We had a birthday celebration at our monthly staff lunch and celebrated Joan, Toni and Sandy and later that day I met with Kirk McDonald of the Physics department.

The next day, a group of us -- Stephanie, Sandy, Nita, Kris and I went to pose with the Tiger at the Staff recognition event and then I returned to meet with Sarah Franklin who left me with a wonderful gift.

But this was all a prelude to Ben's birthday where food was out Jeff was on the phone Jane was in gear bread was served to Suzanne's amusement as she gathered the sushi and then the birthday boy finally emerged and posed with his awards from the SHUMUN event before becoming his usual self in appropriate attire as Jeff held forth to Jane's amusement and Ben picked up his birthday balloon as pasta salad meatballs and meatless balls were served along with drinks as Jeff took photos which are visible below and the family got ready for the emergence of the birthday cake with which Ben and Ben and Suzanne (he had to come out from somewhere) posed and then I ate enough to leave just this residue as we continued to drink San Pellegreno until gifts were presented and admired.

Later that week, we went to the dedication of the Chemistry building where I recorded Jason Vacirca and Duncan Harrison.

The next week began with a faculty lunch for Rebecca Lazier (Lewis Center and Dance), Paul Chirik (Chemistry), Margaret Martonosi (Computer Science), Christian Wildberg (Classics), and James Steward (Art Museum).