Trying to ease back into work.. I was happy to be back talking to people.. but my thinker feels like its still on vacation..
Strangely enough, this bulb when the light over the pool table mysteriously burned out tonight.. kind of creepy to look at what happened..
Good metaphor for my current mental state
night all, night sam
-me
Coming to the end of a much needed vacation.. I cant remember the last time I took off two weeks solid like that. and boy did I need it. It was just enough time to (mostly) unwind.. I’m looking forward to the new year.. ..WHo know what the new year will bring.. but it’s gonna be interesting is all I know.
One really great thing that happened today was around the work my friends and I do around STEAM education.. A few years ago my friends and I at VASE (Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering) created the VASE Small Equipment Grants . over the past 5 years we’ve given away about $50K to Vermont Science teachers to promote hands on science and technology projects. Today we brokered a deal with a generous local Maker to join forces with his program to extend our support of hands on science outside the classroom for projects like FIRST robotics and MakerSpaces..We’ll be sharing the work to promote, review and administer the grants.. . Between the two programs, we will be doubling the amount of money we can give out every year to promote hands on science, technology and making in Vermont..
now that feel like Christmas !
nite all, nite sam
-me
Diane and I just got back from a quick roundtrip down to Boston to take my mom home. It was a really nice drive.. good weather, good conversation..
It was good to see My mom’s house.. I always feel my dad there.. I’ve really been missing him.. 
THe drive home was nice too.. just the two of us.. I’ve tried thinkign about new years resolutions.. but really don’t feel like going there. To be honest… it took me the whole break just to unwind from last year.. and I think I got to about 80% unwound…
TOmorrow I’ll start getting my head around the year ahead.. inentions, priorities, etc..
Its nice ot have one more night off..
Hoep everyone had a restful day
nite all, nite sam
-me
We’re just back from a great new years eve. Diane, Debra and I went to First Night early this evening .. One stop was BCA.. It was a joy to watch the kids play with our Floorish sculpture.
from there we went to our first concert.. Cricket Blue at the Congo church .
Our freind Laura is half of Cricket Blue. I really love their music. Check them out here. 
then back out to church street.. they were setting up for the parade.. but we couldn’t stay to watch 
next concert was Group Anwar.. great Syrian music 
then a show with our freind Frankie.. a great metal guitarist.. now I learn a virtuoso classical guitarist. 
i always love the feeling of the Unitarian Church in Burlington.. .. good mix of welcoming solemnity and fun
from there we went out to Ben’s house for a Latke party.. a great tradition !!!!
Ben lit the candles and lead the prayers. 
now home just after midnight..
quite a starnge and busy year.. lots of good.. and lots of challenges.
lets make 2017 a great year,,,
all the best to you and your families
nite all. nite sam
-me