Thursday, and we’re looking towards wrapping up the week, and for me that means safety reports, organizing the Friday leadership team lunch, seeing to a couple more routine chores and thinking about my weekend. Knowing that our web pages need updating (and bearing in mind that I needed a photo for my blog) I wandered down into the labs, RAD, Gchem and VOA, and took some random shots. This is one from the VOA lab. I don’t know what it is, but those gauges look pretty cool to me. I had every intention of hitting the pool later, but Cos called and diverted me with dinner at Athens and a good Cabernet, so I guess I’ll swim tomorrow.

OK, you all have made me feel obligated to keep this project going, which was the point of doing the photo-a-day in blog format. Well today was just too cold to go anywhere much, and besides I haven’t come up with any really interesting photo opps worth visiting before 7.30am, during lunchtime, and after work when it’s still almost dark. Now summertime will be a different scenario. Anyway, I do have some flowers on my desk and they looked nice in the sunlight this afternoon, so that’s what we’re going with for today.

A couple of years ago a stray cat attached itself to my household. We were less than thrilled with the cat fur deposits, the additional vet bills, etc., but gradually Kitty Cat (aka that damn cat) wormed his way into our hearts and lives, becoming especially attached to Logan, the dog. On Thursday last week he didn’t come for breakfast, and now 5 days later he’s still MIA. He’s been known to pursue extended adventures in the marsh, but he usually tires of it after a couple of days, preferring the comfort of the couch and meals that he doesn’t have to work for. Anyway, I hope you’re ok, wherever you are. You really were a pretty cool cat.

Since I was home a day early, and since no one at work was expecting me to show up, and since I broke a tooth over the weekend and needed to get it fixed, I decided to use Monday to catch up, pay bills, file bills and get my tooth fixed. It was a good day, since I got everything accomplished. This was my view for some of this afternoon. Back to work tomorrow.

This morning was positively balmy as we set out in 23 deg. weather for Cape Hatteras on the Outer Banks. The reason for the warmer temperatures was of course that there was cloud cover, which meant of course that there would be no spectacular sunrise to capture, and furthermore that in all probability it was going to rain. Correct on both counts, and soon after this image was taken of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at about 6.45am, we made a decision to cut our losses at the OBX for this time and head back to Charleston. The miserable drive home through steady rain confirmed that this was a good move. The OBX are quite unique, and so vulnerable to the onslaught of irresponsible encroaching development and the threat of erosion from the elements. I will go back – but not in winter.

Some days are just gifts and today was just such a day. When I got home from running Logan in the park there was a message from Jay asking if I wanted to go up in the chopper and take some photos. Well yes – duh! OMG I think I could become addicted very quickly. It is the coolest sensation, even from the start when the rotors start to turn really fast and the machine kinda bounces and gathers lift. It’s almost like it’s saying “let me up, now, now.” I’m always a little anxious when I fly in planes, but this was so different, and even flying without a door, nothing between me and the ground, I felt safe – almost as though dancing through the sky with gusts of wind buffeting us this way and that, and Jay continuously adjusting the controls. Very, very nice. Here’s a bird’s eye view of Morris Island and the northern tip of Folly Beach. You can see more aerials at http://vanessak.smugmug.com/gallery/5969463_zg7G8#453050194_hANUJ