Talk about Distractions! Forgot to Post This...

I flew to Boise on December 8th, and successfully defended my dissertation on the 10th.  Yay!! Talk about a sense of accomplishment.   I realize that statement seems a bit of an understatement.  But it's been six weeks since I was there, so I have some distance from it. 

Gloria, who likes to be snuggled in blankets.

Gloria, looking alert from "her" bed.

Close up of snuggled puppy.

On Saturday, I spent the day with my friend Dora. We went to the zoo.   In Boise, in the winter, many of the exhibits have "retired to warmer climates for the winter" or "hibernating, be back soon" signs on them.  But some of the animals especially enjoy the colder weather. The penguins were downright chpper. And the meerkats.  OMG they are so very cute.  After the zoo, we went to a book store so I could get a fun book or two to read on the plane home. After all this intense reading for grad school, I wanted some fast and fun reading that I didn't have to process and take notes from.    Finally, we went to a music performance at the Cathedral of the Rockies, and then dinner.  Was a long, low-key day, and very much enjoyed.

I flew back home on Dec. 12th, and went to the animal shelter on the 13th to adopt Gloria.
She has been my main distraction for a while. Though, truly, I am just finishing up edits and revisions requested/required by my committee before publication. I'll check in when the dissertation is Done.

Gloria and me at Clam Beach.

This is not Gloria. This is Lupin, my mom's dog.  I was stunned at the resemblance.

Another picture of Lupin, for comparison.