Day 131 (1/3 - Sunday)

Today two things of import happened.
1) I drove back to Wheaton.
2) J.R.R. Tolkien had his 118th birthday!

So it was little accident that I went to a wonderful birthday party in honor of the dearly departed Professor. Everyone had a blast and was sufficiently nerdy. The cakes would have made Bilbo proud, and the tea was a delightful delicacy to the palate.



Thank you, Dr. Tolkien, for leaving a legacy of monumental power and impact. We are the richer because of you.

Day 130 (1/2 - Saturday)

Today I made a pilgramage of sorts. Aaron and I hung out most of the day, but that was really a big excuse to head down I-44 to Super Smokers BBQ.



Still the best BBQ I've had anywhere. I'm no expert, so I'm sure there are some better places out there. Maybe. I mean, I guess it's possible. All I know is, I once was blind to the best pulled pork ever, and now I see. Each table comes decked with 6 or more different sauces, and most of them are tremendous. Hmmm...when can I go back to St. Louis?

Day 129 (1/1/10 - Friday)

I rang in the New Year by doing one of the greatest things I could think of in my situation:

Watch Disney's Robin Hood! One of the best ever.

That's right, I rang in the new year the right way with the whole gang from Sherwood Forest.



And the good guys won in the end. Long live King Richard! Oodalollee!!!

Day 128 (12/31 - Thursday)

New Year's Eve. What's a professor to do when he finds himself back home, alone in his parents' house while they're out at their friends' party? Share it with quality company, of course.



He was a good companion. He mostly just wanted food. Thanks Sam for ringing in the new year with me!

Oh, and I also shared it with....