1. We took Katelin back to school Friday at Darrow. She was thrilled to be back, and we were thrilled for her to be there, knowing how well last year went for her. It was certainly easier on us this time round, since last year we drove away thinking “What have we done?!?” I gather that all parents have that period of readjustment when the oldest (or in our case, the only) child flies the nest for the first time. For us, it was a lot harder than we anticipated, but in hindsight was the best thing possible for Katelin, and that’s what matters most.

2. Marcia and I then spent the weekend up at the Stratton Golf University.  She had gone there last summer, and then taken private lessons, but this was the first time I had received formal instruction in the sport. By the end of the weekend, I was hitting my seven iron further than I had been hitting my driver. They can do amazing things with your game there, for players at all levels. We stayed in the ski village Friday and Saturday nights in a condo we’d stayed at before. Quite nice. Recommended!

3.  Space Grief has been replaced with Space Euphoria, since the Martian dust storms have abated, and Rovers Spirit and Opportunity are on the roll again. Most exciting, Opportunity is preparing for its drive down into Victoria Crater. Awesome! As were the early photos sent back by Cassini from its close flyby of Saturn’s moon Iapetus. These are halcyon days for planetary exploration. I’m glad I’m getting to witness them.