Monday,

First day of classes is now over. After a week of daylong meetings, its very nice to get back into the classroom. The students so far seem normal, nothing particularly odd about them other than they live in Nebraska. Today things finally feel normal. Waiting in line for the copier, having students introduce themselves, forgetting my class roster--these things are routine and make me feel a bit more competent. Last week I truely felt my new status as I passively watched various arguments play out in the faculty meeting, struggled to be of some use in a departmental meeting, and wandering around like the village idiot looking for computer services.

Omaha has been as much a surprise as Dana, which is to say I was optimistic about enjoying both, and both have pretty much lived up to expectations. The people at Dana are all friendly, helpful, and interesting to talk to. I've already been invited by a history professor to play on his indoor soccer team. And Judy and I have managed to get out and enjoy Omaha beyond the confines of the Nebraska Furniture Mart. Last weekend we went to see a play at a theatre quite similar to the storefront theatres all over Chicago. This past weekend we checked out the Omaha Farmer's Market--very extensive and with a lot of great looking produce, plants, bread, flowers, and even meat. You can buy free range chicken at the Farmer's Market as well as hand raised beef, whatever that is. Last night, we saw the Omaha Symphony perform outdoors on the lawn of the Art Museum. It wasn't Grant Park, but the museum provide a nice set piece, and the threatening skies made for a spectacular sunset. The program was a little heavy on the patriotic (anthems, odes, paens, etc), but we had a nice picnic and enjoyed the spirituals sung by Jubuliant Sykes and the version of Oye Coma Va.

We have our first visitors this week. Stephan and Marjorie come by tonight. Call us if you want to meet the four of us for dinner.

Scott