2003: The Year That Was

Today I am getting new vinyl windows on the house (finally!), and as I write this I am listening to the sound of hammers pounding and glass shattering in other rooms.

I've been living in Southeast Texas for over a year now, so it seems like a good time to pause and reflect on the year that was, as Tom Lehrer might put it...now that I can do so from a safe distance...

First of all, 2003 was a year of grim toil punctuated by rare moments of zombified relaxation. It was a year of six-day work weeks, exhaustion, and missed meals. I did a lot of birding in my backyard (over 90 species tallied) but rarely had the energy to go farther afield. When I wasn't at work I was still working...on a relentless succession of home improvement projects which still hasn't ended...I remember standing in line at Home Depot a lot...

Thank Goodness 2003 is over! The new year is already off to a decent start, and with my new work schedule I should have more free time in the months ahead. Already I've been able to get out more and do more birding. On January 26th I made a trip to Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, where I added Bald Eagle and Ross's Goose to my Texas state list, but the real highlight was a slightly out-of-season Least Flycatcher! I'm hoping 2004 will be more fun and less stressful, with more travel opportunities. Time will tell...

Tonight I start another week of graveyard shifts in Port Arthur...maybe I'll get some rest once the hammering stops...