leave my car, but I said no. It was drivable and I just had a bad feeling about it.

I had an early Tuesday morning meeting with librarians at University of Idaho and then had to hit the road for Missoula.

Photos
To Moscow: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604599089859/
University of Idaho: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604599260001/

Seattle and Environs

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Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Raven and I left Seattle early in the morning on Saturday and headed out on a drive. A really long drive, we drove down past Olympia, and up to the beaches by Queets and Kalaloch. It was 70 degrees and gorgeous, the rainforest was thick and lush and green and the ocean was stunning. I got to see a few amazing birds: chestnut backed chickadee, northern fulmar, marbled godwit, and pacific crows. We drove around and into Olympic National Forest. I loved it. We continued on up and around to Port Angeles we stopped at a little restaurant called Cafe Garden. It was posh but not pretentious and the food was AMAZING. The road continued South to Bremerton and back to the hotel. We got in late but it was sooooo worth it.

Sunday morning started late and we decided to go to a great restaurant for breakfast. It's called Salty's and what we didn't know is that on Sundays they do an all you can eat buffet. Let me just say it was more than worth the 30 dollars per person. They served exquisite food, lots of variety and I may never try another eggs benedict in my life cause it just wouldn't compare. They also had all kinds of fresh sea food, fish, pastries, and anything you could possibly want.

After brunch we went into Seattle proper to visit the public library. Seattle public library is a marvel with a spiral walk between the upper floors. Very industrial in feel it is Definitely worth a visit. Gene joined us later for dinner, which was great cause it has been years since I've seen him.

I must go back and visit again soon.

Photos
Seattle Public Library: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604598950899/
Scenic Washington: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604525287458/

Stonehenge and The Road to Seattle

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Originally uploaded by J Semenza

I had heard about the Maryhill Stonehenge years ago. The British scholar Christopher Chippindale spoke at ISU and Nick, Jeff and I attended. He was fascinating and triggered a spate of reading. I was still reading Stonehenge books a year after he visited. Seahenge was uncovered in 1998, just a short time after Chippindale's visit. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/for more on Seahenge. There was no way I wasn't going to get to see this American version of Stonehenge so I plotted my route from Boise to Seattle via Maryhill.

The drive through the Columbia Gorge was stunning. I had recently read a book on the Glacial Lake Missoula Floods and could see the evidence left by it, just as the author had described. I had to take a detour because the bridge crossing the Columbia River by Maryhill was being repaired, but I persisted. I finally got to my destination and it was well worth it. The replica is to scale and you can get a sense of the grandeur if not the age in this place.

My next slight detour was to Mt Rainier National Park. Unfortunately, I was unable to go through the park - closed on account of snow - and had to circle around it. Still, I got to see a lot of it from the edges. I put on my mp3 player over the radio transmitter and listened to Loreena McKinnet and other new ageish music while driving through the mountains and snow. It was very surreal.

I got to Seattle later in the evening, checked into my hotel and called Raven. She came over and we hung out and plotted our next activities.

To Maryhill photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604520187555/
Maryhill Stonehenge photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604517410434/
Road to Seattle photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604526816157/

Boise: first stop on the northern sabbatical circuit

exterior4
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

I left on the morning of April 8th and headed for Boise. What a way to celebrate my anniversary. I stopped at Boise Public Library on my way to Nampa (location of my hotel). Boise Public is a great library, I took pictures and gave myself a tour. Jim, my former boss, now works here, so guess who was working on the reference desk... It was interesting to talk to him, he's always been ahead of the curve where innovation is concerned. I now wish I had spent more time asking him to forcast the future of academic libraries.

The next day was the SWILA (Southwest Idaho Library Association) conference. I really enjoyed the keynote speaker from White Cloud Coffee, the presentation on the history of libraries and the lunch speaker Azam Houle “Dare to Read!” Brochure: http://www.idaholibraries.org/node/108
Flickr set (not mine): http://www.flickr.com/photos/m3mo/sets/72157604550007420/
I was able to present about my sabbatical. It was really useful to have to do an assessment of what I had learned before and the presentation was well received.

Thursday April 10th I got up at 6:00 a.m. and drove back to Boise through a lot of traffic. Thank heavens I left early enough to have time to regroup before going in for the interview process. Boise has some of my favorite librarians working there. They recently hired a couple of new ones and they are FUN! I think we'll be able to do some great collaborations. When I finished I got back in my car and headed for Pendleton WA.

After all, Boise is close enough to Seattle that I certainly needed to drop in and visit my friend Raven...

Idaho State University photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604519171935/
Boise Public Library photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604519309911/
Boise State University photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604519583547/

Birding with Susan

saw whet owl
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

I finished up the southern sabbatical circuit and was home for about 10 days. I repacked, replanned, plotted and prepared for the next circuit. I also went birdwatching one day with Susan Crandall. We had the best time. We went to Market Lake and Camas Wildlife refuge. At Camas we walked along a trail and met a couple of other birders. These birders told us about a Saw Whet Owl just up the trail. We wouldn't miss it because still another birder had a telescope pointed at it.

This picture shows the teeny tiny Saw Whet owl clutching a mouse in its claws. Personally, I think he was napping before lunch. We also saw Canada geese on Market Lake stuck in the ice. Poor goosies couldn't move. On our way out, the ponds had thawed and the geese were gone.

We munched on apples, cheese and applesauce spice cake. It was a very fun day and I hope I get to go out with her again soon.

4 photos from this trip at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604514291394/
We saw:
american white pelicans
brewers blackbirds
buffleheads
california gulls
canada geese
canvasback
chipping sparrow
common goldeneye
coots
crows
dark eyed juncos
great blue heron
great horned owl
house sparrows
lesser scaup
lincoln sparrow
magpies
mourning doves
northern harriers
northern pintails
northern shoveler
prairie falcon
red breasted merganser
red headed ducks
red tailed hawks
red winged blackbirds
ring necked duck
robins
rockc doves
ruddy ducks
sandhill cranes
saw whet owl
snow geese
starlings
stellars jays
swainson's hawk
trumpter swans
tundra swans
western meadowlarks
yellow headed blackbirds

Not Birds:
antelope
ground squirrels

Grand Canyon, Kanab, Bryce Canyon and Home

Nick & Jenny
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

March 28 & 29 2008

Day 1:

Strange how things work out. Nick's geoscience seminar class went to the Grand canyon for spring break. I finished my intriguing and educational interview with NAU's library and headed to the Grand Canyon myself. While driving through the Ponderosa pine forests outside of Flagstaff I got a call. I shouldn't have gotten a call, seeing as how signal strength just wasn't very good. Apparently someone wanted a job reference for Annie. I told them to email me with a date and time for the following week when I would be back home.

Again, I wish I had had more time, the scenery is so beautiful. I got to see the views from the Southern rim for the first time. I had hiked part way down on the North side when I was a geoscience student years ago. I tried to find condors, but no luck. while there, I got a call from Nick saying I could pick him up in Page UT and that we'd call to make further arrangements. Of course, phone signal is iffy out in the wilds of Arizona and Utah. The road to Page from the Grand Canyon is gorgeous.

We got connected enough that I was able to find him behind the urger King in Page. Scruffy, tired, filthy but happy, we piled his stuff into the big red suitcase and headed for Kanab where I had reservations at another hotel. We got to drive over the Glenn Canyon dam and past the much reduced Lake Powell.

Day 2:

It was great having someone help me with my bags! We headed out fairly early, our first stop was a funky tourist trap called Moqui Cave. It had been a dance hall and now was a museum, family history stop run by a very garoulous guy. He was great, but we had to hit the road. I had wanted to drive through Zions, but we missed the turn, drat. I had been through there before on the way back from Sarah's. So we drove and drove and went to Byrce Canyon. There I spotted my very first white breasted nuthatch. We did a bit of walking and looking but the clock was ticking and it is a very long drive to Pocatello.

Kinda nifty having Nick with me on the way home...

Photos from Northern Arizona University:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604328549608/

Photos from the Grand Canyon and road to Kanab:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604360160126/

Photos from Bryce Canyon, and the road to Pocatello:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604361393786/

Flagstaff: sixth stop on the southern sabbatical circuit

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Originally uploaded by J Semenza

The drive to Flagstaff took me through two detours, one the painted desert and two the petrified forest. Both were amazing, beautiful and astonishing. Nothing like huge petrified logs on the ground to get my attention.
http://www.nps.gov/pefo/

It was frustrating to spend so much time driving through amazing country and I couldn't stop and see everything. So I missed the meteor impact crater, and the ice caves and the worlds largest petrified tree in a museum and... The list of things I missed is very sad. I just wish I had more time for all of it.

On the other hand, I did get to see a lot of great national parks and monuments and scenery, not to mention all the libraries.

Flagstaff is a gorgeous town and the campus is stunning with all of its ponderosa pine trees. It is high enough up that it had bits of snow lingering about.

There's not a lot to write about most days because all I did was drive and drive and drive and drive. And when I wasn't driving I was working on writing up sabbatical stuff, visiting universities, eating or sleeping. Good think I LOVE to drive.

Photos of the drive: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604332516137/
Photos of NAU: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604328549608/

Albuquerque: fifth stop on the southern sabbatical circuit

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Originally uploaded by J Semenza

I left around 5:00 a.m. in order to get through the Dallas/Fort Worth megopolis before rush hour. I took highway 287 heading north west. By paying close attention to the signs and breathing deeply I made it through. The rest of the drive through West Texas was tedious in comparison. So I drove and drove and drove stopping at Santa Rosa for the night.

The next morning I drove up to Pecos National Monument where I spotted my first pinyon jays. They are the cutest. Of course I say that about a lot of birds. Pecos (http://www.nps.gov/peco/) is a pueblo indian ruin complete with old ruined mission.

Albuquerque is where I really started seeing the route 66 signs. On the drive from TX to UT I managed to go through Amarillo TX, Gallup NM, Flagstaff AZ, and Winona AZ. On the way to Phoenix I picked up Kingman AZ. It was very hard to get the Route 66 song out of my head. I even ate at a Route 66 diner when I got to Albuquerque.

I loved meeting the librarians at this library. Johann deserves an honorable mention for being one of the most personable librarians I met on my sabbatical. I think I could listen to him for hours.
Innovative, intelligent, and a great natural story teller. We need to invite him to speak at more library association conferences.

Pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604272672825/
UNM photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604331781201/

ROUTE 66 from Wikipedia:
"Route 66", is a popular song and rhythm and blues standard, composed in 1946 by American songwriter Bobby Troup. It was first recorded in the same year by Nat King Cole, and was subsequently covered by many artists including Chuck Berry in 1961 and The Rolling Stones in 1964. The song's lyrics follow the path of the U.S. Route 66 highway, which used to run a large distance across the US, going from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California.

The lyrics read as a mini-travelogue about the major stops along the route, listing several cities and towns that Route 66 passes through. Specifically mentioned, in order, are

St. Louis, Missouri;
Joplin, Missouri;
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;
Amarillo, Texas;
Gallup, New Mexico;
Flagstaff, Arizona;
Winona, Arizona;
Kingman, Arizona;
Barstow, California; and
San Bernardino, California.

Winona is the only town out of sequence in the list. It was a very small settlement east of Flagstaff, and might indeed have been forgotten if not for the song's lyric, "Don't forget Winona", written to rhyme with "Flagstaff, Arizona." --http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Route_66_%28song%29

Staying in Italy March 17 - 24

determined cardinal03
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

So much to do and so many people to visit with. I had to do work though too. I ended up at dad's office typing away on my computer, transcribing notes, uploading photos, and planning for the next route.

I was able to meet up with Jeff and Randy (dragging Mom, Dad and Erika along) at the El Fenix restaurant in Dallas. The El Fenix is a marvelous Mexican restaurant that is a Dallas institution. We also invited them to Easter dinner at Moms. It was great to catch up with them. Dad gave us a comprehensive dome tour which is always interesting to me. I never can keep up with all of the innovations going on with Monolithic Constructors.

Mom, Melinda and I did some shopping. I loved the going out of business Liz Claiborne outlet and found $4.00 shirts that I would end up wearing on every other circuit of my sabbatical. The clothes were a great addition to my trip wardrobe. I ended up having to ship some of it home in boxes, cause even though I was driving my big red suitcase, it only holds so much. I also didn't want to encourage anyone to break into my car by leaving things in it.

Rebecca showed up part way into my stay, she was recovering or rather not recovering from a surgery. After I left she ended up in the Texas hospital for a second go-round.

Tessa hosted a breakfast for all of us and I got to see more of those cute nieces and nephews of mine.

While staying at mom's house I got awoken in the morning by this sharp rapping on the window. Eventually, I discovered that a bright red cardinal was attacking its image in the window. Defending his territory and functioning as an alarm clock, what a bird. I also got to see a lot of Carmella the albino house sparrow. Melinda and I did some birding and I was even able to spend a few days at her house. In the evening we would watch David Attenborough's Lives of Birds. It had rained enough to create a big pond in between Mike's house and Gary's house. Erika named it Erika's lake. It was a great birding spot.

I had a great visit with everyone.

Pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604165651309/

March 21 2008
“Erika’s Lake” at the dome & Charca
1. baird’s sandpipers
2. solitary sandpiper
3. wilson’s snipes
4. savannah sparrows
5. American pipits
6. house sparrows
7. greater yellowlegs
8. barn swallows
9. killdeer
10. red eared sliders (turtles
11. common grackles
12. scissor tailed flycatcher
13. eastern bluebird
14. mockingbird
15. brownheaded cowbirds
16. cardinals
17. mourning doves
18. white winged doves
19. Eurasian collared dove
20. blue jay
21. great tailed grackles
22. rock doves

March 22 2008
Lake Whitney, Milford, Hillsboro, Lake Erika
1. baird’s sandpipers
2. solitary sandpipers
3. killdeer
4. pipits
5. savanna sparrows
6. wilson’s snipes
7. savannah sparrows
8. American pipits
9. house sparrows
10. greater yellowlegs
11. starlings
12. eastern bluebird
13. cardinals
14. mourning doves
15. American crows
16. eastern meadowlarks
17. barn swallows
18. mockingbirds
19. turkey vultures
20. great tailed grackles
21. loggerhead shrike
22. lark sparrow
23. rough winged swallows / cliff swallows
24. coots
25. great egret
26. scissortailed flycatcher
27. herring gulls?
28. mallards
29. great blue heron
30. chipping sparrow
31. yellow rumped warbler
32. bewicks wren
33. blue jay
34. red tailed hawk
35. black vultures
36. Eurasian collared doves
37. white crowned sparrow
38. Carolina chickadee
39. hermit thrush
40. Carolina wren

Birding in Southwest Texas - March 15 & 16

big bend tunnel
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

This morning we packed our bags and headed back towards Big Bend. And this time we saw lots of birds including the beautiful little Vermillion flycatcher. We got up into the Chisos Mountain Basin where the oak grows wild. After a very long day of birding we headed for Italy. It was a very long way off so once we found a phone signal I called Nick to see if he could find us a hotel. Eventually I had to pull over and wait for his return call. Signal strength isn't exactly reliable in those parts.

A hotel was found in Monahans. The lady at the desk recommended a terrific restaurant, so we brought her back a piece of cheesecake. She had been having a pretty bad day. The look on her face was priceless.

The next morning we loaded up and headed out for Italy again. As we approached Fort Worth we saw the traffic backing up and many Texans heading across the side median to a frontage road. We just followed them. Unfortunately for them they did not have Melinda the super-navigator with them and they ended up back in line on the stalled freeway. We took back roads and saw more birds. It may have been the long scenic route, but I'll take that any day over stop and go freeway traffic.

It was great to arrive in Italy

Pictures from day 3: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604161092758/

1. white tailed deer (not birds)
   
2. Chihuahua ravens
3. mourning doves
4. western meadowlarks
5. red tailed hawks
6. mule deer (also not birds)
   
7. pyrrholuxias
8. common ravens
9. roadrunners (my trip favorites)
   
10. loggerhead shrike
11. black throated sparrows
12. mockingbirds
13. turkey vultures
14. black tailed gnatcatcher
15. verdin
16. golden fronted woodpecker
17. white crowned sparrows
18. yellow rumped warbler
19. cardinals
20. vermillion flycatchers
21. spotted towhee
22. white winged doves
23. ruby crowned kinglet
24. golden crowned kinglet
25. lark buntings
26. chipping sparrows
27. ladder backed woodpecker
28. purple martin
29. black phoebe
30. mountain chickadee
31. purple finches
32. cassins finches
33. house finches
34. northern (red shafted race) flicker
35. western meadowlarks
36. cactus wren
37. cottontail bunnies (not birds either)
    
38. western wood peewee
39. starlings (Stockton)
40. common grackles
41. house sparrows
42. harris hawks (mf pair plus juvenile near grand falls)

Birding in Southwest Texas - March 14

purple finch01
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Today, we got up early and headed for Big Bend National forest, the long way, of course. On our way to Pinto Canyon road we stopped at a culvert to look at the swallows. WHOOO HOOO cave swallows and then a miraculous appearance of scaled quail this was a very good omen of things to come.

The back roads started out pretty good, pavement gave way to broad, smooth gravel expanses. Our first heart stopping moment came with the cresting of a rise and trying to run over a small group of collard peccaries (wild pigs). A mule deer gave us another moment, and then we really got into back roads. It took us several hours to drive through the 35 mile back road of Pinto Canyon. It was wild and beautiful and there were birds. The driving though was slower than walking because a decision had to be made every inch of the way, turn left-miss that rock, turn right-miss that pothole. Learning to drive on the Menan Buttes in winter and spring was the best training I could have ever had for this road.

We came out back onto pavement at Ruidosa. From here we could see Mexico. We never did go into Mexico, but we sure saw a lot of its mountains to the South. We drove and drove along the Rio Grande, through desert and rock and over mountain. It was stunning and I wish I had more pictures. We stopped at an abandoned movie set (Controbando). Fort Leaton was interesting and had more birds and wonderful sun shades made of dried ocotillo. Ocotillo cactus looks like spiky rebar. At Terlingua ghost town we stopped at a diner for a late lunch. We still had miles to drive, but it was necessary. Terlingua is hot, dry, and dusty. When the wind kicked up the dust it was pretty miserable. The good and bad news at the diner was that the lady who owned it makes world class, blue ribbon winning pie, unfortunately she didn't have any available that day.

We made it into Big Bend national park and just drove on through. By now I was whining about never seeing a road runner. I really, REALLY wanted to see one. And then we turned a corner and I had to slam on the breaks again to prevent us from hitting one. Now that was an exciting way to see a bird. He was gorgeous and I am in love with the road runners.

We got back to Alpine, dusty, sunburned, allery ridden, and fell into bed.

Pictures of day 2: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604142402353/

Birds of the day include:

1. curve billed thrasher
2. house sparrows
3. brown headed cowbirds
4. Eurasian collared doves
5. common ravens
6. white winged doves
7. red tailed hawks
8. northern harriers
9. scaled quail
10. cave swallows
11. western meadowlark
12. mourning doves
13. eastern meadowlark
14. Chihuahua ravens
15. loggerhead shrike
16. American kestrel
17. pronghorns (still not considered birds)
18. vesper sparrows
19. canyon towhees
20. turkey vulture
21. mule deer (not a bird)
22. black throated sparrows
23. pyrrholuxia
24. roadrunners
25. purple finches
26. house finches
27. yellow rumped warbler
28. long billed dowitcher
29. Mexican mallards
30. northern shovelers
31. green winged teal
32. cinnamon teal
33. great blue heron
34. white crowned sparrows
35. eared grebe
36. cliff swallows
37. say’s phoebe
38. collared peccaries (truly not birds)

Birding in Southwest Texas - March 13

the big fish4
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

I picked up my birding partner in crime at the El Paso airport. Melinda and I hit the hot, sunny road heading towards Big Bend. Did you know you can do 80 mph on some of the freeways in West Texas? It may not be good for the gas mileage, but it's great for making the miles zoom by.

This was my first time to be stopped by border patrol in our own country. They took one look at the two blondes and all of our luggage and waved us on by. It is very weird that we as a country are doing this. It kinda creeped me out that we'd have this stop not at an entry road into the U.S. but just on one of the freeways near Mexico.

We stopped at Van Horn earlier in the day than expected so we canceled our hotel there and extended our reservation at Alpine. We had lunch at a darkened Mexican cafe named Chuys. The food was good and the people around us were very talkative, including us in some of their conversations.

Of course, we took the long scenic route from Van Horn to Alpine, going through the Baldy Peak area.

Here we encountered the Chihuahuan Ravens for the first time and still more Mexican Jays (of the Texas race). The drive was gorgeous.

As we approached Marfa we spotted a huge white thing on the horizon. It looked a bit like a hot air balloon, but it was close to the ground. It finally resolved into a really, really, big white fish. It
was almost as amazing as the Chihuahuan Ravens.

Photos for the drive to Alpine: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604122222305/

Birds of the day included:

1. Chihuahua ravens (near baldy peak)
2. American crows
3. oggerhead shrike
4. rock doves
5. large fish (okay not a bird)
   
6. red tailed hawks
7. Mexican jays
8. white winged doves
9. pronghorns (not a bird either)
   

Las Cruces: fourth stop on the southern sabbatical circuit

DSC00676
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

I began my drive to Las Cruces with a very, very tedious drive through Tucson's morning rush hour. Note to self: do not reserve a hotel on the other side of town from your next destination. Additionally, tis better to sleep in than play stop and go in rush hour.

Chiricahua (http://www.nps.gov/chir/) pronounced "cheery cow ah" is a national monument located in the southeast corner of Arizona. It is a stunning pile of volcanic rock formations with high desert vegetation. My goal to visit every national park and monument I could took me off the freeway to this gorgeous spot. As I got to the park I spotted a few tiny white tailed deer. Later I got to see my first Mexican Jay (arizona variety). The bird was hopping around the parking lot looking for food.

It is so frustrating to be a birder, but not good enough at it to spot all the great birds. Particularly when you're visiting a special 'these birds are only found here' spot. Frustrating to hear the birds but not be able to spot them. AAAAAAAaRRRRRGGGGGH. Melinda and I will have to come back here.

I took the long way back to the freeway and drove on dirt roads past Fort Bowie and lots of nut tree orchards. One of the orchards had this amazingly large flock of crows. They were in the trees, on the ground and everywhere. As I drove up to the fields they would swarm up and over, swirling among the still bare trees.

I finally got to my hotel in Las Cruces only to discover that I had booked myself into a D.I.V.E. The good thing was they screwed up my reservation and had me in a smoking room so I was able to extricate myself from the deal with no costs *phew*. Next problem, how to find a new hotel. Solution - call Nick. He was able to get me into a different hotel, he also helped me get un-lost. This is one of the few towns where I didn't have a map.

The next morning I went to the university. The campus is stunning and the people at the library were fabulous, interesting and innovative. I finished up with them in the early afternoon and headed for El Paso to pick up Melinda.

Road to Las Cruces including Chiricahua: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604113476916/
New Mexico State University: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604122180011/

Tucson: third stop on the southern sabbatical circuit

DSC00511
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

I left Phoenix at an impossibly early hour in desperate need of an ATM and gas. I found both at a corner quick stop. The desert between Phoenix and Tucson is very different than the one between Las Vegas and Phoenix. On the way to Tucson the cacti get bigger, the ground gets barer, fewer shrubs and bushes, and more cacti varieties.

My first stop was the Saguaro National Monument. It was AMAZING. The short path I walked included signs with the names of the cacti. It was very hot, even though it was only Match 11th. The pictures on flickr just don't do this desert justice.

I then drove on into Tucson. Funny thing about maps, they just don't stay current with road building. I had to do some zen driving to find my way to town, cause I was literally not on the map and it wouldn't be the for the last time.

I had extra time, so I went to the public library and looked around and took a few pictures. I had a good meeting at University of Arizona, and really liked lunch at their outdoor Bookend Cafe.

Dinner came from Safeway and then I headed to my hotel, and drove, and drove, and drove, and drove.

The website said the hotel was in Tucson. It lied. The hotel was about 45 minutes outside of Tucson. Still, it was a great hotel the first of many best westerns to come. I was still nervous about traveling alone, so I wasn't unhappy that the hotel was so far outside of the main city and set in a beautiful, rural, area.

Saguaro National Monument photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604111511622/
Tucson Public Library photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604113314788/
University of Arizona photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604113438130/

Phoenix: second stop on the southern sabbatical circuit

brently07
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Friday March 7th - Monday March 10th 2008

Friday I drove to Phoenix. I know I've seen Hoover Dam before as a kid, but I just can't believe how stupendous it really is. The drive also took me through a piece of Joshua Tree forest the first of many desert terrains. I started remembering the various cactuses as this trip progressed.

It took some time but I finally started to realize that the problem with my pictures wasn't only due to shooting through the windows while driving. There had to be something wrong with the camera. Jamie confirmed it when I got to Phoenix. Jamie says that people pay lots of money for a lens with a softening effect. This old camera of Nick's has dust in the lenses. Perhaps it is due to the many dusty places he has taken it. In any case, it takes a great portrait, blurring out any imperfections...

It was fun to stay with Jamie and Sarah! I got there late Friday. On Saturday morning we hooked up with a friend and went to breakfast (fabulous oatmeal!). Next we stopped at the modern marvel of Phoenix public library. We dropped Robert off and went shopping. I found a great digital camera that uses double a batteries. I also got a huge expansion card so I wouldn't have to worry about uploading photos.

Saturday afternoon we visited and hiked around the White Tanks park. I absolutely love the teddy bear cholla cactus. I told Jamie about my walking to Rivendale goal (trying to walk 10,000 steps a day - using a pedometer for counting). Maybe she'll join me on this big hike.

Sunday we went to the wild animal park (mini zoo actually) and out to Brad's to see his horses. The big gray one kept trying to step into the covered porch. There's a 2.5' wall around the porch, but he really could step through if he wanted to. He was WONDERFUL. I really miss having horses around.

Monday was the big visit to Arizona State University-Tempe. It was spring break for them so the place was pretty deserted. I loved the palm tree lined boulevard in the middle of campus.

Jamie had me watch the funniest episode of the series ANGEL. It's the one where Angel is turned into a muppet. I laughed so hard I thought I would cry. We also watched the movie "Take the Lead" with Antonio Banderas dancing the hottest tango I've seen in years.

Hoover Dam: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604073380583/
Road to Phoenix: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604073398381/
Phoenix Public Library: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604077244253/
Wild Animal Park: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604121985021/
Brad's Horses: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604073052870/
White Tanks Park: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604085964689/
Arizona State University: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604111640972/

P.S. The new camera is FABULOUS

Las Vegas: first stop on the southern sabbatical circuit

into nevada4
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

This was my first long drive, 8+ hours, mostly on I15. I spent the night at Rebecca's house in SLC so it was a little shorter than it might have been. This was my introduction to interesting bird antics.

First, I'm driving down the road and off to the left is this sign about a ranch being for sale, and there in the process of crossing the dirt road to the ranch is a chicken...

Later in the afternoon I noticed a dirt road paralleling the freeway. This road had a dozen or so crows standing around. Weird. Then about 5 minutes down the road there's another murder of crows standing around on the dirt road. And again, and again, and again. It was like a crow convention with committees of 12-17 evenly spaced. I think there were about 8 committees in all. It was very strange. I wish I had pulled over to take pictures, but I just didn't think there would be so many.

The drive itself was gorgeous.

I ended up staying at the Gold Coast casino, I nice place to visit if you LIKE casinos. For me they're a bit like visiting hell. The slot machine noise and blinking lights are designed to give me migraines and the inevitable cigarette smoke leads to the inevitable asthma attack. Of course, the rooms are only accessible if you walk the length of the casino. The room was gorgeous though and very reasonably priced on a Thursday.

The university library was FABULOUS and more than worth the visit.

I tried to go birding at the Springs Preserve, but it was too hot and too deserted for me. I hit the road for Phoenix.

Salt Lake city to Las Vegas - Photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604073211787/
University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604073262313/
Clark County Public Library - Photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604073291123/

Notes from February's Sabbatical Visits to Utah

slc urban room01
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

At Salt Lake City Public I discovered the new and exciting world of library photography policies. I had no idea such a thing existed. It makes sense though, when you consider all the professional photographers coming into the SLC publilc library to use it as a backdrop.

My visit to Orem included the mandatory stop at La Dolce Vita in Provo, an incredible Italian restaurant.
It is located at:
61 North 100 East
Provo, UT 84606
(801) 373-8482
http://www.ladolcevitaprovo.com/

On the drive to Logan I had an incredible impulse to call my aunt Susan. It seemed a little nuts since I have a brother, sister-in-law and 4 nieces/nephews there and I was going to be stealthy and not visit them. I eventually gave into the impulse and arranged to go to lunch with Susan. I met her at the Utah Festival Opera's building. Susan is the director for 'Opera for Children'. See: http://www.operabychildren.org/. We headed over to Great Harvest Bread Co., for a lunch of sandwiches. In the middle of a great conversation she suddenly looks up and says "there's your brother."

He, of course, loudly exclaims "Aunt Susan!" and comes over. I then get the best double-take I've ever seen from him. And he continues "and my sister!"

It was great to see both of them.

The way out of town was particularly exciting when deer jumped out in front of me on the road. I was driving slowly in part to save gas money and in part because of the 'watch for deer' sign.

Visited:
Salt Lake City Public - Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604004657195/
University of Utah - Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604000775304/
Provo Public Library - Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604005050647/
Utah Valley University - Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604000953468/
Logan Public Library - Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604001499630/
Utah State University - Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157604005331249/

Ogden outing

2-20-08

Birds on the Road to Ogden

• 19 Cedar Wings in my tree by the driveway, I thought it was a good omen.
• House sparrows
• Mourning dove
• Swainsons hawks
• Red tailed hawks
• Rock doves
• Crows
• Starlings
• Canada geese
• and lots and lots of Magpies

I met a fascinating guy at Starbucks. I sat down in a comfy chair across from an older gentlemen and we started talking, now in his mid 70's Tom had a truly interesting life. He is an artist, he helped to restore cars, motorcycles and other vehicles with his airbrush. He worked for Mr. Harrah (of the Harrah Casinos) in Reno, restoring everything from rollsroyces to cable cars. I got to hear about some of the challenges including the researching original art/logos in order to keep things accurate. It was a welcome break from thinking about libraries. Some of the collection can be seen at: National Automobile Museum: Reno

Later that night Krista, Terrial and I went to dinner at the Brazillian Braza Grill. My first time with Brazillian food, it was very yummy.

In the further adventures of Jenny's Keys...

I found a second key to my Echo in the bottom of my suitcase. 'Cool' I thought and reasoned that it would be more useful if I put it in my purse. After all, my purse is now so large that it cannot be hidden in the car and must come with me all the time. So I put it in my purse and continued my day.

On my way home, I stopped at the Lava exit for a break. I was desperate and encumbered, what with trying to find and get my coat on and gloves and grab my bag. I was out of the car with my hands full and the door shut, only to find that I really had locked my keys in the car. There was a moment of panic and then I realized that HEY! I put my spare key in my purse that morning. So I dashed into the quick stop and didn't worry about it.

I visited both the Weber County Main Public Library and the Weber State University Library and got lots of good ideas and stories.

Sabbatical - February

Hi all,

I'm going to try and post my sabbatical adventures to this blog. Right now, I'm still getting my ducks in a row. I have confirmed the schedule for February:

20 Wed Drive to Ogden
Stay with Krista

21 Thu Interview Weber State University 9:00 – Noon
Return to Pocatello

22 Fri Attend candidate presentation at ISU Library

25 Mon Drive to SLC in the morning
Interview University of Utah 1:00 – 4:00
Stay with Jessica

26 Tue Drive to Orem in the morning
Stay with Jessica
Interview Utah Valley State College 9:00 – Noon

27 Wed Drive to Logan in the morning
Interview Utah State University 1:00 – 4:00
Drive back to Pocatello

I'll be finalizing my southern route soon. That'll take the whole of March.

Jenny

Nick's Leg

Sunday Nick came home with a swollen and apparently sprained ankle. But that's just the tip of the story. Let's begin at the beginning.

The geology class instructor didn't arrange for vehicles in time to borrow state ones. So he volunteered to put gas in Nick's jeep if he (that is Nick) would drive. Nick agreed so Sunday morning at 5:30 am he drives down to the campus to pick up some of his classmates. They all drive out to Gray's River, gather up their gear and begin the hike out to the field area. It's a fairly nice day and they're only part way in when they encounter a log. First the log takes out the professor, dumping him on his face. Next the vindictive log takes out Nick, wrenching his ankle badly and painfully. Well, a classmate happens to be an EMT and happens to have an elastic bandage with him, so he wraps up Nick's foot. Nick, brave, pain tolerant man that he is turns around and hikes back to the Jeep with the assistance of a couple of large sticks. It's too bad they didn't toss the log into the river, it certainly deserved it. This was still early in the morning, maybe 9:00 or 9:30.

Unfortunately, there were no plans made to be stuck in a Jeep for the day. Nick did not bring homework, book, headphones for mp3 player or anything. Apparently he spent the day alternately soaking his foot in the river (40 degrees, so that was smart), watching the clouds and horses or napping. I think we can say that he definitely caught up on his rest. He returned home around 10:30.

Since he could put weight on the foot and still move his toes, I just thought it was a bad sprain too. At work the next day one of my colleagues suggested that since we have health insurance an x-ray wouldn't be a bad idea.

Nope, it wasn't a bad idea at all. I was so surprised when the doctor wheeled Nick out into the urgent care waiting room. With strict instructions not to put weight on it. The doctor had put a wrapped cast and splint on the foot and told us to go see an Orthopedist. We also needed to get crutches so off I drove to Albertsons, one of the few places open at that time in the evening. That was Monday night.

Today was the first opening with the Orthopedist. He gave Nick a walking boot cast and basically said to take it easy and let it heal. We're supposed to come back in a couple of weeks to check for ligament damage.

Wow, lots can happen over one weekend.

After later
Jenny

Books from Oct 15 2006 to Oct 15 2007

I read Annie's list over at Textual Frigate and I had to create my own. Nick doesn't think I should count the new cookbooks, but I read them too. In any case I read more than I thought, though not nearly as much as Annie. I know her list is really just half of what she read, the ones she remembered. I definitely binged on Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Cozy Mysteries.

Non-Fiction: Geology & Natural History
1. America's Wildlife Hideaways by National Wildlife Federation
2. Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats of the Western United States by Janine M. Benyus
3. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the Middle Rocky Mountains by J. David Love
4. Creation of the Teton Landscape by David D. Love, John C. Reed, and by Kenneth L. Pierce

Cozy Mysteries
5. Bleeding Hearts (China Bayles Mystery) by Susan Wittig Albert
6. Tale of Holly How (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter) by Susan Wittig Albert
7. Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter) by Susan Wittig Albert
8. China Bayles' Book of Days by Susan Wittig Albert
9. Death at Bishop's Keep by Robin Paige AKA Susan Wittig Albert
10. Charmed Death by Madelyn Alt
11. Trouble With Magic by Madelyn Alt
12. Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard
13. Trouble With Witches by Shirley Damsgaard
14. Charmed to Death by Shirley Damsgaard
15. Scent to Her Grave by India Ink
16. Blush With Death by India Ink
17. Glossed and Found by India Ink
18. Mournful Teddy: A Bear Collector's Mystery by John J. Lamb
19. Fruit of the Poisoned Tree by Joyce and Jim Lavene
20. Pretty Poison by Joyce and Jim Lavene

More Riveting Mysteries
22. Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1) by Jim Butcher
23. Fool Moon (The Dresden Files, Book 2) by Jim Butcher

Non-Fiction: Self Help
24. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
25. The Two-Step: The Dance Toward Intimacy by Eileen McCann

Non-Fiction: Biography
26. Snake Hips: Belly Dancing and How I Found True Love by Anne Thomas Soffe

Graphic Novels
27. Girl Genius Volume 1: Agatha Heterodyne & The Beetleburg Clank by Phil Foglio
28. Girl Genius Volume 2: Agatha Heterodyne & The Airship City by Phil Foglio
29. Girl Genius Volume 3: Agatha Heterodyne & The Monster Engine by Phil Foglio
30. Girl Genius Volume 4: Agatha Heterodyne & The Circus Of Dreams by Phil Foglio
31. Girl Genius Volume 5: Agatha Heterodyne & The Clockwork Princess by Phil Foglio
32. Girl Genius Volume 6: Agatha Heterodyne And The Golden Trilobite by Phil Foglio
33. What's New with Phil & Dixie 1 by Phil Foglio
34. What's New with Phil & Dixie 2 by Phil Foglio

Funny Fiction
35. Nice by Jen Sacks

Harry Potter
36. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander AKA J.K. Rowling
37. Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp AKA J.K. Rowling
38. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) by J. K. Rowling
39. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) by J. K. Rowling
40. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) by J. K. Rowling
41. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) by J. K. Rowling
42. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5) by J. K. Rowling
43. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) by J. K. Rowling
44. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) by J. K. Rowling

Non-Fiction: Style
45. Don't go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me by Paula Begoun
46. Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia
47. Lyn Revson's World of Style by Lyn Revson
48. The Executive Look: How to Get it-How to Keep it by Mortimer Levitt

Lord of the Rings
49. Lord of the Rings Weapons and Warfare by Chris Smith
50. Making of the Movie Trilogy by Brian Sibley
51. Atlas of Middle-Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad
52. Fellowship of the Ring Visual Companion by Jude Fisher
53. Two Towers Visual Companion by Jude Fisher
54. Return of the King Visual Companion by Jude Fisher
55. Lord of the Rings Official Movie Guide by Brian Sibley
56. Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien
57. Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien
58. Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien

Buffy the Vamire Slayer
59. What Would Buffy Do: The Vampire Slayer as Spiritual Guide by Jana Riess
60. Slayer Slang: A Buffy The Vampire Slayer Lexicon by Michael Adams

Cookbooks
61. Making Artisan Chocolates by Andrew Garrison Shotts
62. Truffles: 50 Deliciously Decadent Homemade Chocolate Treats by Dede Books
63. Great Meals in Minutes by Time-Life Books
64. Alfresco: Over 100 Recipes with Menus for Memorable Outdoor Meals by Linda Burgess

Fun, Full, Weekend

I had a lot of fun on Saturday. It began early on Saturday. Nick and I attended the Riverwalk sponsored by the Museum.

RiverWalk
Saturday • Oct 13 • 9:00-10:30 am • Taysom Rotary Park
Don’t miss out on our monthly RiverWalk entitled “Autumn Colors” led by Pocatello’s favorite biologist, Dr. Karl Holte. Co-sponsored by the Portneuf Greenway Foundation, RiverWalks are family-oriented field excursions, each focusing on a different natural history topic. Meet at Taysom Rotary Park on Bannock Highway and bring a “bigger maker,” if you have one.

I loved the renaming of a hand lens to "bigger maker"

Next we went over to the Farmers Market where Kristi's band Rhiannon was playing. (See her blog for the Idaho State Journal.) I found gorgeous purple potatoes, onions, bell pepper and garlic.

We drove by the Marshall Public Library Centennial Celebration. But hunger won out and we had lunch at the Pocatello Co-op's Kinport restaurant. (http://www.pocatellocoop.com/) The food is yummy! I highly recommend the croquets.

Later we ran errands, I got a hair cut, visited Robin, Terry and Terry's two daughters and son-in-law. Eventually I took a much needed nap.

To finish the fun filled day we met up with Cheryl, Chantal, Tom and Mira to watch Ratatouille. I gotta say one of the highlights was the sheer glee and unstoppable laughter of Mira watching the preliminary short "Lifted." I also loved the movie. Thanks Leonard for the recommendation.

Sunday Nick went off on a Geology field trip and I stayed home. I opened the blinds letting in all of the sunshine and spend a lazy day cleaning house, doing laundry and cooking. I made tons of stew with the purple potatoes, the last of the carrots from my garden, garlic, onion and other fresh herbs. I also candied some walnuts to use later on a Gorgonzola, Cranberry Salad, and boiled a few eggs for lunch this week.

Nick came home with a sprained ankle. OW OW OW OW I dug out one of my fancy canes for him to use. Apparently he did it while hiking to the field area, so he spent the day in his car waiting for everyone to come back. Poor guy, he didn't have his computer, a book to read or anything. He did get to catch up on his napping, watching the clouds and enjoying the beautiful day. I love that he is so easy going.

After later
Jenny

ILA

Wednesday October 3rd is all about driving up to Nampa and the need to pay attention to where one is going. Cheryl and I left mid morning going west into a serious headwind. The day was beautiful and we had every intention of stopping in Twin for lunch. Unfortunately we were talking so much that I forgot to pay attention to the signs and we were at Bliss before I realized I had missed Twin. Rats!

We had two concurrent themes for the trip. Theme one - Raptors, it seemed that every fence post, high point and telephone pole had some kind of hawk lurking about on it. We saw a broad winged hawk, lots of swainson's hawks, many red tailed hawks, a kestrel, possibly a two ravens (I know, they aren't raptors, but they are still cool) and later that evening a golden eagle.

The other theme was Chocolate. I had grabbed a couple of dark mint chocolate bars for snacking and we shared one on the way there (particularly since we missed the lunch turnout). Once at Boise we headed in towards the Co-op. Cheryl spotted the Egyptian restaurant on the Left so we made an impulsive sudden decision and ate lunch there. They have an afternoon buffet that is really great. Next, shopping. We went to the Co-op, Eyes of the World and Cost Plus. Chocolate was found at two of the three places. Eyes of the World, usually has the best jewelry, but this time it was kinda lacking. So we packed up the mobile red suitcase (aka my red car) and headed to Nampa and the hotel.

We found dinner in Meridian at a fabulous Thai place called Sa Wah Dee
Yummy!!! http://www.sawaddeethai.com/ 1890 E Fairview Ave # B, Meridian (208) 884-0701

We arrived late to the ILA reception, but that was okay. We watched a couple of the Ballet Folklorico performances, and all of the Native American Entertainment and Irish Dancers. The Native American guy got us up and dancing in a big circle. As ISU Librarians trickled in we became the most numerous group. WHEEEE.

Later that night Cheryl and I did yoga and finally got to sleep. All in all a very fun day.

For more on my ILA trip see my boring Library Banter Blog Entries:
Keynote Speaker ILA - day one
GIS and Libraries - day one
But I Didn’t Even Like History - Lunch with author Kirby Larson
Podcasting - day one
Joy on the Job - day two
Susan Swetnam - Carnegie Public Libraries - Lunch
Bibliographic Software - day two

The trip home on Friday (we left the conference at the end of the last session) we encountered no wind, but there were no raptors either. A little of the chocolate got us to Twin Falls where we really did get our Thai food. Eyup we love the Thai food. A Taste of Thai http://www.atasteofthai.net 837 Poleline Rd, Twin Falls, ID 83301, (208) 735-8333

The rain came down on us gently as we drove the last hour into Pocatello. We were home by 10:00 that night. All in all I had a great time! Cheryl is a great roommate.

After later
Me

Yellowstone daytrip

Me
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Nick and I went to Yellowstone (West Yellowstone to Mammoth). The drive was absolutely gorgeous. The fall reds and yellows and forest greens... breathtaking.

We saw a few birds on the trip including a new one for me. The elusive and much sought after Clark's Nutcracker!!

Other birds include:
Canad geese
Rock doves
House sparrows
Swainson's hawks (everywhere)
Brewer's blackbirds
Red winged blackbirds
Starlings
Crows
Western meadowlark
Belted kingfisher
Mountain bluebirds
Gray jays
Bald eagle
and tons of Ravens

We also spotted bison, elk and a coyote. Nick took lots more pictures than I did. It was a fabulous day.

after later

Upper Mesa Falls

Upper Mesa Falls 07
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

I took myself to Mesa Falls. The drive was gorgeous, the aspen are turning yellow and gold. The skies were clear and the birds were all over. I got to see one new bird: White Throated Swift.

I also saw:
Eastern Kingbird
Red Tailed Hawks
Turkey Vultures
American Kestrels
Brewer's Blackbirds
Red Winged Blackbirds
American Crows
Canada Geese
Mallards
House Sparrows
House Finches
Rock Doves
Mourning Doves
Common Mergansers
Red Shafted Flickers
Robins
California Gulls
Yellow Rumped Warblers
Double Crested Cormorants
Belted Kingfisher
Bald Eagle
Franklin's Gull
Barn Swallows
Bank Swallows

I scouted the Warm River campground and drove all over the place, just checking things out and enjoying the scenery.

After Later

Home again Home again

On the way to the airport we diverted off to White Rock Lake in Dallas. I finally got to see the infamous Monk Parakeets!!!! I don't care how sick I was, that was very cool.

The plane ride home was mostly uneventful. I didn't get stopped for having an expired driver's license. I only had a couple hour delay at one airport. Jessica and Doug picked me up in SLC and drove me to my car at Rebecca's house. I drove home in a very calm state of mind, reminiscing about all the birds and the lovely family I have in Texas.

Note to self: Don't go to Texas in the Springtime when all the flowers are in bloom. They are lovely to look at but you are really allergic to them.

Birding, Birding, Birding

Mom, Melinda (driver), Nanette and I went birding all over today. We were in Italy, Hillsboro, Waco and the back of beyond. We saw field after field of gorgeous wildflowers. The weather was gorgeous and it was lovely. I don't care how sick I was feeling. Thanks Melinda!!!

1. Mocking birds
2. Barn Swallows
3. Eurasian Collared Doves
4. Starlings
5. Lark Sparrows
6. House Sparrows
7. White Winged Dove
8. Eastern Phoebe (Wood St. Italy Tx)
   
9. Scissor Tailed Fly Catchers
10. Turkey Vultures
11. Black Vultures
12. Dicksissel
13. Cardinals
14. Mourning Doves
15. Great Blue Heron
16. Eastern Meadowlark
17. American Crow
18. Brown Thrasher (new)
19. Painted Buntings
20. Bob White
21. Red Tailed Hawk
22. Western Kingbird
23. Cowbirds
24. House Finch
25. Inca Dove (new) (Waco)
    
26. Common Grackles
27. Great Tailed Grackles
28. Rock Doves
29. Golden Fronted Woodpecker (new) (Cameron Park Zoo)
    
30. Pileated Yellow-Striped Flat-Billed Sparrow Eagle

Wild Grapes
American Gourd Flowers
Water Lilies
Basket flowers
Indian blanket
Sunflowers
and more...

Airplanes, Errands and Doctors

Take Erika to airport
Shopping (or rather quick pickup of Tshirt) in Hillsboro
Lunch at the Lone Star Diner
Doctor's office (cause I've gotten dreadfully sick)
Purple martin in Italy with dad!!
Day After Tomorrow movie

Not feeling well

Hang out, sleep in, read,
Mom went shopping

Probably the laziest day I had on vacation.

I didn't go birdwatching today

I did get to sit in the living room and watch the wind, clouds and pond.

Workout!

Working out with Mom at her gym. First time I've been swimming in awhile. It was sooo much fun!

Ice cream, pre-workout (gotta have fuel, HONEST) I'm really glad we don't have as many ice cream stores at home.

Grocery shopping
Stop at Kay Jones'

Supervolcano

I know I saw birds, but none were new. Still I'm getting better with Eurasian collared doves, and Scissor tailed flycatchers are sooooooo cute!

Out and About with Jeff, Randi and Melinda

Melinda and I drove up to Dallas to the Arboretum. Melinda has seen all kinds of birds there in the past and I was really looking forward to seeing the common blue jay again. We just don't see those birds out here in the west. Stellars jays, Scrub jays, Gray jays but no plain beautiful Blue jays.

On the way there we saw:
House sparrows
Scissor-tailed flycatchers
Great tailed grackles
Common grackles
Chimney Swifts
Eurasian Collard Doves
Mourning Doves
Rock Doves
Turkey Vultures
Red Tailed Hawk
Great Egrets

We arrived a little early so we grabbed some breakfast from the local shop and sat at one on the outdoor tables to watch and wait. Right away we were greeted by a Baltimore Oriole and some Mockingbirds.

Jeff and Randi go there. They look so good, happy, healthy. I miss having them in Idaho! Anyway we went strolling through the gardens. It was just GORGEOUS! We didn't see a lot of birds but I did get to see some new ones and some old favorites. I just can't get enough of the Cardinals. We don't have them in Idaho either.

Baltimore Oriole
Mockingbirds
Blue Jays
House Wren
Eastern Phoebe
Starlings
Cardinals

Cottontail bunny

Plants of interest:
Red Yucca
Hibiscus Syriacus
Tanzania (native shrub)
Vitex Agnus-Castus

Leucophyllum frutescens
Chilopsis linearis
Citronella
Hydranga
Angel Lace (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Lavendula
St. Oechas

After wandering we decided to drive out to their house in Plano so I could see it. It's a beautiful ranch style home in a nice neighborhood. For lunch we went to a nearby Mexican place and made more plans

It began to rain a little, but not too bad

We thought we'd go back out to White Rock Lake (by the Arboretum) and see if we couldn't find the Monk Parakeets that nest there.

Only one problem with this plan. Rain. Lots of Rain. I've never seen a gullywasher before, but now I truly know what it means. We did not see any Monk Parakeets and Melinda is one of the best and bravest drivers I know.

We canceled our plans to go out to the zoo and drove back out to Plano and dropped Jeff and Randi off. It really was nice to see them.

I had every intention of getting together with them again. But that was not meant to be.

In any case, Melinda and I headed for home. Through rush hour traffic. We changed our mind and got off the wet, crowded freeway at this very Tony and upscale mall. We went into a Nordstroms the likes of which I had never seen. The necklaces on sale on the aisle filling tables were marked down to the low, low price of $247.00. The really cheap ones were around $78.00. EEEEEEEEEE

We went and looked at all of the gorgeous dishes. There were plain ones, and fancy ones; classy ones, and whimsical ones. There were dishes for every occasion and recipe. It was a wonderland of dishes!

It was a great day. I can't thank Melinda enough for coming and especially for driving.

Church, Birds and Chaos

I haven't been to church in a very long time. I wasn't sure this morning if I wanted to go, but I got up and got ready. I was rewarded by seeing a Eurasian Collard Dove on our way to the car. The drive to the church included more birds. The service itself was nice. Kinda fun to watch Dad officiate.

The best part was on our way home we saw two strange birds in a field. Mom and I both guessed common and wrong birds. Melinda turned the car around and was right there were two Crested Caracaras. WOW! (see list below for full birding info)

I made dinner (with assistance from Nan and company) and Mike, Tessa and their 4 kids came over. Chaos ensued. It's a good kind of chaos that only 5 small children (Mikey, Sydney, Katy, Evie & Frankie) can make. Of course it didn't help that Nanette the instigator was egging them on to louder and funnier antics. I have the cutest nieces and nephews.

After later
Jenny

Eurasian Collared Dove (new)
Dicksissel
Cardinals
Painted Bunting
Barn Swallows
Turkey Vulture
Mourning Doves
Mockingbirds
Common Grackles
Great Grackles
Eastern Meadowlarks
House Sparrows
Scissor Tailed Flycatdcher
Western Kingbird
Crested Caracara (new)
Green Heron
Starlings
Cliff Swallows
Red Bellied Woodpecker (new)
Red Tailed Hawks
Black Vultures
Snowy Egret
Great Egret

Birding

Melinda, Mom and I went birding today. It was marvelous!! I saw lots of new species.
Our total list includes:

1. Downy Woodpecker
2. Cardinals
3. Great Tailed Grackles
4. Common Grackles
5. Mourning Doves
6. Mockingbirds
7. Black Vultures
8. Turkey Vultures
9. Barn Swallows
10. Carolina Wren (new bird)
    
11. House Finch
12. Caroline Chickadee (new bird)
    
13. White Winged Doves (new bird)
    
14. House Sparrows
15. Starlings
16. Yellow Billed Cuckoos!!! (new bird)
    
17. American Crow
18. Scissor Tailed Flycatcher
    
19. Killdeer
20. Chimney Swifts
21. Cowbird
22. Song Sparrow
23. Mallards
24. Muscovy Domestic Ducks
25. Eastern Meadowlark
26. Dicksissel
27. Eastern Kingbird
28. Snowy Egret
29. Common Night Hawk
30. Great Crested Flycatchers (new bird)
    
31. Pileated Woodpecker (new bird)
    
32. Western Kingbird
33. Black Throated Blue Warbler (new bird)
    
34. Lark Sparrows
35. Guinea Hens (domesticated)
    

7 new birds out of a total of 35. That's an amazing number of birds!
Jenny

Sleep and the big dinner

Spent most of the day hanging out, catching up on sleep, and talking. For dinner we went up to Waxahachie to a place called Fire Mountain with all of the family. In attendance were:
Mike & Tessa + their kids: Mikey, Katie, Evie, and Frankie
Nanette + her kids: Sydney and Erika
Mom & Dad
Melinda, Myself, Andrew, and the guy from Bulgaria who's visiting to talk about Domes
I'm pretty sure the Bulgarian hadn't seen an american all-you-can-eat place before. I hadn't seen anything like this either. It was PACKED! And they had a huge variety of food. So Mikey could have pizza and Frankie could have pudding and all the rest of us could eat whatever we wanted.

Go me, for having small portions and no seconds. :) :) I gotta say I'm proud of myself.

After Later
Jenny

Bridge over the Mississippi

Bridge over the Mississippi
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

This was an amazing bridge. I love crossing the Mississippi. There were riverboats and huge ocean going vessels in the water under this bridge. -- Jenny

To Baton Rouge

To Baton Rouge
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

The really, really, Really long bridge crosses the Atchafalaya River. It was gorgeous. -- Jenny

Baton Rouge

I got up really early this morning (4:30 am) so we could be on the road by 5:00. Dad needed/wanted company on the drive to Baton Rouge Louisina. It was a great drive. We talked and drove and looked at the trees lining the road. And then we talked some more and continued to drive and look at the trees lining the road. I've now driven crosswise (or diagonally) across Louisiana and what I know for certain is that they have trees and roads. Oh, and lest we forget, Cattle Egrets. Those birds were everywhere. In breeding plumage with the butterscotch feathers they were gorgeous.

Eventually we drove across the longest bridge imaginable. I've been across the Key's 7 mile bridge. I think this one is longer. It crosses mushy land, swamp, creeks, and a river. After 7 hours of driving (yes we did take breaks) we arrived at our destination in Baton Rouge.

Dad was meeting with the Pastor, her husband and assistant to talk about building a church. She was the brightest spark I've met in quite awhile. I'd love to add her to my collection of friends, but it seems unlikely since I can't seem to remember her name. So they talked, and I listened for 2.5 hours.

And then, guess what we did... Wait for it... Eyup, we DROVE, back to Texas. Wheeeeeeee. So I crossed the Mississippi River twice, and the Atchafalaya River twice (at least) and the crosswise of Louisiana twice, and.... I've seen Shreveport, Alexandria, Lafayette and Baton Rouge, from the road. :)

It was fun talking with dad. And I'm particularly greatfull that Nick gave me his MP3 player. Very useful when Dad needed to sleep and I got to drive.


After Later
Jenny

The Key to Shopping...

Today Mom and I went to Hillsboro to do some shopping. I'm in desperate need of jeans. They have a Lane Bryant outlet and I succeeded in finding Jeans, and even a Navy tshirt. After the marvelously garrulous lady rang up our purchases we discovered that Mom had locked the keys in the car.

She had handed me her small wallet to add to my purse, then carefully tucked the car keys into her purse and tucked it under the car seat. We proceeded to lock the car doors and go in. If any one reading this remembers my many key misadventures, well, here's another one. Mom never does this. So the only answer is that I was due for another "locked out" moment.

Luckily they had another key up at the office, so 30 minutes later we had it and were on our way, to more shopping.

I've never been to a Dress Barn store before. The outlet was amazing! Better still was the saleswoman who brought me over every top in my size that was $10 and of the right hue (orange, yellow, green, blue). WOW! I couldn't believe how well things fit. I'm definitely going to go back AND I'm going to look at their online store.

I won't detail the list of purchases. Let's just say I got some real LOOT. :)

After Later
Jenny

Arrival day birding

Melinda, Mom and I went out birding in the evening. We saw an amazing number of birds including Painted Buntings!!

We saw:

1. Green Heron
2. Mourning Dove
3. Scissor Tailed Fly Catcher (new bird)
4. Lark Sparrows (new bird)
5. Mockingbirds
6. Eastern Meadowlark
7. Barn Swallows
8. Broad Winged Hawk (new bird)
9. American Crow
10. Great Blue Heron
11. Great Egrets
12. Great Tailed Grackle
13. Common Grackle
14. Dicksissel (new bird)
15. Chimney Swift (new bird)
16. Starlings
17. Cardinals
18. House Sparrows
19. Western Kingbird
20. Kildeer
21. Common Nighthawks
22. Painted Buntings (new bird!!!)
23. Bob Whites (new bird)
24. Skunk
25. Jack Rabbit
26. Cottontail Rabbits

Whoo Hoo 23 birds, 6 new birds, and 3 mammals
Jenny

I'm flying on a jet plane, part 2

So I finally made it onto the plane. I had read my ticket and it said two stops. But I didn't have to change planes. I had no idea that two stops didn't mean Salt Lake City and Dallas, but Salt Lake City (where I began), Phoenix, Oklahoma City, AND THEN Dallas.

Okay, So I'm totally blonde. I'm really looking forward to the return trip where I have two stops and a change of planes in Dallas. I had movies with me, and headphones. I thought that would make the trip easier. And it would have if I had been able to hear anything. On a plane, noise canceling headphones would be very helpful. Definitely a thing to buy on my big shopping list.

So I landed and then took the long way to the baggage claim where Min and Nan met me. Getting my bags off the baggage carousel I ripped the leg off of one of my suitcases. This is the same suitcase with the rip in the canvas. I guess I'll be buying a suitcase while I'm here.

Interestingly, during the last hop from Oklahoma City to Dallas one of my seat mates was an employee for a major gas and oil exploration company. He's a specialized computer dude. He said that if someone wants to do exploration geology they either are graduates from the 5 year bachelors program from the Colorado School of Mines, or they have a masters degree...

After later
-- Jenny

I'm flying on a jet plane

Well, that was interesting. Rebecca and I left her house at 4:30 am. She dropped me at the airport and I started the standing in line process. I had baggied my liquids and was ready. I got to the head of the line and hand the lady my boarding pass and driver's license. She looks at me and says, 'driver's license expired'. I didn't know this so I look at the license and sure enough it was expired. YEEEKS. Well, she asks if I have another ID. But NO in order to save space I left my ISU ID card at home. So she sent me to the 'special line'.

In the 'special line' I got to put all my stuff in bright red bins. I got to be escorted to a glass booth where they puff air at you. Kinda like an all body glaucoma test. I got to walk through the metal detector a couple of time, not that I beeped. And THEN, the poor lady had to look through my purse and computer bag and swab every piece of electronic device. I had a cell phone, an mp3 player, a digital camera, a computer and a palm pilot. Lucky for her I left my Nintendo DS at home. :)

Eventually, they handed back all my stuff and I got to get on the plane. Shanna is sending me my ISU ID by second day air. I hope that will get me on the return trip plane without the 'special line' services.

More about my exciting trip to Texas in a moment. -- Jenny

SLC and Jessica

Goodbyes are hard. I drove to SLC to catch a plane for Texas. Nick is leaving for field camp on the morrow. Beautiful lazy drive, arrived at Rebecca's and went to visit Jessica. She has such a cute house and a great husband and it was wonderful to see them. The three of us went to dinner at Ruby Tuesday's. Something I haven't done since visiting Jen B. in Denver almost 10 years ago.
I spent the night at Rebecca's she dropped me off at the airport at an unreasonable morning hour.

Nick is keeping a blog at http://geoscirockhunter.blogspot.com/ and he'll be available by email. We're just tooo cheap to get a second cell phone.

First (and last) boating trip of the spring

Nick is leaving for field camp soon and will be gone till July. I'm heading out for a vacation in Texas for two weeks. We had to go out on the river at least once this spring. I just love the grebes.

We loaded Barkley in the car and drove to Massacre Rocks. How come I never remember Arlo Guthrie's pickle song exists? We listened to Guthrie on the way out. Alice's Restaurant being one of my all time favorites from riding the school bus to school in Shelley.

Barks was very excited about the whole trip thing. He was very good on the boat. He is a linear thinker. The world is flat and solid to him. He'd be watching the grebes and then suddenly they'd vanish and he'd cock his head to one side then the other. You could see him trying to figure out where and how the bird went. It was just soooo funny! He liked the pelicans too.

Didn't see that many birds other than the grebes and pelicans.

Birds:
Redwinged blackbirds
Starlings
Mallards
Kingfishers
American White Pelicans
California Gulls
Western Grebes
Robins
Osprey
Crows
Magpies
House sparrows
Rock doves

Birding with Melinda, Nanette, and Erika

We went birding at Market Lake, and Camas Wildlife Refuge. We had a ton of fun and saw:

1. Rock Doves
2. Starlings
3. Magpies
4. Canada Geese
5. Red Winged Black Bird
6. California Gulls
7. House Sparrows
8. Mallards
9. Pied Billed Grebes
10. American Robins
11. Northern Roughwinged Swallows
12. Northern Harriers
13. Coots
14. Sand Hills Cranes
15. Western Meadowlark
16. Song Sparrows
17. Red Headed Duck
18. American Wigeon
19. Mourning Doves
20. Canvasbacks
21. Trump Swan
22. Gray Partridge (new bird)
23. Red Tailed Hawk
24. Common Raven
25. Kestrel
26. American Crow

1. Moose
2. Squirrel

No we weren't watching cartoons.