Pennsic Field Notes
Aug. 15th, 2022 07:29 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
baronessekatI went to Pennsic this year - the first one in 3 years as the last two were canceled due to the Pandemic.
So like in past years I opted to give my reports in a different way (I have done Starfleet Officer personal log, or a "Dear Martha" letter home) so this year I did it as a wildlife observer writing their field notes. So for those who are not on my FaceBook here you go:
Field Notes, 30 July 57 A.S.
After two years, word reached us that The Great SCAdain Migration had begun. We had worried as illness has devastated the creatures.
I have managed to gather my supplies and set out to personally observe this rare occurrence for myself.
Today I made my way along one of preferred migration routes, ever vigilant to spot signs of those partaking along the way. Perhaps it was the time of day I chose to travel, but few indications could be seen. However, I did see many sentinals along the way, guarding the route and protecting the travelers from harm.
After three hours of travel, I arrived at the nesting grounds and saw indications everywhere of temporary territories being marked out and family groups coming together.
My camouflaged shelter has allowed me to position myself near to the center of all the activity, hopefully to better observe and document this phenomenon.
Today mostly seemed to consist of the groups obtaining shelter and greeting each other with excited enthusiasm.
I look forward to being able to record and document this rare gathering for the sake of posterity and science.
~EV
Field Notes 31 July, 57 A.S.
I was awoken this morning by the sounds of a mother walking her offspring to area that appears to be mutually agreed upon for bodily eliminations. This prompted me to rise and start my day.
I have noted that other researchers have been tagging the SCAdians as they arrive and the different color tags represent the different categories of identification that they fall into. I did check in with the Senior Researcher on site and received my project instructions for the duration of the study.
As I carefully made my way through the various nesting grounds, I have noticed that groups have formed hierarchies and internal rankings amongst the various troops, groups and tribes. This was very evident when I saw members of numerous smaller groups coming to the nesting grounds of the Alphas and assisting with the making of the sleeping areas and beautification of surrounding terrain.
Unfortunately, it was discovered that my grant money has not come through yet and as such I need to return home to continue to secure additional funding. I hope to return in 4 days. Meanwhile I will leave my Post-Doc Patrick and my Undergrad Ronin behind to hold down the area and continue the work I must leave behind for now.
I do hope that my work and research do not suffer due to this absence.
~EV.
Field Notes, 4 August 57
Have obtained the necessary funding to continue the study and was able to return to camp.
Picked up my undergrad Simonetta to bring with me. This will allow her to get hands on experience in the field and continue her own personal studies. We stopped and picked up more needed supplies and were able to get en route close to the desired departure time. We did stop many times along the way in hoped of finding one specific supply that we wanted, but sadly it appears that it is no longer available.
We arrived to our base camp a little after mid-day and were able to unload fairly quickly.
The weather was hot and humid all day with a downpour mid-afternoon. Parts of my space stayed nice and dry, while others not so much. But that is the life of a field researcher. If I wanted to be comfortable all the time, I'd find an alternate occupations.
After the rain dissipated, I took the opportunity to bribe...er... ingratiate myself to one of the individuals of the Japanese breed with treats. It was discovered that he is partial to a specific fruit that is only available near my home and will do a great many things to be given ANY form of the fruit.
I checked in with the field research office and have learned that officially 4727 individuals have been tagged and more continue to arrive everyday.
This evening I met up with other senior researchers, catching up on what I have missed and telling stories of past studies.
Tomorrow I will start my official work.
~EV
Field Notes 5 August 57 AS. 19:11
Studies delayed on account of weather
~EV
Field Notes 6 August, 57
6188 specimens tagged as of midnight last night.
Last night saw a torrential thunderstorm roll over the area, causing many of the SCAdians to flee to shelter, although some found that their shelters were washed away or at least collapsed from the strength of the wind and rain. It was reported, and I have seen the photographic evidence that in the swamp area of the grounds a very rare Pennsic Mermaid was seen.
Later in the evening I was called to assist after a mother was found calling for her offspring who had become separated from her in the storm. Everyone on the research staff came forward and within a few minutes of the call, the young SCAdian and mother were reunited.
Today we have seen a huge influx in arrivals of these migratory animals and more and more are arriving to these temporary nesting grounds by the minute. I am amazed at the wide variety of plumage seen, not to mention the recorded distances some of the specimens have travelled. This small field in Pennsylvania now hosts individuals from as far away as Australia and Europe. It is quite remarkable really.
Today I have been requested to document and record a specific subset of SCAdians – those that bring with them a member of another species to assist them with daily tasks. This is my first time performing this duty, but the Senior Researcher assures me that I am eminently qualified. I am unsure. Luckily this assignment is only for the next 24 hours.
Earlier this morning I did observe movement amongst the population and a great gathering occurred. Reports have come that hostilities have been observed and a large territorial dispute has commenced. I can only hope that this will not result in large numbers of casualties as I have grown fond of the subjects I observe. I know that as an observer I am supposed to remain objective and not form attachments, but that is something I find hard to do. Some members of this community are just so adorable and cute that it's hard to remain impartial.
This evening I was able to witness first-hand a very rare spectacle. A group of individuals converged on one particular nesting ground to assist as one of its members started to transform. In a corner of the nesting grounds she has isolated herself and is undergoing a metamorphosis. It is said that in roughly 24 hours she will emerge to the world as some form of leafy vegetation. There are rumors also that two other individuals are showing signs to go into isolation and, when they return ,will be transformed into a large bird.
This does not make sense in a scientific capacity, transmutation of such natures does not seem possible. I look forward to being able to see this happen myself.
My own studies have kept me very busy, and as such have not been able to engage with my students as much as I would like. But other researchers report that they have seen them working hard. This makes me glad.
I think tonight I will try to relax – hopefully my tent is sufficiently dry and I will not have to worry about puddles in the morning. Perhaps I will indulge myself with a non-scientific book and a cool but strong beverage. Or perhaps I will just go to sleep.
Only way to find out is to do.
~EV
Field Notes 7, August 57
Over 6700 specimens tagged as of last night.
This morning I was called to the Senior Researcher’s office to discuss my assignment. He and another researcher conferred and it was decided that I would be taken off my study and put in charge of another one. The researcher who had been doing the study of the disabled members of the population had to step down, but the study needs to continue for the rest of the season. While not my ideal assignment, I will do my best to make my Supervising Researcher proud.
I spent the first part of the day reading all the notes of the previous study head, as well as the requirements and regulations for the study of this particular population. After that, I met with the research assistants on this project to bring myself up to speed to best be able to provide my assistance.
But there are aspects of my previous study that I just could not give up. This evening I was able to witness the final steps of the metamorphosis that started yesterday. Members from various tribes came forth and showed encouragement, presented trinkets and in the end she emerged with leaves on her brow, forelimbs and back.
After witnessing that grand transformation, I traveled to a new nesting area and watched as a male entered into the transformation isolation. Those who are in the know have said that when he comes out, he will be a bird.
Upon return to my camp, I met with an undergrad who has hopes of one day being a lead researcher himself, so I gave him what advise I could, but it is hard to give specifics because his base of operations and program have different policies, procedures, guidelines and expectations than the one I traversed.
Tomorrow’s schedule is packed with meetings, detailed study reports and hopefully seeing another transformation occur.
This year’s study season is proving in some ways more challenging than past ones, but in some ways less stressful.
But for now, flannel pajamas and a delicious beverage before slumber.
~EV
Field Notes, 9 August 57
Over 7600 specimens tagged and recorded.
More recording of assistance species and there seems to be some serious interactions between several and not in a good way. It is hard to remain objective, remain an impartial observer and not pick sides in these conflicts.
Regarding conflicts, there was a very large conflict in the woods near the nesting grounds between the Red Plumed and Blue Plumed SCAdians. I have learned from those researching the conflicts that the Blue Plumed ones are proving to be strong aggressors and driving back the Red Plumed ones.
After closing down my research for the day, I went and observed a large gathering of SCAdians from my home region where there seemed to be a great celebration and joyous behavior. The Alpha Male and Female gave pretty trinkets and pieces of paper to members of the pack. The recipients seems both happy and surprised. During this gathering a male came out of metamorphic isolation to great commotion as when he was done and welcomed to the pack by the Alphas, he did indeed have feathers upon his body. Later in the night, at the same gathering, a female came out of metamorphic isolation and joined the subgroup that developed leaves on their head, and back.
After the gathering broke up, I met with my two undergrads and the post-doc for an evening of ice cream (a tradition I do with those who participate in my studies) and meet up with others later for an evening of social conversation and laughter.
I was unable to witness the ceremony to officially grant Eskar his Doctorate in SCAdian Combat Techniques. The ceremony occurred very late in the evening and I just could not handle the time and close quarters of the gathering. I will wish him my congratulations at a later time, when our schedules permit.
Hopefully tomorrow I will finally be given full access to my research predecessor’s notes and can fully catch up on my full responsibilities as being the study Head. This may sound funny given that the study is scheduled to conclude in but 3 days, but I do not want something to fall through the cracks that may cause issues when the season starts up again next year
~EV
Field Notes: 10 August 57
Roughly 7800 specimens tagged and recorded.
The subjects of my study seem to have members of it who are just not happy unless they are unhappy about something. There appears to be a small percentage of the population with strong mobility issues and want the rest to cater especially to them, trying to get others to carry them from place to place and when this happens, those being carried are still not content with how it happened.
Additionally there are some conflicts between various individuals with assistance species and aggressive natures of same. This seems to be counterintuitive regarding the nature of “assistance”.
I have already informed the Senior Researchers for this year’s season as well as the next two that I do not wish to be a member of this particular study again. Yes I can do it, but there is no personal job satisfaction regarding it and I would really prefer to have someone else take on the role of lead researcher for the study and observation of the disabled members of the SCAdian migration.
During the day the Alphas from my home area were surrounded by members of their group and witnessed two more members of the population going into metamorphic isolation. It is rumored that the female will come out with a white band around her ruff and three quills on her chest and the male will most likely have a gold band around his ruff and a white stripe around his midsection where there was once a red stripe.
Around dinner time, another gathering occurred. The Alphas of the tribes of the southern regions welcomed a Hyena as an adult of the group. There was great rejoicing amongst all of the tribe.
After the sun went down, I and my undergrad witnessed a great murmuration of the SCAdians. They seemed to go out in great numbers in attempts to obtain bright and sparkly items for both self and their nesting grounds. It is unclear what was the purpose of action, but we did also witness some that seemed to have bio-luminescent markings on them. This was a first time sighting of such markings for me this migration period. Further study may be necessary on this phenomenon.
I have learned from the researcher who is observing the territorial conflicts between the Red Plumed SCAdians and the Blue Plumed ones that heavy conflict but there was many clashes involving sharp and reflective claws. They did not report which side was victorious. There is talk that tensions are indeed rising and there may be another great conflict tomorrow if things to not relax more.
But for now, I must rest so that I may continue my study.
~EV
Field Notes: 11 August, 57
The day consisted of me catching up on notes from observations of previous days and working to make sense of actions attributed to my case study. I was finally able to gain access to the notes from my predecessor, which would have been useful several days prior to this point.
After the sun went down, It was reported that many SCAdians made a pilgrimage from their nesting grounds to the lake. There the sounds of lamentations were heard. I did not witness this gathering but it was reported to me that did observe it that the SCAdians made offerings from those of their tribes that had died and comforted each other.
Rather than go see this unique gathering, I, my undergrad, my post doc, and two fellow researchers walked around the nesting grounds for a bit. We did witness the most unusual phenomenon. It may have been a mating dance or other type of courting ritual. It appeared to be groups of three individuals moving in a very specific pattern, changing partners from time to time but then returning to the original three. I will recommend that this be an aspect of SCAdian behavior that others investigate in future research season.
After witnessing this for a bit, we moved on and went and had quiet time, remeniscing of past seasons and those researchers who are no longer with us.
When returning to my camp I did notice that there are many empty spots in the various nesting grounds, heralding signs that the migration is soon ending. I know that the Great SCAdian Migration does not last long, but it seems every time it happens, it goes by faster and faster.
~EV
Field Notes: Field Notes 12 August, 57
Reports are that the final tag was issued a few days ago and that the total is roughly 7842. Not as many as past migrations but still a respectable number considering how illness struck the population.
More and more of the nesting grounds are emptying out. The Great Evacuation has begun.
There was one more great conflict between the Red Plumed and Blue Plumed SCAdians. Reports reached me from those that witnessed it, that when it was over, the Blue Plumed claimed overall victory.
My own personal research study of the disabled population has come to an end. My assistants helped me pack up and by 13:00 we were officially done. I will spend the next month reviewing all my notes and writing my final paper for the Researching Staff.
Now it is time to start packing up my own belongings so that on the morrow I can head home.
~EV
So like in past years I opted to give my reports in a different way (I have done Starfleet Officer personal log, or a "Dear Martha" letter home) so this year I did it as a wildlife observer writing their field notes. So for those who are not on my FaceBook here you go:
Field Notes, 30 July 57 A.S.
After two years, word reached us that The Great SCAdain Migration had begun. We had worried as illness has devastated the creatures.
I have managed to gather my supplies and set out to personally observe this rare occurrence for myself.
Today I made my way along one of preferred migration routes, ever vigilant to spot signs of those partaking along the way. Perhaps it was the time of day I chose to travel, but few indications could be seen. However, I did see many sentinals along the way, guarding the route and protecting the travelers from harm.
After three hours of travel, I arrived at the nesting grounds and saw indications everywhere of temporary territories being marked out and family groups coming together.
My camouflaged shelter has allowed me to position myself near to the center of all the activity, hopefully to better observe and document this phenomenon.
Today mostly seemed to consist of the groups obtaining shelter and greeting each other with excited enthusiasm.
I look forward to being able to record and document this rare gathering for the sake of posterity and science.
~EV
Field Notes 31 July, 57 A.S.
I was awoken this morning by the sounds of a mother walking her offspring to area that appears to be mutually agreed upon for bodily eliminations. This prompted me to rise and start my day.
I have noted that other researchers have been tagging the SCAdians as they arrive and the different color tags represent the different categories of identification that they fall into. I did check in with the Senior Researcher on site and received my project instructions for the duration of the study.
As I carefully made my way through the various nesting grounds, I have noticed that groups have formed hierarchies and internal rankings amongst the various troops, groups and tribes. This was very evident when I saw members of numerous smaller groups coming to the nesting grounds of the Alphas and assisting with the making of the sleeping areas and beautification of surrounding terrain.
Unfortunately, it was discovered that my grant money has not come through yet and as such I need to return home to continue to secure additional funding. I hope to return in 4 days. Meanwhile I will leave my Post-Doc Patrick and my Undergrad Ronin behind to hold down the area and continue the work I must leave behind for now.
I do hope that my work and research do not suffer due to this absence.
~EV.
Field Notes, 4 August 57
Have obtained the necessary funding to continue the study and was able to return to camp.
Picked up my undergrad Simonetta to bring with me. This will allow her to get hands on experience in the field and continue her own personal studies. We stopped and picked up more needed supplies and were able to get en route close to the desired departure time. We did stop many times along the way in hoped of finding one specific supply that we wanted, but sadly it appears that it is no longer available.
We arrived to our base camp a little after mid-day and were able to unload fairly quickly.
The weather was hot and humid all day with a downpour mid-afternoon. Parts of my space stayed nice and dry, while others not so much. But that is the life of a field researcher. If I wanted to be comfortable all the time, I'd find an alternate occupations.
After the rain dissipated, I took the opportunity to bribe...er... ingratiate myself to one of the individuals of the Japanese breed with treats. It was discovered that he is partial to a specific fruit that is only available near my home and will do a great many things to be given ANY form of the fruit.
I checked in with the field research office and have learned that officially 4727 individuals have been tagged and more continue to arrive everyday.
This evening I met up with other senior researchers, catching up on what I have missed and telling stories of past studies.
Tomorrow I will start my official work.
~EV
Field Notes 5 August 57 AS. 19:11
Studies delayed on account of weather
~EV
Field Notes 6 August, 57
6188 specimens tagged as of midnight last night.
Last night saw a torrential thunderstorm roll over the area, causing many of the SCAdians to flee to shelter, although some found that their shelters were washed away or at least collapsed from the strength of the wind and rain. It was reported, and I have seen the photographic evidence that in the swamp area of the grounds a very rare Pennsic Mermaid was seen.
Later in the evening I was called to assist after a mother was found calling for her offspring who had become separated from her in the storm. Everyone on the research staff came forward and within a few minutes of the call, the young SCAdian and mother were reunited.
Today we have seen a huge influx in arrivals of these migratory animals and more and more are arriving to these temporary nesting grounds by the minute. I am amazed at the wide variety of plumage seen, not to mention the recorded distances some of the specimens have travelled. This small field in Pennsylvania now hosts individuals from as far away as Australia and Europe. It is quite remarkable really.
Today I have been requested to document and record a specific subset of SCAdians – those that bring with them a member of another species to assist them with daily tasks. This is my first time performing this duty, but the Senior Researcher assures me that I am eminently qualified. I am unsure. Luckily this assignment is only for the next 24 hours.
Earlier this morning I did observe movement amongst the population and a great gathering occurred. Reports have come that hostilities have been observed and a large territorial dispute has commenced. I can only hope that this will not result in large numbers of casualties as I have grown fond of the subjects I observe. I know that as an observer I am supposed to remain objective and not form attachments, but that is something I find hard to do. Some members of this community are just so adorable and cute that it's hard to remain impartial.
This evening I was able to witness first-hand a very rare spectacle. A group of individuals converged on one particular nesting ground to assist as one of its members started to transform. In a corner of the nesting grounds she has isolated herself and is undergoing a metamorphosis. It is said that in roughly 24 hours she will emerge to the world as some form of leafy vegetation. There are rumors also that two other individuals are showing signs to go into isolation and, when they return ,will be transformed into a large bird.
This does not make sense in a scientific capacity, transmutation of such natures does not seem possible. I look forward to being able to see this happen myself.
My own studies have kept me very busy, and as such have not been able to engage with my students as much as I would like. But other researchers report that they have seen them working hard. This makes me glad.
I think tonight I will try to relax – hopefully my tent is sufficiently dry and I will not have to worry about puddles in the morning. Perhaps I will indulge myself with a non-scientific book and a cool but strong beverage. Or perhaps I will just go to sleep.
Only way to find out is to do.
~EV
Field Notes 7, August 57
Over 6700 specimens tagged as of last night.
This morning I was called to the Senior Researcher’s office to discuss my assignment. He and another researcher conferred and it was decided that I would be taken off my study and put in charge of another one. The researcher who had been doing the study of the disabled members of the population had to step down, but the study needs to continue for the rest of the season. While not my ideal assignment, I will do my best to make my Supervising Researcher proud.
I spent the first part of the day reading all the notes of the previous study head, as well as the requirements and regulations for the study of this particular population. After that, I met with the research assistants on this project to bring myself up to speed to best be able to provide my assistance.
But there are aspects of my previous study that I just could not give up. This evening I was able to witness the final steps of the metamorphosis that started yesterday. Members from various tribes came forth and showed encouragement, presented trinkets and in the end she emerged with leaves on her brow, forelimbs and back.
After witnessing that grand transformation, I traveled to a new nesting area and watched as a male entered into the transformation isolation. Those who are in the know have said that when he comes out, he will be a bird.
Upon return to my camp, I met with an undergrad who has hopes of one day being a lead researcher himself, so I gave him what advise I could, but it is hard to give specifics because his base of operations and program have different policies, procedures, guidelines and expectations than the one I traversed.
Tomorrow’s schedule is packed with meetings, detailed study reports and hopefully seeing another transformation occur.
This year’s study season is proving in some ways more challenging than past ones, but in some ways less stressful.
But for now, flannel pajamas and a delicious beverage before slumber.
~EV
Field Notes, 9 August 57
Over 7600 specimens tagged and recorded.
More recording of assistance species and there seems to be some serious interactions between several and not in a good way. It is hard to remain objective, remain an impartial observer and not pick sides in these conflicts.
Regarding conflicts, there was a very large conflict in the woods near the nesting grounds between the Red Plumed and Blue Plumed SCAdians. I have learned from those researching the conflicts that the Blue Plumed ones are proving to be strong aggressors and driving back the Red Plumed ones.
After closing down my research for the day, I went and observed a large gathering of SCAdians from my home region where there seemed to be a great celebration and joyous behavior. The Alpha Male and Female gave pretty trinkets and pieces of paper to members of the pack. The recipients seems both happy and surprised. During this gathering a male came out of metamorphic isolation to great commotion as when he was done and welcomed to the pack by the Alphas, he did indeed have feathers upon his body. Later in the night, at the same gathering, a female came out of metamorphic isolation and joined the subgroup that developed leaves on their head, and back.
After the gathering broke up, I met with my two undergrads and the post-doc for an evening of ice cream (a tradition I do with those who participate in my studies) and meet up with others later for an evening of social conversation and laughter.
I was unable to witness the ceremony to officially grant Eskar his Doctorate in SCAdian Combat Techniques. The ceremony occurred very late in the evening and I just could not handle the time and close quarters of the gathering. I will wish him my congratulations at a later time, when our schedules permit.
Hopefully tomorrow I will finally be given full access to my research predecessor’s notes and can fully catch up on my full responsibilities as being the study Head. This may sound funny given that the study is scheduled to conclude in but 3 days, but I do not want something to fall through the cracks that may cause issues when the season starts up again next year
~EV
Field Notes: 10 August 57
Roughly 7800 specimens tagged and recorded.
The subjects of my study seem to have members of it who are just not happy unless they are unhappy about something. There appears to be a small percentage of the population with strong mobility issues and want the rest to cater especially to them, trying to get others to carry them from place to place and when this happens, those being carried are still not content with how it happened.
Additionally there are some conflicts between various individuals with assistance species and aggressive natures of same. This seems to be counterintuitive regarding the nature of “assistance”.
I have already informed the Senior Researchers for this year’s season as well as the next two that I do not wish to be a member of this particular study again. Yes I can do it, but there is no personal job satisfaction regarding it and I would really prefer to have someone else take on the role of lead researcher for the study and observation of the disabled members of the SCAdian migration.
During the day the Alphas from my home area were surrounded by members of their group and witnessed two more members of the population going into metamorphic isolation. It is rumored that the female will come out with a white band around her ruff and three quills on her chest and the male will most likely have a gold band around his ruff and a white stripe around his midsection where there was once a red stripe.
Around dinner time, another gathering occurred. The Alphas of the tribes of the southern regions welcomed a Hyena as an adult of the group. There was great rejoicing amongst all of the tribe.
After the sun went down, I and my undergrad witnessed a great murmuration of the SCAdians. They seemed to go out in great numbers in attempts to obtain bright and sparkly items for both self and their nesting grounds. It is unclear what was the purpose of action, but we did also witness some that seemed to have bio-luminescent markings on them. This was a first time sighting of such markings for me this migration period. Further study may be necessary on this phenomenon.
I have learned from the researcher who is observing the territorial conflicts between the Red Plumed SCAdians and the Blue Plumed ones that heavy conflict but there was many clashes involving sharp and reflective claws. They did not report which side was victorious. There is talk that tensions are indeed rising and there may be another great conflict tomorrow if things to not relax more.
But for now, I must rest so that I may continue my study.
~EV
Field Notes: 11 August, 57
The day consisted of me catching up on notes from observations of previous days and working to make sense of actions attributed to my case study. I was finally able to gain access to the notes from my predecessor, which would have been useful several days prior to this point.
After the sun went down, It was reported that many SCAdians made a pilgrimage from their nesting grounds to the lake. There the sounds of lamentations were heard. I did not witness this gathering but it was reported to me that did observe it that the SCAdians made offerings from those of their tribes that had died and comforted each other.
Rather than go see this unique gathering, I, my undergrad, my post doc, and two fellow researchers walked around the nesting grounds for a bit. We did witness the most unusual phenomenon. It may have been a mating dance or other type of courting ritual. It appeared to be groups of three individuals moving in a very specific pattern, changing partners from time to time but then returning to the original three. I will recommend that this be an aspect of SCAdian behavior that others investigate in future research season.
After witnessing this for a bit, we moved on and went and had quiet time, remeniscing of past seasons and those researchers who are no longer with us.
When returning to my camp I did notice that there are many empty spots in the various nesting grounds, heralding signs that the migration is soon ending. I know that the Great SCAdian Migration does not last long, but it seems every time it happens, it goes by faster and faster.
~EV
Field Notes: Field Notes 12 August, 57
Reports are that the final tag was issued a few days ago and that the total is roughly 7842. Not as many as past migrations but still a respectable number considering how illness struck the population.
More and more of the nesting grounds are emptying out. The Great Evacuation has begun.
There was one more great conflict between the Red Plumed and Blue Plumed SCAdians. Reports reached me from those that witnessed it, that when it was over, the Blue Plumed claimed overall victory.
My own personal research study of the disabled population has come to an end. My assistants helped me pack up and by 13:00 we were officially done. I will spend the next month reviewing all my notes and writing my final paper for the Researching Staff.
Now it is time to start packing up my own belongings so that on the morrow I can head home.
~EV
