Marty's Mumblings: May 2024

Hey folks, Marty here, back from the blogosphere wilderness! It's been a while, but let's dive into what's been cookin' in my world (and the Upper Midwest!) this May.

Sports, Glorious Sports (Except for the Price Tag!)

First up, the world of sports! The NFL draft is over (phew, my brain can finally rest!), the NBA playoffs are heating up (go Timberwolves!), and hockey's still chugging along. But let's talk baseball, America's pastime! I'm itching to catch a game, but those ticket prices are enough to make a grown man cry. Is anyone else tired of these "premium" games only available on cable or streaming? Feels like I've already paid enough for fancy stadiums through taxes, you know? I guess it's time to go to a townball game instead. Enough ranting from this grumpy old man. 🇺🇸

Nature's Comeback & Yard Work Woes

Speaking of ranting, can we talk about this amazing spring weather? ️☀️ The Upper Midwest is finally catching up on that rain deficit, and everything's bursting with life! It's like stepping into a green paradise. The downside? This glorious weather won't last forever. Soon it'll be sweltering hot and oppressive humidity – perfect for staying indoors (thank goodness for AC!). Speaking of which, yard work season is upon us. Well, for my wife at least. Bless her heart, she's been busy planting new flower gardens and planning retaining walls. Guess I'll be on watering duty!

Higher Ed: Where AI Might Be an Improvement

Work in higher education is keeping me busy as ever. Enrollment, budgets, and Artificial Intelligence issues – the usual suspects. Speaking of higher intelligence, wouldn't it be something if we could get some Artificial Intelligence running things in Washington D.C.? Maybe then we'd see some real progress!

Family Fun at Camp Oxbow

Last but not least, a big shoutout to my daughter! She's the camp director for a fantastic program called Camp Oxbow, a partnership between the YMCA and Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo in Byron, Minnesota. This camp caters to kids from kindergarten to 9th grade, and it sounds like a blast! If you're looking for a fun and educational summer program for your kids, check it out: https://www.ymcanorth.org/adventure/register/day_camp_oxbow

That's all for this month, folks! Here's to enjoying the last bits of pleasant weather before the summer heat wave hits. Stay cool, stay curious, and until next time. Here's to Another Pleasant Valley Sunday!

Marty