Birthday Thanks

First off, thank you everyone for the birthday wishes and gifts. They were much appreciated, especially given the long stretch of work I've been stuck in!

That long stretch of work is also why I haven't been around much for family gatherings. I've been working lots of overtime and lots of days since joining the education department (more on that in a minute). That's great for my car loans, not so great for my personal life.

Tallulah, or what my car loans are for

I've been working so much largely because when Mother got drafted to do work for the Cosmosphere's revitalization campaign, it was felt someone needed to help her. So I've moved upstairs to the education department...in theory. In practice, I still work 14-20 hours a week at the front desk because things there are a little sore about my being stolen away and I don't want to rock the boat too much. Since I'm unwilling to rock the boat, it means that I have just 26-20 hours to do work that probably requires closer to 30. Things will settle eventually, but for now I drink lots of coffee and don't sleep much.

The other part of that problem is that I have a hard time saying no to the opportunities I get at the Cos. Besides the routine stuff like Dr. Goddard's Lab (see below for a video Kate made of me in the lab) there are lots of new ones to take part in too. And, of course, the Mars Rescue program we thought we could finish in September is still being polished.

I've also helped build a new show called "Everyday Science," which we do for free while the Planetarium is being renovated.

An animation explaining sound for Everyday Science

Though I was also selfish with that one and plan on stealing parts of it to add to the Goddard's show on flight I'm working on...

A reference image of the Four Forces of Flight for the Flight Show

...which I'll get back to just as soon as we're done making a Space Junk demo from scratch. Amongst all that, I've taken over booking field trips from Laurie and we're both super-excited to get started on a project where admin wants us to cold call schools and market our new programs.

Right now, these are also my hobbies but I'll get back on my bike again just as soon as it warms up!

Aha-I knew I had another item of wild clothing.....

Gus' agility collar and Kate's treat apron

Wonder Woman Socks- Auntie's of course
Bugs Bunny Tie from Uncle Tim

Wild Clothing

In the spirit of fun, albeit late, we'll share our wild items!  Love, The Rivers

Mary's Unusual Clothing Item

I imagine that I have more unusual items than most, though Auntie's socks could probably give my socks a run for their money...this is a shot of one of my socks with an ostrich head on it. I thought it would be fun to take it upside down as though the ostrich were hiding it's head in the ground... I also received sloth socks for Christmas which I think are pretty fun.

My wildest item

I don't have anything all that wild.  But I love this hat. :)

Late Again

Sorry to be late posting again but I have been trying to get my pictures to transfer.  Alas, I still have nothing so this will be short.
For those of you not in Kansas, we have been having some beautiful spring days.  It is good to get out of the house without having to put on layers of coats to stay warm!
We made a trip to the local zoo which was a lot of fun, several trips to the pasture plus our regular day to day routine.  We both continue with our volunteering and so far have avoided the flu.
Hopefully next time I will have pictures but for now.  Love to all.
Grandma & Grandpa