Tuesday was the first day of work in the new building, and that was quite exciting. Kudos are owed to many people, but especially to Steve Cartwright and the IT team for doing such a great job of having everything in place and working. Sure, there were a few little glitches the first day, but otherwise, things have been humming along. It was a lovely, mild day, and so I decided to walk back home, and what a nice walk it is. It takes about 25 minutes, and that's not rushing or anything.

Wednesday I had a ride with Steve Cartwright to work, and all went smoothly again at work. It's interesting that now there are different groups around us, and some I know and some I don't know. So, we are all wearing name badges so that we can identify each other, since this is the first time those in all four different buildings are under one roof! I have found our mini kitchen on our floor, the supplies cabinet, plus some friends who are on the same floor as me, whereas in the past they were in an entirely different building! That's nice!

The weather began to turn bad on Thursday and by Friday we were having rain by noon, and it continued to rain on and off the rest of the day and into the evening. I'd booked one of the cars out for the weekend, as Ginny and Ed Hagan were arriving on Saturday from London. I parked it in my garage after work and then went to meet up with friends at Wetherspoons: Rachel Addison, Paul Cain, Karen Whiteley, Mike Kendall and Chris Thompson. I had to agree with Karen when she said she was a bit tired, and that being at the new building was like starting a new school. You have to find where things are, where people are, etc. Like me, she is enjoying the new experience, as are most everyon. After a couple I left and walked down to Old Orleans, a Cajun restaurant here in York. I was meeting Kevin Iresom for dinner. Now, it's not exactly our idea of Cajun food, but they try! We had a nice meal, and then we were back out in the rain, and we each grabbed a taxi and headed home. I wanted to get a good night's sleep and prepare for Ed and Ginny.

Saturday dawned grey and gloomy, but the sun tried to peek out. I had talked to them, and they were planning to catch a train that would get them to York at noon. Sure enough, there they were! Even though Ginny has had double knee replacement surgery and is walking with a cane, she was certainly game to try anything. I was very proud of her. Took them by Clifford's Tower, the York Museum, and into the Minster. Also took them to see our new offices, and we had a nice lunch at the Blue Bicycle, on the River Foss just down from the building where my apartment is. All too soon it was time to take them back to the train station so they could return to London. It was so nice to see them, and they really look good!

Sunday has been filled with rain and very overcast skies. I went to the movie to see Mona Lisa Smile today and then to visit with Bruce and Sally, who had been out of town all week in the Yorkshire Dales. It was certainly nice to catch up with them.

So that concludes another week here in York. Hope things continue to go well for all of you.

Love,