Fall Events So Far

Here we are, six weeks into the fall semester already. My classes are awesome--great students, interesting curriculum--lots of work, but it's work I really enjoy. Things on the admin side are fairly under control, though I always feel behind, especially since my position had to take on more responsibilities with less time allocated to the role (not awesome, but I'm managing).

Mark is incredibly busy, teaching at three different colleges in the area, plus giving some private lessons. I think he mostly enjoys the work, but commuting at least four days a week is a big downside, and it's hard to juggle three different campuses. We're thrilled, though, that he's teaching part-time at BGSU again (and that's a commute he loves--home in less than five minutes!).

Outside of work, I've been keeping busy with some fun events around the area:

Black Swamp Arts Festival

As usual, Mark and I walked down to the festival on the first weekend of September. We had nice weather--cool and overcast--and got there early, avoiding some of the crowds. It's fun to window shop at the different vendors, and I actually did buy a cool barrette for my hair. We also discovered an Orlando-based photographer who has a series of reflections photos, including some from WDW (like Cinderella's castle, reflected in a puddle on the ground). We'd never seen anything like it! We didn't buy any artwork, but we still enjoy comparing notes about what each of us likes.

a view of the vendors on Main Street

I got a kick out of this photo box!

the food/main stage area--before the lunch crowd arrived

festival food!

Mark's mac & cheese and my pretzel calzone (chicken and bacon)

BGSU Homecoming Football Game

The following weekend, I went with my friend Lucinda to the homecoming game. We arrived early enough to see all the pre-game festivities and grab dinner at the International Programs & Partnerships tailgate tent. Our football team lost (bummer!), but we were really more interested in the band, anyway. It was fun to see Mark down there on the field with the drum line!

the drum line's "preflight" show

football!

go BGSU!

Mark with the drum line between 3rd and 4th quarters

International Festival

The next day was the international festival at the mosque in Perrysburg, another one of my favorite things to do in the fall. I always take the tour, which is great, but since I've gone so many times, what I probably enjoyed the most was the food. It's all so delicious! I tried a some new things and a couple old favorites this year. I was glad to have my friend Ana's company--this is her fourth year in BG, and we've gone together (sometimes with other people, too) every year!

beautiful stained glass doors

our tour guide and group

looking out the stained glass doors
 from the main worship area

in the cultural collection display area

selfie with Ana
(too cloudy for sunglasses,
but sunny enough to squint!)

a zebra-donkey mix

in the big food tent

our lunches--yum!

dessert