Weekend with Mom away, I watched the kids- opting for a trip to the Kids museum in Syracuse: MOST. Good trip. Not a lot of dissertation work though- maybe flipped through one article, but had a lot to think about during the drive. At the museum, they had a huge 3D climbing maze, which I sat out for part of the time, being about 2 feet too tall to navigate without injury. I was struck with the number of parents doing the same, yet passing the time head-down messing around with their cell phones the whole time. I've got a decent phone, and mine just isn't that interesting. But it's the same in Japan apparently- people find playing with their gadget easier than chancing social contact. Once upon a time, I'd chat with other parents on the bench as an alternative to silence and avoiding awkward eye contact. And maybe learn a thing or two. Nowadays, everybody just texts.
Stayed at a hotel/motel place with a pool and loads of A/C. Well worthwhile. Syracuse is not a bad place to spend a weekend with kids. Not sure I'd move out there, but worth a trip.
