shutting down

Not just my brain. I am referring to this computer. Probably the biggest adjustment I will have to make on this trip is the mac=>pc one. I am actually having more apprehension and dread about changing OS's than changing time zones, languages, culture, comfort, and money.

Once in Alaska, I went on a 12-day glacial traverse in the Chugach Mountains. On the penultimate day, when we were to descend from the ice field, the instructors (it was a class, when the UAA outdoor education program still ruled,) woke us up at 2 am for a 4;30 start. I declared that we were waking up before we even went to sleep. And tonight is the same. In four hours my nieces are graciously driving me to the airporter express, and I will begin the 17hour journey to Moscow: the first point on the line.

Too bad I am suffering a groin injury from, of all things, bowling. But it was worth it to have such a happy family celebration of my mom's 85th birthday.