Sam got into building a creation using Lego Mindstorms today – he began with a guy called Everstorm who seems to snore when you turn him on. A snoring robot? Really? (Wirklich? Yes, it was German Stammtisch today, too.) He really made great progress, then sweet Dave helped him build more after dinner. Dave was still in his work clothes when he dug in. Sam was darting back and forth from the build instructions fetching parts and lining them up for his dad who was using the iPad 3D modeling feature to check his assembly. They have 4 or 5 more “missions” for building then they can test the design. Pretty cool! Mom and Richard – we couldn’t do this without your hand-me-down amazing Vaio. Sam is just thrilled to have a computer with a bit bigger screen and which responds. He’s able to do his online homework and submit it, he’s tracking cubing times in Excel, and checking email. Unbelievable.

Meanwhile, I got to try out a Tennessee Walking horse today for the first time. Despite some YouTube introductions to the gaits, I remain a bit baffled. The fast walk (running walk?), the pace, the flat walk…I also got an introduction to the patterns used when riding a dressage test and how to interpret my trainer’s commands (crossing out of the circle, crossing through the circle, how to make a proper circle, all of which needs a lot of work for me). There is not a moment’s rest when riding dressage. You are thinking about your cues all the time. I am so lucky to have found a very good trainer who is intent on seeing growth with every lesson.

I’m also working on manuscripts and grants this week and volunteering in class…Here’s a picture of Sam and his Dad:

Sam and Dave working on a robot!