Computers as Hobby

Ever since I got my first IBM PC in 1984, computers have consumed a good portion of my leisure time. From the very first, I took to them, liked the ease of controlling an electronic environment.

Shortly after I got my first computer, I became active on CompuServe. I found it was the best place to learn more about how best to exploit this new magnificent toy. In time, I gained proficiency, and became a Sysop of the WordPerfect Users' Group. WPUSERS Forum on CompuServe is still the best place to get expert assistance and advice on using WordPerfect products.

Another hangout on CompuServe is the TAPCIS Forum, where I also served as a Sysop 1988-1995. TAPCIS is the best way to use the wonderful online resources of CompuServe efficiently.

The best thing about the online communities of CompuServe is that they are true communities. I have made many of my dearest friends online. It was only through the encouragement of online friends that I had the courage to make my career change; it was only the assurance of the presence of my online community wherever I lived physically that eased my leap into the unknown midwest.

Keeping Up

For many years, I was coasting along on the knowledge of computers that I largely developed during the 80's, but in the past four or five years, I have finally made the leap into learning about Windows, and especially into using the World Wide Web. I still don't really like Windows, but at least I am beginning to master it (rather than it me). The Web, however, is clearly a great tool. I will be using it more and more in my teaching.

View of road cyclists

Cycling

Before I started commuting 110 miles round-trip, my preferred method of transportation was via bicycle. Back when I lived in Connecticut and had more time, I was a serious cyclist, but here in Illinois I seem to have less time to hit the road. Even though the terrain is lovely and flat, there are fewer days when the weather is cool and dry and most pleasant for cycling. But Charlie and I did manage a cycling trip in Holland and Belgium a couple of summers ago, a follow-up to two trips I had done in earlier years in France (in Provence and in the Dordogne). I hope we have a chance for further cycling trips in years to come.
 

Foreign Travel

I am a great fan of foreign travel. I lived in England for two years, and have travelled extensively on the continent, especially in France and Italy. I once took a cruise in the Aegean and visited many classical sites in Greece, Turkey, and the Aegean islands. Thanks to my job at the museum at Yale, I even travelled to Japan twice, as a courier for works of art being loaned to museums there.

Among my very favorite trips was a solo exploration of Alsace and Burgundy in the early 80s. I enjoyed great wine, terrific food, and finally got to see some of the Romanesque sculpture sites I had long dreamt of, including Vezelay and Autun. Another good trip was one made to northern Italy with my friend Anna Lou Ashby. We stayed in a friend's villa in Asolo for much of the trip, and so were able to enjoy cooking with local produce as well as visiting Palladian villas, the glories of Venice, and practicing our Italian.

Joan in ParisDuring May Term, 1998, I was lucky enough to be able to accompany a student travel seminar to London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Berlin. These were places I had all visited before, albeit it had been more than 25 years since I had last been in Berlin, a place that has changed enormously. Even so, seeing these cities partly through the fresher eyes of our students was different and very interesting. After the seminar was finished, Charlie joined me for ten days of vacation in London and Copenhagen.

During May and June, 1999, Joan and Charlie travelled to the Veneto area in Italy.   You can view a complete photo album of their trip.

I still dream of someday visiting Budapest and returning to Vienna.

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