When not teaching or with my family, I am probably at the dojo training in aikido, bird-watching, fishing, or commuting to/from work. At-home hobbies include caring for a variety of pets, reading, fly-tying, working on my home, occassional wood working, origami, puzzles, drawing, or playing EQ.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art which blends energy from the attacker with circular movement of the defender. The results can be simple avoidance, redirection away from the defender, or a submission control if necessary. The advanced practitioner can toss--or pin--an attacker easily, using no more energy than it takes to tip over a chair balanced on one leg. I am fortunate to have good instructors and good partners--necessary elements to the enjoyment and mastery of any hobby. Aikido strengthens and stretches my body, and energizes my mind. I usually leave Mr. Scott's dojo (training hall) more energized than when I came in. More about aikido.

I started bird-watching as a facet of working on a Pintail duck nesting study in the Minto Flats; we needed to accurately identify hens as they flew from their nest--not an easy task. I later took a bird class at the university to learn more about the species here in Alaska and was hooked for life. My favorite bird to look at is the Bohemian Waxwing, to hunt--grouse or ptarmigan. I have the pleasure of introducing a birds unit to my students and watching many of them begin what I hope will be a lifetime passion for bird watching. My photos and field hints for identifying Alaskan birds are found at Birds In Alaska.

Fishing:
I enjoy all forms of fishing, including fly fishing for arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus), trout (mostly stocked rainbows-Oncorhynchus mykiss) and northern pike (Esox lucius.) I enjoy fishing for burbot (Lota lota) all year-round including using set-lines through the ice. I fit in ice-fishing trips for stocked trout and salmon in nearby lakes over the midwinter break.