Thanksgiving

Somehow Meg, Henry and I survived Thanksgiving x 3. All considering we did pretty well, Henry especially. Even though one holiday is just over, I really can't wait until Christmas. It pains me to have new toys in the house that I have to wait to give him.

I had off six days in a row! Today sure feels strange to be back. I'm going to miss Meg and Henry.



I finished a decent book this weekend (and got a good start on another), Maya Explorer: John Lloyd Stephens and the Lost Cities of Central America and Yucatán, by Victor W. Von Hagen. I'm not sure how it took me so long to become aware of this story, but recently when searching for exploration narratives I read that two of the best were John Lloyd Stephens' books on his Mayan explorations of the 1840's. What could be better for me to learn about than an 19th century exploration concerning Mayan archaeology?! Before acquiring and reading the lengthy, multi-volume narratives of Stephens I decided to read this biography of his, although first published in 1947 it is still the only modern work available. The book read well, but the early part of it that concerns Stephens' childhood and early adulthood is very skimpy. The later parts which concern his travel are more detailed, but obviously rely heavily on his multiple travel books. In general it's a good introduction to the man and should help me to understand the context of his books. As an added bonus the story of Frederick Catherwood his Mayan exploration partner, a British artist/archaeologist was also told. I'm really looking forward to reading more about Stephens and Catherwood (a print of his will definitely have to grace our home). Their adventures truly epitomize the romantic side of archaeology.

This weekend's halves stunk. 8,000 of them turned up just one 90% silver halves (1964), two 40% silver halves (1967, 1968D) and two proofs (1987S, 1988S). That was a whole lot of nothing!

Found: 2 pennies, 2 dimes (at Stop & Shop), 1 foreign coin (a Canadian quarter at Stop & Shop)