SHOTS&THOUGHTS  

by John Freeman, University of Florida
Sabbatical Blog, Fall 2004

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* SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO READ AUGUST ENTRIES FROM OLDEST TO NEWEST. *
 

AUG31TUESDAY
The book on the floor is "Straight Man" by Richard Russo. It's the first novel I've had time to read since summer 1995 when I read "The Rain Maker" while working at The Los Angeles Times. "Straight Man" is the humorous yet poignant tale of an English professor dealing with his personal life and academia as his 50th birthday approaches. Mike Sowell, an old friend of mine and now journalism professor at Oklahoma Sate, recommended the book to me as a good read while on sabbatical. He's right.
AUG29SUNDAY
My constant at-home buddies for the sabbatical are Nellie (left) and Cheyenne. They are ready for a walk any time I am. We got Nellie from Gainesville Pet Rescue seven years ago. Cheyenne was found in March along the side of the road near Palatka. Now that she's recovered from a broken pelvis and heartworm, she's become a great companion for Nellie.
AUG28SATURDAY
On Saturday mornings, wife Robbie and I usually go to Starbuck's on 39th Avenue to read the papers. I look at The Gainesville Sun while she peruses The New York Times. From my usual  chair, I always notice the different semi-silhouetted people in front of the window. It may look like fall outside, but it's still in the high 80's most days.
AUG21SATURDAY
Hurricane Charley may have missed us but now Frances seems to be a direct threat. Today I filled up our BBQ grill's propane tank after three stops, then went for a few last-minute groceries. All the Publix stores closed early, and at Albertson's on 13th, bread was in real short supply. I kicked myself for not having my camera when I first saw the empty bread shelves, so I actually went home for it. "Carry your camera always," I tell students.
AUG19FRIDAY
What is "art" anyway?! If I'm trying to take a decent photo a day with my digital point-and-shoot, I figure anything is fair game. Even my lunch plate in the sink at home. The highlights from the overhead spotlights give the image a little sizzle and the sink provides a natural frame.

 
AUG17TUESDAY
A rental house we own had a leaky faucet so I went over to meet the plumber. Our tenants have a dog, a parrot and recently added a cat. While waiting for the plumber, I shot photos of the parrot, who every now and then said "Hello there!" which was spooky. I liked this shot with slight movement as he swung back and forth. The plumber was a no-show, by the way.

AUG16MONDAY
Today was the first official day of our fall contract -- my first real sabbatical day, I guess. I came out to school to meet with the teaching assistants who would be taking care of my classes this semester. The Orange and Brew restaurant on campus had stacked its tables upside down so that Hurricane Charley wouldn't blow them around (it missed us completely). The tables  made for a interesting graphic scene to start off this blog.
 

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