There's this white stuff falling from the sky.  I think it's called snow.  All I know is we didn't have it in Florida.  It's very pretty to look at, but I'm not sure I want to leave the apt. 
Reuben and I are supposed to go to CT today to retrieve the Gracie Kitty.  However, I'm no longer used to this whole winter weather thing and am all worried about traveling in it.  Keep in mind that we take public transport to Grand Central where we get on a train to CT and then are picked up at the station by my parents who live about three miles from it.  No-one has an hour long commute on treacherous roads in order to make this happen.  Still, I'm strongly considering postponing our trip until tomorrow when it's dry.  I've lost my New England edge.  I've lost all perspective on what constitutes a real storm.  I'm like all those Southern towns that cancel school because half an inch of snow is forecast.
What happened to the girl who dug her car out of three feet of snow on a daily basis in winter at grad school?  What happened to driving to gigs in Boston in near blizzard conditions?  Four years living in Houston followed by eight years living in Florida is what happened.  Life in a climate with sun every day has made me weak, and tanned, but mostly weak.  I must find my inner snow bunny and tackle this dusting of snow head on.  I am capable of getting to Grand Central today.  I am fully able to stand on a platform in New Haven while waiting for my connecting train, and I am confident I will not have a complete panic attack while driving on well salted roads for five minutes between the station and my parents' house.  On the other hand, I have a cupboard fully stocked with hot chocolate...perhaps it's best to stay in.

Oh dear- it's been ages since I posted.  Sorry about that, I've been traveling.  My husband is Australian and we are in the middle of a long overdue trip to this amazing country.  I've been once before, but that trip was limited to Sydney and a few nearby suburbs. 
This time we've visited Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart and now Melbourne.  We were in Brisbane just before the floods, in fact we cut our time there short to avoid getting stranded.  It's a beautiful city and my thoughts are with them as they clean up and dry out.
Oboe wise, I've been squeezing in practice sessions when I can.  I'm getting just enough time in to keep the chops up and make little tidbits of progress on my current repertoire.  Today I was able to have a luxurious session including a full warm up, rep. work and even some reed adjustments!  it's interesting that when your time is limited, you have to be extra focused and really aware of what type of work will have the greatest benefit.  The one thing I've been a stickler about are the reed games.  They're so important to me for staying in shape.  I make them an absolute priority.
Thankfully, I got a dose of inspiration when I got to Tasmania.  One of my husband's relatives, Don Cartwright, happens to be a retired oboist, who worked as a repairman who has now taken up the hobby of making (yes, I said making) Baroque oboes.  He also makes gorgeous recorders.  Reuben and I spent a couple of hours with him learning about his process and getting a tour of his workshop.  I was so impressed by the instruments he produces and the intensity of detail that goes into the process. 
I'll add in some pictures soon, for right now I need to get some sleep.  Big day tomorrow, we have tickets for the evening session of the Australian Open.  I can't wait to see the pros play live.