I slept better last night but was still wide awake by 0500. Before beginning work, I read and relaxed a bit - started my telework day at 0600. At one point, I looked out the window and noticed that it had finally stopped snowing! I ate breakfast in the lobby at 0800 and spent some time talking with another guest about local skiing. After that, I did some more teleworking (lots of meetings). At around lunch time, I helped Eileen (via email) with internship information for her son and then ate lunch (snacks) in my room. I then drove across US-11 (very short distance) to take a ski break: 75 minutes (2.5 miles) in the Clarkson Woods, a nice trail system on the campus of Clarkson University. Started in the big sports fields at 1220. Conditions started quite windy and cold (low teens) but the trees blocked the worst of the bluster. It did appear, however, that much stronger gusts recently hit the forest - I had to maneuver around lots of downed trees. I also had to ford several bridge-less streams but, fortunately, the water was frozen solid. Made a complete circuit of the system and got a lot more “backcountry” performance data points in my Rossingnols. Only saw one other person (with a dog) during my pleasant time on skis so definitely consider this break from the work day to be well worth the effort! After getting done (1335), returned to the hotel and teleworked for the rest of the afternoon. At 1600, I left the hotel and drove over to Price Chopper. On the way, I called Erin (brief chat). In the grocery store, I picked up steaks and other food (most of which, I've never had to locate) for a dinner that Eileen had asked me to cook for her, Heidi and Scott. I was finished shopping at around 1630 and was going to head to Eileen's (she had asked me to arrive at 1700). However, she got in touch with me and asked for more time in order to take her dogs for a walk. This gave me an opportunity to meet up with her (and her friend, Sharon) at Lehman Park (on SUNY Potsdam campus). Between 1645 and 1730, we braved the extremely cold (teens) and windy weather (as the sun went down) and walked a full circuit of the trails. Along the way, I began to regret that I had not worn my thermals or gaiters... Still, I had fun with the dogs (throwing a frisbee). We next drove to Eileen's house and started preparing the meal. This was my first attempt to grill steaks in many years and I was fighting the cold elements. For most of the evening, I couldn't get stove to a good temperature - Scott tried to help and that improved things. Meanwhile, Eileen made some side dishes (veggies, couscous, salad). We sampled some Peanut Butter Whiskey, which kept me warm as I went out to check on the grill. Eventually, I managed to get two of the steaks going as I'd intended. At the same time, though, I suggested that Eileen cook the other two steaks in the oven. This went much more quickly and everyone was able to start eating the cooked meat at the same time. I was told that the steaks I'd grilled tasted better than the oven-cooked steaks but I'm not sure that was true (maybe they were being nice). Regardless, I think everyone agreed that all of the food was very good. Dinner was topped off with some cake I'd brought (another hit). We visited and talked for several hours and had a nice time. Before long, I realized that it was 2130. Saying goodbye to everyone, I headed back to my hotel (arrived at 2200) and went to bed about 45 minutes later. Another great day!
