I was back in the library today (see evidence below) and also packing for a few days away. I'll jump ahead to highlight some of the stops on tomorrow's wildly circuitous route from Phoenix to Tucson: (1) the charming town of Ajo with its white buildings and neat plaza; (2) the nearly invisible town of … Continue reading 2-27-19 →

My cousin Rhoda invited me to spend the afternoon and evening at Canta Mia, her planned community southeast of Phoenix. We toured all the model homes (so reasonably priced compared to Bozeman!). Could this be in my future? Pools and fitness centers and art classes? Light-filled rooms and outdoor living? Inappropriately green grass and fake … Continue reading 2-26-19 →

I spent most of the day (6 hours!) at a non-photogenic public library, so here are a few random visual oddities: (1) This tea towel. I should've bought it - the message would apply every place I've stayed so far. (2) This signpost. Just one of many motivational intersections in my positive-thinking neighborhood. (3) The … Continue reading 2-25-19 →

It's been a quiet Sunday at the house. I did laundry, sorted through papers, and listened to podcast church while taking another long and circuitous walk. I came across some things I was hoping to see (signs of spring color in the desert) as well as something I never expected to see - a good-sized, … Continue reading 2-24-19 →

The sun is back and it's time for an outing! My cousin Rhoda just retired from teaching and has a place outside Phoenix - we spent the (very cold) day at Scottsdale's annual Celebration of Fine Art. There was an amazing variety of media: metal, clay, glass, paint, textiles, jewelry. And in many booths we … Continue reading 2-23-19 →

Remember how I've brought winter everywhere I go? I'm doing it again - big time - for a major portion of Arizona. This storm dumped over 3 feet of snow in Flagstaff and an inch or two of rain and hail here before finally clearing out tonight. I spent the day in a Panera and … Continue reading 2-22-19 →

Constant traveling makes it hard to be consistent with exercise, but I'm hopeful about doing better during my Arizona stay. I've already begun with walks in the nearby nature preserve, which is pure open space crisscrossed by tangled trails. The "Map My Fitness" app helps me find my way back (this time miraculously on the … Continue reading 2-21-19 →

It's obvious this house is a creative design outlet for Susan and Ken (probably mostly Susan). No Southwest influence here - instead it's an eclectic collection of midcentury modern, antique shop, and Amazon Prime. These are the spaces where I'm spending the most time. Ready for a game of "I Spy"? Find the Mobile gas … Continue reading 2-20-19 →

Once again I'm humbled by the graciousness and generosity of friends and family. Ken and Susan's charming house in Peoria will be a perfect home base for the next few weeks. Picture a quiet subdivision, on a cul-de-sac, across from the pool and hot tub, on the edge of open space and a nature preserve. … Continue reading 2-19-19 →

I beat the storm (barely!) and finally arrived in Peoria, AZ last night. It's nice to be off the road and settling in for several weeks. Although the road is always full of wonders: (a) Hotel Luna Mystica, offering lodging in vintage trailers; (b) the Rio Grande Gorge, spanned by a marvelous - and walkable … Continue reading 2-18-19 →

This weekend is cold, windy, and much more like Montana than Arizona! Today I was hurrying to beat a blizzard to Flagstaff, but took time to drive through the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest . The photos speak for themselves, I think - this is not a hospitable land, but it's mesmerizing. Whole trees, slices, … Continue reading 2-17-19 →

I'm working my way across New Mexico en route to Phoenix. Today's featured stop: the Acoma Pueblo's Sky City. This mesa-top community has been inhabited since the 1100s (although these days, by only a few designated tribal members). The view is spectacular, the lifestyle harsh - no water or electricity - and the craftsmanship grand. Acoma … Continue reading 2-16-19 →

Although I wasn't actually observing Singles Awareness Day (with the unfortunate acronym SAD), it turned out to be a pretty perfect day. (1) My B&B breakfast was fresh, gorgeous, and drenched in Christmas chile. (2) I visited Ghost Ranch and took the Georgia O'Keeffe landscape tour. (3) The nearby Abiquiu Inn served up a gourmet … Continue reading 2-15-19 →

Happy Valentine's Day! I may be spending it alone (so what else is new), but I'm still celebrating! I splurged on a room at a historic bed and breakfast inn, Casa Benavides, that fully embraces the Southwest vibe that defines Taos. After wandering the plaza in the rain, I treated myself to Mexican dinner at … Continue reading 2-14-19 →

Today was busy but not especially photogenic, so for this post I'm going to "borrow from tomorrow" - I'll be en route to my next long-term stay near Phoenix and spending Valentine's Day in Taos. Northern New Mexico is a study of contrasts: high desert and high peaks; empty buildings and bustling shops; dusty debris … Continue reading 2-13-19 →

I found the perfect word to describe my sabbatical: PERIPATETIC. Look it up; it's perfect for me (and apparently Aristotle). My nomadic experience is working because of the awesome network of people who are supporting, advising, and putting up with me (wait - I mean putting me up). Friends like Becky, who's been doing my … Continue reading 2-12-19 →

After two weeks of roaming the Gulf, the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and the world of mathematics teacher education, I'm back in the Rockies and re-establishing routines. I spent several hours organizing my STREAM project files (and my thoughts) by the fireside at Greeley's very comfortable public library. And I've managed three consecutive days of … Continue reading 2-11-19 →

This doesn't happen often - I got nothin' to blog about. Maybe because most of the day was spent getting from Orlando back to Greeley. Maybe because it was a long flight, with enough bumps to bring out the Xanax. Maybe because it took a long time to unpack (possibly Xanax-related). Or maybe just because … Continue reading 2-10-19 →

Many weeks ago, a half dozen math educators huddled over their keyboards, fingers poised to jump when ticket sales opened for "Hamilton" in Orlando during AMTE. The plan worked - and it was well worth it! Tonight's performance at Walt Disney theater was a wondrous spectacle of high energy, hip hop, and humor. And history … Continue reading 2-9-19 →

It's great to see my friend Matt from Missoula! We presented two AMTE sessions about our multiyear STREAM project. I also caught up with MSU math educators, former graduate students (Kacey, Rejoice, Liz, Rachael, Teresa) and colleagues from across the country. Matt, Megan, and I spent the evening at Disney Springs - dining al fresco … Continue reading 2-8-19 →