I'm back?

Just saying. Or at least. I hope to be. Or else I will forget where we have travelled!!

Quick update:

• Christmas 2018: Paris, London
• Christmas 2017: New Orleans
• Christmas 2016: Delaware
• Christmas 2015: Edinburgh
• Christmas 2014: Destin, Florida (I think, and Thanks, Jay)

Go-to pieces of advice

I keep coming back to these ideas, picked up from wise people over the course of my life.

1. It is truly impossible for a humble man to ever feel despair (Circa 1985, From a man whose family took him back after he kicked a drug habit).

2. Intentions don't mean squat (Circa 1981, from a wise college friend).

3. It is impossible to have the mindset of a victim and a leader (2012, from a talk given by gay rights activist Dan Choi).

4. You have somebody else's dream job. When you no longer enjoy anything about your job, it might be time for you to let that somebody else have it. (From a 2009 keynote address at a conference.)

Each worthy of much thought -- they have been my touchstones.

-mmm

What Commencement looks like from my perspective

Commencement was Saturday and after leading faculty to their seats I stood by the ramp leading to the stage and reminded graduates to have their card in their hand. I see strange shoes go by. 

What? Mid-December already?

I am imagining this as a headline:

Las Cruces High School Football Team Wins State Championship, Following Soccer Team Example!

This is the big news in town, but I missed the game. It is cold today and I spent the day reading and making a batch of toffee. First batch I have ever made that cracked when it was supposed to.

Stu and I ushered for the Santa Fe Opera Holiday Concert tonight and I stepped in as a last minute page turner for the pianist. Made the concert much more interesting to see the structure of the music as it went by. Kirt Pavitt was the accompanist, and a talented musician.

Enrosadira

If you google enrosadira and click images, the Dolomites of Italy appear.  Apparently there is a story about a heartbroken lover who turned his garden to stone, but the colors of the garden can still be viewed on warm summer evenings.  The documentation I saw said it is the only place in the words where that happens.  

Nay, not so! Enrosadira is becoming a favorite word of mine.

Jacob & Janelle

Jacob and Janelle, before the 5K Huffing for Stuffing race, Bozeman, Montana.  Apparently one runs in snow there.  

This is Gus

This is Gus. Quincy brought him home last summer because he is orange and he has a basso profundo purr and he has a tuft.  He is living with us until he can live with her. I have been told that he is my grand kitty.

He is a big boy (14+ pounds) and he gallumps all over the house.  He sleeps under the covers, frequently in the zone of little air exchange with the outside. He falls off chairs.