Saguaro

This week is my week of travel in the U.S. for work. It started in Tucson, where the following picture is from, and continues today in Champaign, Illinois.



The desert southwest struck me more than I was expecting. Combining the mild weather with the striking mountain-lined horizons creates a relaxing environment. I was surprised to find Tucson a much more laid-back college town that would be expected. The cactus that shares the stage with me here is a saguaro and is likely over a hundred years old.

"Eric and E.J.-"

"My intention was to write something deep this year, tying together the book I am reading about the Revolutionary War, my mother’s obsession with genealogy, the importance of preserving the written word, and making a New Year’s resolution to contact your legislator about something important to you in 2006. Alas, time has won the race this Christmas. If this should find you before December 25, Merry Christmas. If not, Happy New Year!"

I wanted to post the message from a card we got this year from a college friend of mine, Regina. It captured more clearly my feeling about the holiday season than I even knew was possible. Some great intentions have been fulfilled, many have not, and so 2006 begins.