Today has been one reminiscent of the North Country at the end of August or early September. I woke up to the sound the the wind whipping through the trees, knocking on my window, and skipping across the surface of the River Shannon, giving rise to ripples rolling towards the shore. It was one of those days of intermittent down pours with short periods of sunshine. It is pouring now as I write and there is light on the horizon. Soon the rain will cease and the cumulus clouds will part and the sun will shine at least momentarily. This is just like the weather over Lake Ontario. One minute you are walking along and enjoying the warmth of the sun on your face, and suddenly the sunshine is hidden by a large cotton ball cloud that obscures the rays. In seconds you are zipping your jacket,rolling down your sleeves, and pulling up your hood in anticipation of the next down pour. It is all so familiar, the rain and the sun and the wind that surpisingly nudges you forward from behind. It is what I know and love. Fall is my favorite time of the year and it will come early here since the average temperature right now is only in the low to mid 60s. Fortunately the mean winter temperatures are in the mid and high thirties. I can live with that. This may be the first time in my life I will not experience snow.

I had another studious day, this time reading in the Scholarship Club, the on-campus pub. I love the place. They have comfortable chairs, hearty food, and a good skinny latte. The reading is slow going but I am in no hurry. Ritual study is entirely new to me and so I am slowly taking in the new concepts in order to provide a good foundation for class discussions and the reading assignments to follow.

I also took some time this morning to edit Marie's (say it with a French accent) final report about her work and living experience in Ireland this summer. She will head back to France on Saturday. Her English writing skills are excellent and it was a pleasure to help her.

When Marie leaves I will be the last one left in the suite. I have enjoyed the company of Sinead and Marie in particular and will miss them. I move into my permanent quarters in 10 days. In the meantime I have lots to keep me engaged.

The sun is shining now. The water is sparkling and I am feeling oh so blessed and content and sending some of this energy to all of you.
Sending my love too.