A good friend and collaborator who moved to West Africa recently is coming into town this weekend to teach a course. The university set him up pretty good. He lives over there with his wife and two sons, but still teaches here. They fly him in once every two months to teach a full weekend, 9-5 Sat/Sun, and then he heads back. This is his first weekend here since moving and he’ll be staying at my place. Can’t wait to catch up with him.

I can’t imagine raising kids over there in Dakar. Not for reasons of racial differences (his kids are mixed anyway) but because of the political, social and infrastructure environment that exists there. He’s there because his wife took a two year position that will require frequent traveling around West Africa, and Dakar is definitely where you’d want to set up your base.

It’s Friday and fall is in the air, finally. It was in the high 50s last night, and is now 63 at 10:30a. Outstanding. I am motivated.

A  little over-booked at work with projects and tasks. My evenings I’m working on a new version of my dissertation and trying to work closely with my new advisor on it. I have high hopes to be done soon.

Training last night was great. It had been a week since I swam and it felt great being part fish again. I feel healthy and strong.

One of my best friends from my hometown is coming down in Oct. to play the CBGB festival. That should be excellent. He’ll be staying over with his wife again. This is becoming a regular thing, just like I had wanted.

I very nearly just said “enjoy your Monday”, but it’s Friday. That’s how things are right now:  going OK, just slightly jumbled.

Catch you tomorrow.