Wedding Part 4 – The Big Day

Saturday morning Katie and I arose; the sun was shining, birds were chirping, and excitement was in the air. After breakfast many of us set about making final preparations. Many of the women decorated the granaio, which would be the scene of dinner and dancing, while others picked local wild flowers from the countryside. WeContinue reading “Wedding Part 4 – The Big Day”

Legally Married!

Last Saturday Katie and I took a major step by formalizing our civil union with some of our best friends in Houston. Because our “real” wedding will take place in Italy and because it’s kind of a pain to be legally wed there, we decided to be legally wed in Houston first. We originally intendedContinue reading “Legally Married!”

The Most Pressing Question: How To Price Food, Energy, and Health?

I was recently invited to throw my hat in for participation in the conference on “Ecosystem Services” hosted by the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative. It is a “think tank” style event at which people from all disciplines, sectors, and backgrounds come together to address weighty topics. One question on the application was, “Which oneContinue reading “The Most Pressing Question: How To Price Food, Energy, and Health?”

San Francisco

Katie and I had a wonderful weekend in San Francisco! Friday afternoon we hopped on a Continental flight–no upgrade, but no complaints. Upon checkin at our hotel in SoMa we walked around the city for awhile before meeting some friends for dinner. After just a little walking around it was easy to see why peopleContinue reading “San Francisco”

Valentine’s Day

Katie and I aren’t huge fans of overhyped, overcommercialized Valentine’s Day but we never turn down an opportunity for a special date night. Instead of going out to a restaurant, we always stay in and cook a special meal for Valentine’s Day. Usually we choose a specific culinary ingredient or theme and we alternate whoContinue reading “Valentine’s Day”

I’m a Symphomaniac, MANIAC!

Last Thursday Katie and I attended a performance of the Houston Symphony Orchestra for the first time since my return to the US. We used to be full season subscribers to this truly world class orchestra and it was exciting to be back. That night was a great performance for which to return as itContinue reading “I’m a Symphomaniac, MANIAC!”

Beginnings and Endings

Blogger’s note: I no longer use the term “Redskins” but am leaving my prior references intact in the spirit of learning. Last Wednesday Katie and I went to dinner with an old friend and classmate, Nate, and his lovely wife. Nate and I were two of three Rice computer science 2001 graduates who started upContinue reading “Beginnings and Endings”