Happy 2015 and big thank you | Why I haven't been blogging

{Spring, Princeton}

In case anyone is still checking this blog, I wanted to say an official goodbye (for now). After an unexpectedly long period of work travel, I was looking forward to blogging again. Then I got sick. It was cancer. Luckily, my prognosis is favorable, but this space will remain quiet while I concentrate on my health.

Although I have not been able to return your kind comments and notes in my absence, I want to thank you all for making my blogging experience so lovely and enriching.

Below, some (pre-hiatus) farewell photos... Sending you best wishes for a happy, healthy 2015!

{Early spring, New York}

{Summer, Boston}

{Summer, San Diego}

{Last but not least: Kona the canoeing canine, Princeton summer}

Old Nassau

I think I've shown Nassau Hall in almost every season except winter (most recent glimpse was autumn). This was the last of a late afternoon photo-walk. The sun was already fading.

Enjoy your weekend. I'll be taking a break because of work travel and visitors. Be well, see you soon!

Late afternoon III

Hurrying from yesterday's traffic, you'll soon see another dormitory at the edge of the university. Our tiny train (the 'Dinky') once stopped right out front (causing great disturbance to the students!).

Late afternoon II

Rush hour in Princeton (all those cars are headed into town) is brief but intense. That's Holder Tower, modeled after Canterbury Cathedral in Kent UK, and part of Princeton's burst of dormitory construction in 1909 - continuing into the First World War - for a growing student population.

Late afternoon

Henry Moore's Oval with Points (inspired by an elephant skull) glows in the sun. Just before I left for Cambridge, Massachusetts, I caught a few sunny afternoon moments. I'm glad I did as it's been rather grey since.

Weekend explorations: Pedal power

On the streets of Philadelphia... the pedal-powered pubcrawler. Imbibe, work out, and see the sights! Designated drivers (in St. Patrick's Day green) included.

Postcard from Cambridge, Mass.: A tiny tour II

Through the looking glass at Harvard's Science Center. Just a few blocks beyond are (below) the blue plaques of Irving Street, marking the home of psychologist William James (#95) and birthplace of poet e e cummings (across the street). A few doors over is the grey home of American culinary icon Julia Child, who lived and worked for 40 years at #103, broadcasting her shows from its kitchen (now housed at a Smithsonian Museum). Enjoy your weekend!

Postcard from Cambridge, Mass.: A tiny tour

Fun sights: Meerschaums at 127-year-old tobacco shop, Leavitt & Peirce. Below (clockwise from top left), sign for the most expensive sandwich in Harvard Square - $100 caviar "Catherine the Great" (sold here), mini ice rink, thoughtful public bike repair stand, free street corner 'library', and a lovely independent used bookseller (dying breed).