tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193309702024-03-16T14:52:06.249-04:00marginal benefitlife in words and pictures...Allen A. Fawcetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01194880547573938548noreply@blogger.comBlogger1112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-18491246204059663692024-03-08T15:16:00.032-05:002024-03-10T15:48:34.724-04:00Color Wall<p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53578419157/in/datetaken/" title="Color Wall"><img alt="Color Wall" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53578419157_f06f127449_w.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </p><div>
My great uncle Joe Cox was a professor in the School of Design at NC State and designed the ‘Color Wall’ light mural installation at the University library in 1972. The original installation used a mechanical timer and switching device he invented to control a row of 23 lights with seven different colors that projected on a wall creating different colors as they overlap and black metal vanes casting casting colorful shadows as they block the light from different angles. The ‘Color Wall’ was <a href="https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/news/special-collections/fabulous-50-color-wall" target="_blank">restored in 2010</a> replacing the original mechanical switching device with a digital controller. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have so many fond memories of visiting my Aunt Bets and Uncle Joe as a child, but I never had the chance to see his ‘Color Wall’ until a work trip took me to NC State. Seeing it in person was a moving experience, and it was wonderful seeing how much the community here still loves this wonderful artwork. So glad to see that the University has established an endowment to preserve the ‘Color Wall’ for generations to come.</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Ojvs-QGG9M?si=KgbUPA64QMSPncZO" title="YouTube video player" width="400"></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div>(Click <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBh4cz">here</a> for all the pictures)</div><div><br /></div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53579498228/in/datetaken/" title="Color Wall"><img alt="Color Wall" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53579498228_fea0620d06.jpg" width="357" /></a><blockquote>
The mural takes light apart and puts it back together again on the white mural surface. The black creates maximum contrast to the lightness of the colors for heightened emotional response.<div>
<br />It creates a color experience as you walk down the hall. It was designed for the space. It is a space in which people are in motion. The light patterns change at irregular intervals about 32 times every two minutes. This is about two changes in the time that it takes a person to walk past it. The changes restimulate you so that you don't have to look at a static situation. Change and variety are important to us.</div><div>
<br />Actually the mural reverses the process of painting. Paint breaks up white light and the paint subtracts some of the light frequencies. But the wall of the mural is white and the individual colors are added. The black anodized forms that are set on various angles perform the subtraction by casting shadows. The light also provides a luminosity that paint does not have.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Joe Cox, 1972</div></blockquote><div></div>Allen A. Fawcetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01194880547573938548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-71889411911081932112024-03-06T09:11:00.001-05:002024-03-06T09:11:41.362-05:00Saints Alive!<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53571609990/in/album-72177720315260787/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53571609990_5406943c8b.jpg" width="375" /></a><div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>On a very raining Saturday morning, Owen, Allen and I headed to St. Mary's City, MD for Accepted Seahawks Day. While Owen is still waiting to hear from several schools (including favorites Grinnell and Colorado College and Allen's alma mater, William & Mary), of the colleges he's been accepted to already, <a href="https://www.smcm.edu/" target="_blank">St. Mary's College</a> (a small, public liberal arts honor college in southern Maryland) is at the top of the list. And despite the gloomy weather (and a very odd play list for the schools premier vocal group, Ping, which included <i>Welcome to New York</i> and <i>Shake It Off</i>), Owen had a great visit.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the intro <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53571610075/in/album-72177720315260787/" target="_blank">session</a>, we forced Owen to talk to the Econ Department. Afterwards, he independently had some really good conversations with faculty and students from the Political Science, Public Policy and History Departments. We checked out the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53571609980/in/album-72177720315260787/" target="_blank">climbing gym</a> after which Owen talked extensively to some members of the climbing club about student setting, ratings and local climbing outings. We toured <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53571610075/in/album-72177720315260787/" target="_blank">dorms</a>, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53571370728/in/album-72177720315260787/" target="_blank">the docks,</a> the fine arts hall and the baseball fields. We had lunch at the Niche Rated <i>#1 Best College Food in Maryland</i> Dining Hall. And we had break out session for the parents and students, so we could find out all the logistics of St. Mary's while Owen heard about the challenges of choosing a good roommate.</div><div><br /></div><div>By the end of a long the day, the sun had come out and Owen seemed really happy and comfortable with the school. And while Allen may have confused a lot of people by sharing an <i>Instagram</i> post which suggested Owen had already made his choice, he's still waiting and mulling things over (we promise there will be a blog post once he decides). </div><div><br /></div><div>But at least he has some good options to mull.</div><div><br /></div><div>(To see all the St. Mary's pictures, click <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/albums/72177720315260787/with/53571609990/" target="_blank">here</a>.) </div>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-44197567477411672812024-02-17T22:16:00.001-05:002024-02-17T22:16:18.098-05:00Visitation (Part 1)<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53534731233/in/album-72177720314879904/" title="Washington College Day"><img alt="Washington College Day" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53534731233_e8e42b8a84.jpg" width="375" /></a><div>Having suffered through the part of the college application process that involved test-taking, essay writing, list making, and applying, we're now in the period of waiting and responding (which will then be followed by deciding and committing). So far, Owen has been admitted to three colleges (<a href="https://www.goucher.edu/" target="_blank">Goucher</a>, <a href="https://www.smcm.edu/" target="_blank">St. Mary's</a> and <a href="https://www.washcoll.edu/" target="_blank">Washington College</a>), deferred at two (<a href="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/" target="_blank">Colorado College</a> and <a href="https://www.du.edu/" target="_blank">University of Denver</a>), and still awaiting responses for three (<a href="https://www.grinnell.edu/" target="_blank">Grinnell</a>, <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank">University of Maryland</a> and <a href="https://www.wm.edu/" target="_blank">William & Mary</a>).<p>While we wait to hear from the rest of his options, we've started scheduling admitted student visits. Our inaugural one was Friday at Washington College, established in 1782 and named after the then General, who contributed 50 guineas to its founding, in order for Owen to interview for its Presidential Fellows Program.</p><p>The day started with the one and a half hour drive (over the <a href="https://baybridge.maryland.gov/" target="_blank">Bay Bridge</a>, mind you) to Chestertown, MD. After checking in at the Visitor's Center, we headed to the Gibson's Center for the Arts auditorium for an overview of the Presidential Fellows program. An hour later, the applicants were sent to mock classes (Owen attended, <i>Brewing up Trouble: The History of Tea and the American Revolution</i>) while the parents participated in a more direct question and answer period with college staff. Owen and I then met up in time for his interview for the program, followed by lunch in the Dining Hall.</p><p>After lunch, we had the option for a guided tour, but Owen wanted to explore more freely so we went off on our own. One of our first stops was at the library, where a helpful librarian (who clearly knew her audience) asked if we ever watched <i>Doctor Who</i>. Inspired by the series, Washington developed its own <a href="https://www.washcoll.edu/people_departments/offices/educational-technology/vardis.php" target="_blank">VARDIS</a> (Virtual/Augmented Reality Digital Imaging Studio) where students can create virtual reality experiences. Two students happened to be working on some museum studies projects while we were there and gave a rather lengthy presentation about the technology and its application. Next we swung by <a href="https://blog.washcoll.edu/wordpress/ideaworks/" target="_blank">Ideaworks</a>, the lab which features a laser saw, multiple 3-D printers, and all the tools to build a battery powered boat for student-led projects.</p><p>After the library, we attempted to get into a few buildings unsuccessfully before heading back to the car – though we managed to time it perfectly to catch Washington's baseball team's warm-up. After taking the mandated pictures for Allen, Owen and I headed back over the Bay Bridge to DC. where Owen announced it wasn't his top choice, but that he liked it (though that was before he learned that the nearest climbing gym was in Delaware...).</p><p>(To see all the pictures, click <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/albums/72177720314879904/with/53533666402/" target="_blank">here</a>.)</p></div>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-51666051441848451922024-02-13T20:05:00.000-05:002024-02-13T20:05:08.986-05:00Polarities<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53523181255/in/album-72177720314785824/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53523181255_1e481f3ffe.jpg" width="375" /></a><div>Since Allen hasn't managed to solve global warming yet, it was time once again for the Chesapeake Climate Action Networks annual <a href="https://us-p2p.engagingnetworks.app/8909/polarbearplunge2024/144687/polar-bear-noa?fbclid=IwAR3Iokb7Me9JyVX60gwnbUQjAj53aRvzYncJuluwZihmYTLB-_BItIYzaXE" target="_blank">Polar Bear Plunge</a>. Owen, having braved last year's <a href="https://allen-and-elaine.blogspot.com/2023/02/polar-plunging.html" target="_blank">frigid conditions</a>, decided not to participate this year. And since <i>someone</i> needs to take pictures and hold stuff on shore while our environmental heroes venture into the icy waters of the Atlantic (or rather its chilly tributary), only Allen and Noa represented for the Fawcett/Zimmermans.</div><div><br /></div><div>They were joined by 20 or so other <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53521854532/in/album-72177720314785824/" target="_blank">Quaking Quakers</a> and dozens of other <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53522753701/in/album-72177720314785824/" target="_blank">climate soldiers</a> on a semi-balmy, overcast Saturday at the National Harbor (which didn't prevent Allen's toes from getting cold). After checking in, grabbing some snacks and listening to a few speeches, we marched with the others to the beach where the Plungers submerged themselves (or at least waded in) as us onlookers documented their efforts and cheered.</div><div><br /></div><div>After drying off and a quick change of clothes, we started to head to the car to leave. But as we passed the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53522753676/in/album-72177720314785824/" target="_blank">Capital Wheel</a>, we decided that since we didn't have any major plans for the rest of the day (Noa had already missed orchestra) a ferris wheel ride would looking out over the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53523181240/in/album-72177720314785824/" target="_blank">harbor</a> would be the perfect ending for the morning's adventure.</div><div><br /></div><div>(To see all of the Polar Pics, click <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/albums/72177720314785824/" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div><div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hsmpkby3IrQ?si=69Upiw3GmDbgEc_Z" title="YouTube video player" width="400"></iframe></div>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-14329290120213313172024-02-04T15:02:00.029-05:002024-02-13T20:02:10.029-05:00Forty-Niner<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53522922798/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53522922798_754c8de4c5_w.jpg" width="400" /></a><div>To be honest, we haven't had a lot to really celebrate in a while. So while 49 isn't normally a go all out kind of birthday, the need for a celebration combined with both Allen's passage of youth and new job, coupled with his return following a dramatic and taxing <a href="https://allen-and-elaine.blogspot.com/2024/01/air-disasters.html" target="_blank">business trip</a> for said job, plus a really nice promotion (free gift certificate for <i>Rose's Luxury</i> with the purchase of a reservation) meant that Allen and I got to take in all four courses, four amuse bouches, and a bevy of drinks at <i>Pineapple & Pearls</i> while donning <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53528216925/in/album-72177720314770601/" target="_blank">gold lamè pants</a> (at least for me) and celebrating Allen.</div><div><br /></div><div>While as parents we don't like to play favorites, as foodies, there were definitely some standouts: <i><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53528099984/in/album-72177720314770601/" target="_blank">Beggar's Purses a la Quilted Giraffe</a></i> had both an incredible presentation and tasted amazing (scallion pancakes with creme fresh, red onion and caviar); <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53527962653/in/album-72177720314770601/" target="_blank"><i>Marco's Gnocchi</i> </a>involves no eggs, but some amazing black truffles; the <i><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53527962638/in/album-72177720314770601/" target="_blank">World Class Wagyu</a> </i>seemingly melted in your mouth; and the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53527786001/in/album-72177720314770601/" target="_blank">T<i>aste the (Berry) Rainbow</i></a> was just what a couple of kids from Iowa need to end a lovely evening (and the <i>Tomorrow's Lunch</i> wagyu cheeseburgers made for a couple of lovely lunch breaks for Allen).</div><div><br /></div><div>It's not something we do very often, but if you have the means and opportunity, we highly recommend a night our at Pineapple & Pearls. It definitely made for a special 49th. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53528117514/in/album-72177720314770601/" target="_blank">Happy birthday, Allen Fawcett</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53522922788/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53522922788_78dee32780.jpg" width="302" /></a><p><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></p><p>(To see all the courses, click <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/albums/72177720314770601/with/53528117514/" target="_blank">here</a>.)</p></div>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-10371192942856640632024-01-28T21:46:00.001-05:002024-01-28T21:46:49.816-05:00Air Disasters<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53494819049/in/datetaken/" title="Fawcett_Allen-8"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53494819049_73bd123823_w.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="Fawcett_Allen-8"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p><span style="text-align: center;">This week was Allen's first work trip for PNNL. It was kind of a disaster. He was scheduled to fly to Richland, WA on Monday, with a short layover in Minneapolis, in order to make a manager’s retreat on Tuesday. But his 40-minute layover turned into 1.5 hours, then 2.5 hours due to a flat tire on the plane, then into the next morning due to a missing flight crew. Allen grabbed a hotel room in Minneapolis and headed back to the airport the next morning at 5:30 am CST in the hope that he could make the second half of the retreat.</span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">But then that flight was delayed another 2.5 hours due to the still missing crew. Then 4 hours due to weather. Then they finally boarded but made Allen check his carryon bag since it was such a small plane. Things finally seemed like all would be ok, until they tried to land in <a href="https://flic.kr/p/2pv9T5S" target="_blank">foggy</a> Richland, got within twenty feet of the runway, pulled up and circled around to try again, almost landed again but pulled up and <a href="https://flic.kr/p/2pv96fe" target="_blank">diverted to Portland, OR</a>. Because the fog was getting worse in Richland, they cancelled the flight until the following day, which meant Allen, having already missed the retreat, would now miss a full day of meetings unless he took action. So, he rented a car and drive the four hours to Richland, though that meant that he wouldn’t have his luggage. "No problem," said Delta, "we’ll drop it off when we land the following day." Tuesday night, after a long day and a long drive Allen arrived in Richland, WA in order to make his Wednesday and Thursday meetings… but without any of his clothes or toiletries. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">The bag didn’t arrive the next day either, having stayed for some reason in Portland. I suggested Allen at least find a Target and pick up some fresh underwear, undershirts and socks, particularly since the following day they were taking his “portrait” for PNNL, but Allen was resolute and so headed off Thursday morning in the same outfit he’d been wearing since 4:30 am CST on Tuesday for a photoshoot to be immortalized on the PNNL wall. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Having now finished all of his meetings, Allen returned to his hotel room Thursday night to discover that his bag was <i>still</i> not there. It was, however, at the Richland airport (unclear why Delta didn't deliver it). Allen planned to just pick it up the next morning on his way back out of principle, but I convinced him that it would be better to drive the 20 minutes to the airport in order to have some fresh clothes to fly home in. So he skipped dinner (opting instead for bagels and yogurt from the hotel’s breakfast bar) and finally got his bag with all his toiletries and fresh clothes. There was a brief moment of celebration as he planned to head to bed in order to be relaxed for his flight home Friday morning.</span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Only then he got the call that his flight had been cancelled and he was being rebooked on a later flight that would get him home Saturday morning. He was pretty frustrated, but eventually the PNNL people found him an alternative flight so he slept in and then drove 2.5 hours to Spokane, WA where he and his bag (which he was not required to check on the flight home) then flew to Minneapolis before finally landing in DC after which he arrived home around midnight Friday night, where he immediately crashed.</span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">At least he doesn't have to go back until next quarter...</span></p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53494926510/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53494926510_74ac584188_w.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-13505222916505353022024-01-15T20:02:00.001-05:002024-01-19T21:10:19.721-05:00Swept Away<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53471777962/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="359" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53471777962_3ab3e088e5.jpg" width="400" /></a><div>When Allen suggested that we go see a new musical by the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/theavettbrothers" target="_blank">Avett Brothers</a> about 19th century whalers adrift at sea that resort to cannibalism, we all thought he was being a little nutty. But then we actually saw <i>Swept Away</i> on its closing night at DC's Arena Stage and realized Allen was percipient. It's the best cannibal musical I've ever seen (having never seen <i>Sweeney Todd</i>) and the only thing missing was a kracken.</div>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-73472603693750528012024-01-05T06:00:00.010-05:002024-02-18T14:07:13.716-05:00Farewell EPA<p>I can’t believe I’m saying this, but after 20 amazing years today is my last day at EPA. From my early days toiling away in the Fortran code of a now defunct CGE model, to the wild ride of analyzing Waxman-Markey and other cap-and-trade bills for Congress, to the highs of supporting the negotiations in the lead up to Paris — the torture of dealing with the Biomass Accounting Framework and the SAB, and the intellectual stimulation of working with the Energy Modeling Forum — the fascination of working on the Long Term Strategy, the excitement of analyzing the IRA, and so much more — I can’t imagine a better way to have spent the past 20 years of my career. There really is no better place to do intellectually stimulating work on climate change and have a seat at the table to help make a difference in the world. And of course, the most amazing part of working here has been the people, it's a joy to work with so many friendly people dedicated to public service and furthering our mission to protect human health and the environment. For my next chapter, I will still be working in the same areas, taking a new position as <a href="https://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/allen-fawcett-named-director-joint-global-change-research-institute">Director of the Joint Global Change Research Institute</a> at DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Despite the name, I won’t be far — just up the road a bit in College Park, where I’ll also have an affiliation with the University of Maryland School of Public Policy’s Center for Global Sustainability. Looking forward to a new adventure!</p>Allen A. Fawcetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01194880547573938548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-20175788026070863852024-01-02T16:18:00.000-05:002024-01-09T12:23:10.734-05:00Duck Walk<p>For Christmas this year, Duck received a cat harness in their stocking that Noa has been itching to get them for a while now. If you're wondering how walking Duck goes, let's just say Noa and Anais at least didn't have to call the fire department!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dye9nVI7fxdBgwdyCas7e9j9eRQwIf3Szyq1iUjZbKLWMGqWgTpRpXBJtqtfY7ZkXoMdiYMewW1bFk' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p>Allen A. Fawcetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01194880547573938548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-51138741981162464782024-01-01T12:04:00.010-05:002024-01-09T12:22:56.678-05:00Years End<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53447059871/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53447059871_78b04acba4.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><p> 2023 was collectively not our family's favorite year. Still we were able to end it on a nice note.</p><p>On New Year's Eve eve, we headed to Mom Mom & Grandpa Don's to see <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53447191778/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">Jen</a>, Ivan, Oliver and meet Sonia (Ahzer had already headed back to Utah). While most of us just chilled (especially <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53447376404/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">Sonia</a>), Noa, Ivan and Oliver spent the evening, running, hiding, making <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53447473725/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">all manner of noise</a>, and watching <i><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53447059926/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">Captain Underpants</a>,</i> until we finally had to bid them a good night in order for them to make their flight home the next morning and so Noa could recover from hanging with the under ten crowd.</p><p>On New Year's Eve, we returned to Mom Mom & Grandpa Don's to finally open Christmas presents with them and Nancy & Danny and have a lovely dinner (followed by an epic marbles tournament) while still making it home in time so that the four of us could greet 2024 while watching <i>Doctor Who</i> together.</p><p>Here's hoping for better things and happier times.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53447473515/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53447473515_a79cfa7ca2.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></p><p>(For the rest of our New Yearish pictures, click <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/albums/72177720313924597" target="_blank">here</a>.)</p>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-87956226622375504202023-12-29T09:19:00.006-05:002024-01-09T11:25:22.908-05:00Home for Christmas<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53447473235/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="238" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53447473235_94e46d3971.jpg" width="400" /></a><div>We were scheduled to be in Iowa this year for Christmas, and while we briefly considered staying home, we forged ahead. It was our first time driving out for the holiday in years without John, which felt a little strange (he would have marveled at all the construction). John would have been pretty amazed to see Owen duly take his driving shift through Ohio (and maneuvering through some tricky stretches).<p>We were the first to arrive at Mom & Dad's, and enjoyed a lovely meal before crashing Friday night. The next morning, we mistakenly thought that the rest of the Zimmermans would be arriving at any moment, only it turned out that Dave wasn't getting in until later that night, and Steve and his crew wouldn't be there until Christmas afternoon – a fact that we collectively learned when Allen, exasperated by the Zimmerman's collective lack of communications skills, texted Olivia and got the skinny. </p><p>Fortunately, we had opted to spend most of the day with Ken, Helen, Thomas, Leanna and their families – catching up, reminiscing and making some tentative plans for John's memorial this spring at the pond while the grandchildren had a rousing game of <i><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53447376464/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">Clue</a></i> followed by a visual variation of the game <i>Telephone</i> where somehow a pictorial of "pain in the neck" led to an explanation of "decapitation." Awe, Christmas.</p><p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53447473685/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53447473685_8d54ea6ca0.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Dave finally arrived (Kara had to stay back in Colorado to cat sit) right after Mom and Dad returned from church. So we had a lovely dinner (and a lot of Christmas treats) before well all crashed again. The next morning, we mostly <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53452396202/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">hung out</a> (and had an <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53453444543/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">blind eggnog tasting</a>, which if anyone had any doubts, Anderson Erickson is by far the superior eggnog – if you like that sort of thing), before Mom, Dad and Dave headed to church <i>again</i> (which Dad took some issue with but invariably offered it up for those poor souls in purgatory) while we stayed home and made lasagna for dinner. Afterwards, mom and I made our to-do list for the following morning and made an extra pie, having already sampled the ones mom had made in anticipation for everyone's arrival (though we did decide, since we were lacking in filling, that the Schaumburg Zimmermans would have to make due with <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53453638319/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">canned strawberry-rhubarb pie filling</a> since they were the last to arrive).</p><p>Christmas morning, mom woke up early to prep the turkey (and declare to Dave that she is <i>never</i> cooking a turkey again). Noa and I made rolls while Dave set the table and then re-set it when we realized that Bernie, Pete and Jeannine would be joining us. Everyone arrived and after some socializing (and a impromptu game of "pass the chairs") we sat down to eat. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53453444528/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">Dinner was lovely</a> and was followed by a preview of the video Steve put together for Mom's 80th birthday.</p><p>The next morning, we officially celebrated Mom's 80th (one month in advance) before Dave headed back. The Schaumburg Zimmermans and us headed to the mall where they <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53447191488/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">skated</a> (and potentially contracted COVID) while we used up some gift cards at Barnes & Noble and watched them, followed by some additional <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53447059416/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">cousin bonding time</a>. The next day, we all headed out, though first we stopped at the pond to meet up with Ken, Helen, Kent and Adam for some more discussions regarding John's memorial and succession planning (as well as to supplement our corn reserves).</p><p>It was a weird Christmas -- we forgot to take many pictures and I forgot to even ask Allen how he was handling his first holiday without his Dad until Christmas night. It was hard for Allen -- he kept thinking he should text him or would think of things he wanted to tell him and couldn't. And while it was good to have so much other family surround us, there was still a pretty big hole this holiday season. </p><p>(To see the pictures we have, please click <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/albums/72177720313925886" target="_blank">here</a>.)</p></div>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-3664796431543745582023-12-17T15:41:00.010-05:002024-01-09T09:19:27.050-05:00And the Orchestras Played On<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i-1k4MP4SpM?si=Y66VUkPqAry3SvdN" title="YouTube video player" width="400"></iframe><p>Much like Christmas and the Grinch, the kids' holiday concerts didn't stop but somehow or another still came. And despite everything else, we still managed to make Noa's DCYOP Repertory Orchestra Concert, and the Duke Ellington Vocal and Instrumental Department Holiday Concert.</p>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-20951420641647310922023-12-16T15:47:00.003-05:002023-12-16T22:00:15.464-05:00John Thomas Fawcett<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52663376627/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52663376627_04f072d42f.jpg" width="375" /></a><div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>John T. Fawcett</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>(November 27, 1943 - December 10, 2023)</div><div><br /></div><div>Allen's father passed away on Sunday, December 10th. The day before, Allen and I had lunch with him and Jacqui to belatedly celebrate his 80th birthday. He seemed in good spirits, told stories and had seconds of desserts. The next morning he woke up, showered, ate breakfast, and then stopped breathing. He died with Katherine and Jacqui by his side. By the time Allen and I arrived he was gone.</div><div><br /></div><div>John lived with us for 10 years, which were not always easy but were alway interesting. He loved crashing construction sites, trips to Costco, monitoring loved ones whereabouts on "Find a Friend," watching <i>Phineas & Ferb</i> (as well as <i>Wildkratz</i> and the occasional M<i>y Little Pony: Friendship is Magic</i>) with his grandkids, and viewing season after season of <i>Air Disasters</i> (I'll never understand how he was able to fly after a marathon of those). He could charm anyone and struck up conversations with all the neighborhood characters who all looked out for him. He had <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdNDmfH2B2Bm41hzLLudXtye9kSj_mxRd&si=1h-x_GaWfCCWo4Ja" target="_blank">amazing stories</a> from his LBJ years which he loved to share, and was always up for dinner or a drink (his treat). He was a kind and generous man with an infectious smile who was loved his friends and family deeply and will be greatly missed.</div>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-13706558784946257062023-12-02T16:47:00.001-05:002024-01-09T11:35:47.285-05:00Velocity Girl<p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53400471624/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53400471624_6617733ab1.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p>Brad and Ben joined us for a great night of 90's nostalgia seeing Velocity Girl (with Tuscadero opening) at the Black Cat. 21 year old Allen would be very happy to know this night was in his future :-)</p><p><br /></p><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Allen A. Fawcetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01194880547573938548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-53724338792864464332023-11-25T15:47:00.002-05:002023-12-16T15:52:56.523-05:00Thanks<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53400336928/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53400336928_a2b9811cd7.jpg" width="400" /></a><div>Thanksgiving this year was a quiet affair at Nancy and Danny's house. They made the mains and most of the sides, Sharon made a trio of appetizers, and we were charged with rolls and dessert. And while there were some noticeable absences from the table who were sorely missed, we still managed to have a lovely day (and even got a game of <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53400336918/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">marbles</a> in). </div>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-66697645048811148122023-11-19T16:03:00.000-05:002024-01-06T16:31:14.623-05:00Venice<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53338865972/in/album-72177720312760800/" title="Venice 2023"><img alt="Venice 2023" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53338865972_c01257d3bf_w.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><p>After failed attempts to travel to ether the IPCC AR6 SYR approval session in Interlaken or the IPCC Scenarios Workshop in Thailand due passport and visa issues, I finally was able to take my first international trip for work since the pandemic. Lucky for me that first trip was to the IAMC Annual Meeting in Venice, Italy along with Leon's Green Macroeconomic Workshop ahead of the IAMC. The workshop was great, and a really wonderful chance to catch up with colleagues from around the world. Especially nice was the chance to to take some walking meetings with <a href="https://flic.kr/p/2pgutsM">Karen, Jen, Joe and Jim</a>, and of course some amazing dinners! The exciting news that I can write about now through the magic of backdating this post is that PNNL offered me the position of Director of the Joint Global Change Research Institute while I was in Venice. I accepted the position, but had to keep it quiet the rest of the trip as the news wasn't public yet. I was able to have a nice dinner discussion with Gokul who was in the loop, but had to keep my lips sealed talking with all the other JGCRI staff and collaborators at the meeting. All told it was a great trip, and I can look forward to next year's IAMC in South Korea! </p><p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53338866107/in/album-72177720312760800/" title="Venice 2023"><img alt="Venice 2023" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53338866107_e44101b911.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br /></p><p>(click <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/albums/72177720312760800">here</a> for all the pictures)</p>Allen A. Fawcetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01194880547573938548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-90891297105012848652023-11-04T20:04:00.001-04:002023-11-09T21:25:56.595-05:00Everybody<p>Fall plays tend to take on an intellectual bent (see Noa's performance as <a href="https://allen-and-elaine.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-scottish-play.html" target="_blank">Lady MacBeth</a> from last year). Private progressive high schools in the nation's capitol, tend to take that to the next level. Hence, Burke's Fall play, <i><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53320795983/in/album-72177720312558935/" target="_blank">Everybody</a></i>, a modern adaptation of a 15th century morality play based on Buddhist teachings. The play focuses on the randomness of death as the title character is asked to defend their life to <i>God</i> and is allowed to bring someone with them, but is abandoned in the end by friendship, family, and material items, facing <i>God </i>only with only <i>Love </i>and their <i>Evil Acts</i> (played by Noa – while eating <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53320556646/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">chips</a>) by their side as they jump into the abyss, after which <i>Death</i>, <i>Time</i> and <i>Understanding</i> make plans to hang out.<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FcGCK_FvT_s?si=m43p_gPR5SJCb7no" title="YouTube video player" width="400"></iframe></p><p>Mom Mom and Grandpa Don joined us for the premier and the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53320909564/in/album-72177720312558935/" target="_blank">Burke players</a> did a great job. And while some of the material might have been a little over my head, I'm excited to be supporting Burke's drama program – especially for the the Spring musical, <i>Mean Girls</i>.</p><div>(We were not allowed to film the play, but Allen did get in a few <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/albums/72177720312558935/with/53320795983/" target="_blank">pictures</a> in addition to the trailer...) </div>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-86299969249732691862023-10-31T12:25:00.010-04:002023-11-01T11:06:16.011-04:00Senior Pics<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53300236519/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53300236519_7d460c3c6c_w.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><div>Senior pictures were a big deal when I was growing up. But in DC, they tend to just be an extension of regular school picture day, but with fake formalwear for the student. That's not really our jam, so we reached out to Maria (who does our annual Christmas card picture) for a special Owen photoshoot in late October.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really planned ahead. I made sure Owen had his hair cut two weeks in advance. I discussed multiple outfits and backdrops I wanted included. I suggested we bring a chair to make sure Owen had proper seating for lots of cello-centric photos. We even scheduled the session around the expected sunset to optimize lighting.<p>But I didn't anticipate getting COVID.</p><p>With me out of commission, Allen had to manage everything on Sunday, which in addition to Owen's photoshoot included: a Meeting of Clerks, Meeting, identifying gas leaks near Meeting, and getting Noa to their rehearsal/run-through for Friday's performance of Burke's fall play, <i>Everybody.</i> As such it shouldn't be that much of a surprise that mistakes were made and certain things were missed for said photoshoot, specifically Owen's cello bow.</p><p>Having scheduled it all around sunset, there was no time to go back and retrieve the bow so Allen, Owen and Maria forged ahead, with Owen playing pizzicato for all of the cello-themed photos. We haven't seen Maria's final product, but based on the pictures Allen was able to snap, we should have a lot to work with. And documenting that Owen forgot his bow probably captures his high school experience as much anything.</p><p><br /><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53300236524/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53300236524_102dec2de1.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></p><p>(To see all the pictures Allen took, click <a href="<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53300339610/in/album-72177720312360134/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53300339610_c222d4a41e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>" target="_blank">here</a>). </p><p></p></div>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-54075767342679571982023-10-28T14:07:00.040-04:002023-11-01T17:17:16.954-04:00Women's Camp 2023 (Minus One)<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53289814922/in/album-72177720312249760/" title="Santa Fe"><img alt="Santa Fe" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53289814922_a465f64c6b.jpg" width="400" /></a><div>The last time the Ladies of J1 gathered together was <a href="https://allen-and-elaine.blogspot.com/2019/09/womens-camp-2019.html" target="_blank">pre-Pandemic</a>. Time passed, and a great deal transpired, including some loss and a great deal of change. So much so, that it seemed essential we reconvene. So we mapped out a central location (though technically, if we gave weight to Tracey being in Saudi Arabia, we probably would have ended up in Scotland), found a time that seemed ideal (when Tracey was returning stateside for her sister's 40th birthday), and booked an Airbnb and flights to Santa Fe, NM (ok, technically the flights were to Albuquerque which was <i>much</i> cheaper).</div><div><br /></div><div>But then Tracey wasn't feeling well and wasn't sure she could make the trip. She soldiered on and made it all the way from the Middle East to Detroit, MI, where she became so ill she was hospitalized. She was discharged fairly quickly, but there was no way she was going to make it to New Mexico.</div><div><br /></div><div>But Audra, Cecily and I could not be deterred, meeting at the airport, picking up the rental car and driving over an hour to our rental house where we promptly ordered food, went to the grocery store, ate what was delivered (which actually wasn't the food we ordered), and then crashed for the night. </div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning we went for a short (though fairly vertical) <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53294970068/in/album-72177720312249760/" target="_blank">hike</a> before coming back, cleaning up, Facetiming Tracey, and going to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53294719051/in/album-72177720312249760/" target="_blank">Meow Wolf</a>, an <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53293068869/in/album-72177720312249760/" target="_blank">immersive</a> art <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53290944158/in/album-72177720312249760/" target="_blank">experience</a>. We made it through all 70+ <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53299861216/in/album-72177720312249760/" target="_blank">rooms</a> (some of them multiple times) and then went to the Santa Fe Plaza for a late lunch/early <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53295097509/in/album-72177720312249760/" target="_blank">dinner</a>. After which we headed home to enjoy some adult beverages and the hot tub.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning we woke up (relatively) early for a longer (though significantly easier) hike in Bandelier National Park. The drive took us through Los Alamos and a security check point, where we were informed we were not allowed to take pictures (which wasn't a huge loss since it's not a particularly scenic National Lab anyway). Once we got to the park, we had a lovely conversation with the Park Ranger and then headed out on the Main Pueblo Loop (1.4 miles), with a special side trip to Alcove House (1.0 miles) and its <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53293862802/in/album-72177720312249760/" target="_blank">extreme ladder climbing</a>.</div><div> <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53295097549/in/album-72177720312249760/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53295097549_3e0ce1656d.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>After the hike, we had lunch (and beers!) at the park and then returned to our place before going out for a fancy belated communal 50th birthdays celebration.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had a leisurely Sunday morning before heading to downtown Santa Fe to explore the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53293862787/in/album-72177720312249760/" target="_blank">Georgia O'Keefe Museum</a> and various <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53290957803/in/album-72177720312249760/" target="_blank">shops</a>, grab lunch and check out Canyon Road (home to 80 distinct <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53290957868/in/album-72177720312249760/" target="_blank">art galleries</a>) before heading back to the house to pack for an <i>extremely</i> early departure time.</div><div><br /></div><div>We departed Santa Fe Monday morning at 4 am in order for Audra to make her flight from Albuquerque to Detroit by 6 am. Then Cecily and I tooled around the city until we found a <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53290957883/in/album-72177720312249760/" target="_blank">Waffle House</a> to hang out in, returned the rental car and then killed time at the airport until our flights (which for me was another 5 hours...).</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a good trip. Sure, Tracey didn't actually make it and I apparently picked up a raging case of COVID while there, but it was really nice to reconnect in a beautiful place with the people that have been there for the ups and downs of our adult lives and helped us get through it all.</div><div><br /></div><div>(To see all of my pictures, plus some of Audra & Cecily's, click <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/albums/72177720312249760/with/53289814922/" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-41425583252953282972023-10-10T08:50:00.005-04:002023-10-18T20:32:05.775-04:00Climb On<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249816444/in/album-72177720312034814/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53249816444_defa8eb4b7.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><p>The last time we went to Great Falls as a family was <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/49713232727/in/album-72157713673946006/" target="_blank">March of 2020</a> during the initial weeks of the Pandemic. A lot has passed, but when asked what we should do as a family for <i>Indigenous Peoples Day,</i> Owen suggested we go climbing and Noa requested we do it at Carder Rock. Being there again as a family felt pretty great.</p><p>While Noa did a little climbing over the summer, the only one that regularly goes is Owen, so of course he suggested we try a 5.10c, though Allen did make sure that some more reasonably 5.8 climbs were also accessible. After Allen, Owen and Noa <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249956210/in/album-72177720312034814/" target="_blank">set up</a> the climb (while I safeguarded the gear and took <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249956950/in/album-72177720312034814/" target="_blank">pictures</a>), we reconvened and decided Owen would be up first with Allen belaying for him.</p><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249816854/in/album-72177720312034814/" target="_blank">Owen</a>, of course, made the climb look easy and straightforward, which might be why the rest of us assumed we could similarly scamper up the face in just a few minutes. We were mistaken. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249816604/in/album-72177720312034814/" target="_blank">Noa</a> went next with Owen belaying (while utilizing his periphery enhancing <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249816439/in/album-72177720312034814/" target="_blank">belay glasses</a>) and after what they claimed was years of their life attempting his the original route, they opted for the easier alternative. Next up was <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249749808/in/album-72177720312034814/" target="_blank">Allen</a>, who also struggled to replicate Owen's passage, but was <i>eventually</i> triumphant. I went last with Allen belaying (which meant that no one actually documented my climb) and spent a little time investigating what all the fuss was about before shifting to Option B, which while still a struggle for a 50 year old that hadn't climbed in over a year, was at least doable.</p><p>It started sprinkling, but Owen wanted one last attempt to try a slightly different approach to the 5.10c, which he was able to quickly <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249956335/in/album-72177720312034814/" target="_blank">ascend</a>. Afterwards, the kids permitted a few family <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249816044/in/album-72177720312034814/" target="_blank">selfies</a> to document that we actually spent an afternoon together absent screens and other distractions in order to really enjoy each others' company and the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53268105669/in/album-72177720312034814/" target="_blank">great outdoors</a>.</p><p><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249956120/in/album-72177720312034814/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53249956120_ea03fd8d18.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>(To see all of the climbing pictures, click <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/albums/72177720312034814" target="_blank">here</a>.)</p>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-55702735590723954132023-09-22T21:00:00.006-04:002023-10-18T13:11:52.985-04:00Here's to Good Friends...<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249823214/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="294" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53249823214_e0e722efc2_w.jpg" width="400" /></a><div>When you have a child that hates documenting their life, you really appreciate them being close friends with a documentarian.</div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249823219/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="297" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53249823219_3f39c43dd1_w.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-23929629315219901872023-09-07T12:32:00.003-04:002023-10-18T20:46:40.188-04:00School Days<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249957570/in/dateposted/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53249957570_42c8657eeb_w.jpg" width="400" /></a><div>While Owen started his senior year of high school weeks ago, private schools are a little more leisurely with their academic start dates. So after an all-school picnic, the Labor Day break (is it a break if you haven't actually started school yet?), orientation and a placement/picture day, Noa finally started high school at <a href="https://www.burkeschool.org/" target="_blank">Burke</a>. And while the high school application and admittance process was a bit traumatic, we're optimistic about where Noa ended up and what lies ahead for them. Go Bengals!</div><div><br /></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249456066/in/dateposted/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53249456066_3c5f9f8100.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-25417826116415932242023-09-06T21:30:00.001-04:002023-10-18T13:15:32.953-04:00Play Ball!<p> When the Nats post-season prospects aren't looking good, at least there's always EPA Softball.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53248582112/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53248582112_fda57ba4bc.jpg" width="375" /></a></p><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-16266465569649113292023-09-02T12:43:00.005-04:002023-10-18T13:01:18.336-04:00Because we can, can, can...<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249963640/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53249963640_0c6e30f87c.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><p>Not every family marks their youngest's <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249456071/in/dateposted/" target="_blank">birthday</a> by taking the gang to a musical about sex workers and tuberculosis, but we're not most families. And while the kids weren't particularly enthusiastic about the movie version of <i>Moulin Rouge </i>(despite it starring a young Obi Wan Kenobi), they genuinely enjoyed its <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249823884/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">staging</a> at the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249455106/in/datetaken/">Kennedy Center</a> (particularly in the front row with a full view of the pit), despite the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53249461421/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">elephant</a> in the room.</p>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19330970.post-44197127224710438982023-09-01T06:00:00.003-04:002023-09-01T06:00:00.139-04:00The Fourteenth<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52963986756/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52963986756_65d2f1cb35.jpg" width="408" /></a><div>Thirteen is a hard year to talk about. We had hoped that it would be a balm for all that had passed during Noa's <a href="https://allen-and-elaine.blogspot.com/2022/09/thirteen.html" target="_blank">twelfth year</a>, and in a lot of ways it was. At their new school, Noa became engaged in an array of activities (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52950600352/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">theater</a>, chorus, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52510164159/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">art</a>, student council, <i>Friends of Dorothy</i>) and seemed to be in a better place. But in addition to all the highs that eighth grade brought, there were also some lows that were sad and painful and not something we really want to revisit. It's enough just to know that Noa got through it and for that we're incredibly grateful.</div><div><br /></div><div>Noa found their <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52528677298/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">people</a>. They starred as <a href="https://allen-and-elaine.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-scottish-play.html" target="_blank">Lady MacBeth</a> and had a winning poem <a href="https://parkmontpoetry.org/winners_2023/noa-fawcett/" target="_blank">published</a>. They finally started playing with a full <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yri6YVVlS2c&list=PLwdb-bMw2IhidLlYcumMmtItSEhxcHNhD&index=9" target="_blank">orchestra</a>. Noa was <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52964439908/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">worshiped</a> by a fifth grade cult. They officially <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52510371795/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">outgrew</a> me. They played an organized <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52912339780/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">sport</a>. Noa promoted composting for their school, jumped into <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52691012044/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">freezing waters</a> for the environment, debated ways to incentivize voting, and made sandwiches for the unhoused. Noa commuted. They slept in <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52970857195/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">yurts</a>. They organized a school dance that they even attended (however briefly). They were memorialized on a <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52970957733/" target="_blank">brick</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>And Noa spent much of the year visiting, applying and eventually getting into high school, where they will begin the next chapter of their life. And while it's maybe not the chapter they expected, I think their story will be a pretty amazing one. </div><div><br /></div><div>So happy birthday my not so little one. We love so, so much and are so thankful that you are in our lives. You've got this, Noa, and we've got your back.<br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>If your day starts in Bethesda, your day isn't starting off well.</li><li>"<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52613244348/" target="_blank">Flannel</a> is lesbian rice."</li><li>Middle. Always the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/53141940264/" target="_blank">middle</a>.</li><li>"Look like th'innoent flower, But be the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52509411792/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">serpent</a> under't"</li><li>Don't turn your back, don't look away and don't blink. Good luck.</li><li>Un, deux, trois... <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52903744216/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">cat</a>.</li><li>You can't second guess ineffability.</li><li>Step 1: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52389702694/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">Drink coffee</a>. Step 2: Do things.</li><li>Any LGBTQ+ flag fan can tell you about the evolution of the Pride Flag, but only a true Queer Vexillologist has dug into decades old Tumblr discourse to opine on the perfection of the Neptunic flag.</li><li>And remember, always be yourself. Unless you can be a unicorn. Then always be a <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allen_fawcett/52964439883/in/datetaken/" target="_blank">unicorn</a>.</li></ol></div>Elaine M. Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772168185882092535noreply@blogger.com0