This last weekend, we ventured back to UCD since Jenny had never spent time on campus. Lots of construction going on and the campus was way too quiet. I used to love being on campus in the summer both as an undergrad working and in graduate school. Quiet and peaceful. But it was soooo quiet with all the buildings locked down and very few people on campus proper. And as we soon figured out – NO OPEN BATHROOMS! Anyone who knows me, knows that can be a problem. Hopefully things will open up much more in September.
One thing you can easily forget about the UCD campus is all of the trees and shady places to walk and contemplate. Many buildings have been added in the 30 years since I graduated, but the old standbys were still there. Hart Hall where Animal Science classes were held when I was an undergrad, and Meyer Hall where I ended up for grad school (in Avian and Animal sciences). It is such a strange thing to think about – I spent 11 years in school on this one campus!! The pig barns have also gone; yes, it smells much better now on campus. And Haring used to be the edge of campus but now has several science buildings west of it. We didn’t make it to the VMTH or the Poultry Facility but that is OK. I think Matt and Jenny enjoyed our tour and Max got quite a few good sniffs out of the walk! And we went by the Davis Farmer’s Market – that truly brought back memories! I always tried to stop there on Wednesday afternoons on my bike ride home to pick up something. It is truly an event the way they do it!
We enjoy our visits with Matt, Jenny and Max so much. Lots of laughing, games and food (cheese plate anyone?). This time we got to watch the Olympics together as well as play our standby games of Terraforming Mars and WIngspan. We even brought out Settlers of Catan. I am so glad that they are willing to spend their weekends with us.
Tomorrow another snake gets rehomed – Crackers will be going to live with Heather O and family, and hopefully get back into a classroom. She always liked getting out of the cage to greet students. So only Bandit still hangs out here with us. At 27+ years old, he is simply too old to rehome. I am finally starting to feel retired – it is almost August and I do not have any lessons planned! The days are relaxing and I just get to things as I get to them. No worries – be happy! I have a lunch planned for later this week and the gym with Lori in the mornings. Life is good!