Well it sure has been an interesting last few months.
The project I have worked on for the last 4 years is finishing up. I was very pleased with how much we learned and how the engine ran but after our main sponsor got bought out it was decided not to extend it past its original finish point by their new owners. Which happened so late in my tour that long term funding could never have been found to replace it in a timely manner. Lacking that I had to find new digs.
Job hunting sucks. Let's not beat around the bush. It sucks. The whole process wore me out. The applications. The phone interviews. The flying around to interview at all these far flung places. In the end though I am pleased as punch with my new job. I ended up with several options but chose to go back into engine design and away from pure research. I will be moving about 40 minutes north of Minneapolis to work on engines for a well known maker of 4 wheelers and snowmobiles.
The area is country through and through and just beautiful. Tons of great lakes and streams to fish in. Public hunting reserves larger than most of the counties where I grew up. I honestly cannot wait to get up there and do some exploring. I've lived in cities for so long now that I'm not sure that it won't be a bit of an adjustment! But one I'm looking forward to making.
I know Madison was noticeably colder in winter than Chicago. My friends from up there tell me Minneapolis is noticeably colder than Madison. My truck may need a block heater.
Will