I thoroughly enjoyed another break from school. I shook up my typical school routine by preparing creative and well-spiced meals. I walked daily with my spouse and dog on the wooded trails, past the neighborhood cows on the county roads, and in the community park. We also got eight baby chicks! I have missed having the quirky companionship of chickens and their fresh eggs.

All school breaks come to an end, and I was soon back on campus preparing for the next trimester. I spent some time deep cleaning my apartment and organizing my syllabi, study schedule, and calendar. School started, and I have been adjusting to my new class schedule and routine. 

I have still been walking around the campus neighborhood each day. It has been great to experience the green grass, budding trees and bushes, and blooming flowers of spring. There are even lilac bushes perfectly located along my walking path, so I always stop to smell them!

I have also been paying attention to the action occurring at Lake Janse, which is located at the center of the campus. I see plenty of ducks and geese consistently. Depending on the season, I will see other birds as well. The white crane is back again, who slowly walks along the perimeter of the water. He will use his beak to spear the water and he’ll swallow down a fresh flopping fish. My favorite visitor is the cormorant. Before attending NUHS, I was not familiar with cormorants. They are large black birds that dive deep into the water to catch fish, propelling themselves with their feet. After a successful hunt, you will find them standing on a ledge with outstretched wings drying in the sunshine. They remind me of pterodactyls! Last, I discovered two white swans, who are currently in an acclimation pen getting used to their new home.