It has been like old home week here. I’m not a tourist, do not have any pics of scenery to share. I’ve been staying with my best friend who has graciously shared her home with me for two weeks now. She recently had shoulder surgery, so it has been good to be a help to her with cooking, chores, chauffering, etc.

I’ve had lunches and dinners at my favorite local restaurants with some of my favorite people. Shoutout to Buddy’s, Holy Land, Sunspot, Asia Cafe, Petro’s, Yassin’s, and Altruda’s.

University of Tennessee campus and surrounding area has changed considerably since I was last in the area approximately five years ago. The main road leading to campus, colloquially known as “the strip”, is no longer lined with local shops and restaurants. It looks like a big city canyon of mid-rise apartment buildings with stores on ground level. No charm. Campus itself is in a building frenzy. Many dorms built in the 80’s are being replaced. Admittedly, this has been going on for several years already. There are also classroom buildings going up.

I remember when the Student Success Center was first created in 2004 (I was the first staff member hired), we were housed temporarily in a former private home that was absorbed by the university along with others on that street. We were on the ten-year building plan to have space in another building that was to be renovated. For the next 17 years I was never in anything other than temporary space. They are just now building a new Student Success building in the space where they razed the old building. So, more like the 20 year plan! It is in a great location, though, right next to the main library.

I am still annoyed that they tore down the Hillel house (Jewish Student Center) at least 15 years ago and it is STILL an empty spot. They SAID it was to make room for a new building…… They also tore down the only Jewish fraternity house to accomodate the footprint of one of the newer dorms about ten years ago.

Next stop back in Oregon to pick up my UK passport!