Oh yeah...

New computer!!!

Unseasonably Warm

It's been generally temperate this Fall (global warming?). Jess and I took advantage of it and took Bex to a park for some general fun and play.

Check it out!

Additional Christmas Wishes...

I've been peppered with questions from friends, family, and Jessica regarding what other things i might want for Christmas. Basically, Jess and I would love Home Depot gift cards.

But...if you're inclined to head out into the world of non-gift cards...I've made a list and it's online at Kaboodle.

xcuse's Wish List by xcuse

Early Christmas?

All -

Bex is settling in nicely. He experienced his first Thanksgiving and tried so much food I thought he was going to pop like a tick. He's generally open to trying new foods. I was very surprised that he liked the greens so much. We spent the day with family. Mr. Bex was a good sport and was in good spirits. He's a joy to be around.

Since I had to work the day after Thanksgiving, Jess opted out of joining the crazies who shop at 4 a.m. to get deals on under-powered PCs other items that will likely break soon after using. Generally you get what you pay for. Also, my time and sleep are to valuable to deal with that kind of crowd situation. Too often the limited quantities of the super sale items means you leave empty-handed or have to settle for the higher priced item you didn't want. Kinda nice how that works, eh?

Well after returning home and spending more time with family on Friday night, Jess and I bought our Christmas presents. We got two new Macbooks. My desktop (currently being used to write this) is close to six (!) years old and is woefully underpowered now; though top-of-the-line when initially purchased. Jess' laptop is around 4 years old and she's needing something new as well. Neither of us want to deal with Vista right now so we've decided to jump ship and go Mac. Time will tell whether this is good or bad. We did get Parallels for Jess' Macbook so she can install XP and continue to run her Real Estate applications. Also extra memory (2GB). Since they're both white, we got protective covers...pink for her and orange for me. The computers are due to arrive in the next couple of weeks. I'll need to migrate my music and photos, otherwise I should be set. I've wanted a Mac for years and this seems like the right time (updated Santa Rosa chip set and operating system).

So very exciting.

We decided to focus on Bex and only small items for us for the holiday. Hopefully the new laptops will be here in time for Christmas.

Woo hoo!

Never mind the bollocks...

Let me say that I think that Beckett is starting off right. He's inheriting great taste like his father.

I like me some Late Night w/ Craig Ferguson on occasion. On Halloween his first guests were John Lydon and Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols. I got around to watching it this evening and during their set Beckett get really interested, heads to the television, and starts dancing. It seems my boy likes him some punk. Knowing this was a moment to capture, I grabbed the camera and shot a short video which I hope to post.

I think I'll be adding some Rancid and The Ramones to the Beckett playlist in iTunes.

The little guy makes me smile each and every day.

He's found his feet and is wandering around the house. He's become a menace to the poor dog. The cat has the sense and dexterity to get out of his way. I actually like that he's largely ambulatory. It means he can focus more energy on his words....and they're certainly coming. He's can say: thank you, dad, yum (more of a sound than word), grandad, and good. He really needs to say mom or else I think someone in the house is going to have their feelings hurt.

Back and more....

Friends,

It's great to be home. I am now a father. Beckett is beyond wonderful. Jess and I are very lucky. Photos of the little dude and our trip to Vietnam can be found here: http://picasaweb.google.com/jjmvietnam

We managed to get home before his birthday and celebrated with friends and family. I returned to work yesterday after close to four weeks off. It's actually great going back to the office. I missed it. While I am lucky enough to have the option to work from home I actually prefer working at the office. It puts me in the correct frame of mind to work. I worry about the distractions at the house when I work from home. I need to get past that since I will be spending more time working at home over the next few months as Bex acclimates to life here.

Many thanks to my wife who purchased a new white/red away jersey for Liverpool. She had my name put on the back along with the number 33 to for my birthday. She's fairly cool and tolerant of my many quirks.

Cool Baby Room

So...with one day before we leave...we finally got the Space Invader wall prints for Beckett's room. They're better than I expected. Will they frighten the piss out of him? Probably. But he'll learn to welcome and love our new alien overlords.

Seriously though, I've got to thank Jessica for agreeing to my vision...she even likes it now that they're on the wall and look so good.

Here's a photo....

Advice...

I've been getting a lot of it lately (including tow books today from Jessica and my mother).

Here are some posted on MSNBC.com a while back...I'd been saving the link...

Things a Man Should Know

1. Don't worry, your dad didn't know what he was doing, either.

2. No, no--not that Spock!

3. Second thought, maybe you should worry.

4. Never tell anybody that you and your wife are "trying."

We really don't need the visual, that's why.

5. Never tell anybody where your child was conceived, how long it took, or what song was playing.

6. Do not name your baby after cities, geographical points of interest, features of the solar system, seasons, plants, animals, or current television stars.

7. Your child, at birth, already has a deeply complicated relationship with his mother, and, for the first year, you are only a curiosity. For a couple of years after that, an amusement-park ride. Then, a referee. And finally, a bank.

8. If you want to subject your son to the unkindest cut, insist on a local anesthetic, since many pediatricians don't bother to use one. The anesthetic is for the kid.

9. Baby gas is lessened with a good nipple connection during feeding, which decreases air intake. Assuring that his lower lip is flipped out, not pursed, helps.

10. There is nothing wrong with thumb-sucking, which helps ease the pain of teething. Nonetheless, it probably ought to stop by kindergarten.

11. Diaper-rash remedy: Expose baby's hydraulics to the air until dry. Soak baby's bottom in tepid water with a half cup baking soda. Then, Balmex. Or Lotrimin. Rediaper.

12. You know how they say you'll get used to diapers? You won't. Unless you wear them a lot.

For the the rest of the list... http://men.msn.com/articlees.aspx?cp-documentid=702593&GT1=8784

Totally not Beckett related...but I really like this new song by Sir Paul McCartney. It's simple and fun. Kinda brings a smile to my face and I'm sure that this will be my reaction when presented with Beckett. So...Dance Tonight.

Exit old Reality...Hello new Reality..

I've not really had the interest in posting recently. There's been a lot going on and I haven't felt very much like sharing. Still, I need to provide a bit of an update.

We're off to Vietnam in a few days. Time for parenthood. At this point I don't have anything sublime or terribly witty to add to the record on what it's like to anticipate fatherhood. Better souls than mine have said it better.

I just want to have a safe trip and bring Beckett home. I know the caregivers in Vietnam are doing their level best for all their charges. I want to hold him and pass on the little bits of wisdom I've acquired (and how to troubleshoot a broken lawn mower). For me it's a frightening thing to become a parent. I temper that feeling with the fact that most people end up as parents at some point, and even find success at it. Jess and I are lucky to have the support of family and some financial standing to provide for Beckett. I hope he turns out to be a strong reflection of his very loving parents.

While away we'll primarily blog updates on the other site (www.bringinghomebe.blogspot.com) but I'm sure I'll post some updates and photos here as well.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and support as we've gone through the adoption process and as we move from prospective parents to actual parents.

Woo hooo!

Chillin in South Park

So...my lovely wife built this South Parkian version of me...

You can do it for your loved ones here: http://www.sp-studio.de/

I think it's a fitting likeness. Jess posted her version on her site...Bringing Home Be. I guess we need these distractions to keep our thoughts off of the seemingly never ending wait for news from Vietnam.

Lots happening...

I don't talk about the adoption very much but it's on my mind constantly. Jess and I are very lucky people. We have the loving support of family and friends who have made this process much easier than I could have ever hoped. Is the wait terrible? Yes. Do I hate not having Beckett here so that we can make our family whole? Yes.

We still don't know when we're traveling but we truly believe that we'll know soon. It's been a great Beckett week though. Lots of fresh photos. I know I'm biased but he's clearly a good looking kid. And he has teeth! He's only 10 months. We're missing so much.

New photos here: http://picasaweb.google.com/JJOHNSTONMYERS/BeckettLongMyers?authkey=tafaGNM6vDI&pli=1

Adoption Blog here: http://bringinghomebe.blogspot.com

My Favorite:

Polar Bear - St. Louis Zoo

The St. Louis zoo has a fascinating dome full of butterflies. They are everywhere. I had never seen anything like it. One had landed and was riding around on someone's hat. As you exit the dome there are a series of mirrors so that you can check yourself out. Not for vanity, but for lingering butterflies.

So...Grandma Myers passed last week.

To say she was beloved is an understatement. She was a valuable member of the community who leaves a rich legacy of Faith and acts. She raised 5 children was the matriarch of the family. In the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit to being an absent grandson. I had not seen or talked to Grandma in a long time. The fault lies at my feet and any excuse is hollow at best. Do I feel the loss. Yes, I do. She is in my thoughts and prayers.

Jess and I traveled to St. Louis for the funeral. It's sad that it took a death in the family to bring me back in touch with my aunts and uncles. Naturally Dad was there and it was good to see him. Heck, it was good to see everyone. It's the circumstances that sucked. (I know, very eloquent.)

Jess and I spent Thursday driving and attending the viewing.

Friday was the funeral, cemetery, and more family time. The family went back to Grandma's house for food, fellowship, and poker. A place was set for Grandma, along with her favorite beer, and she watched over the gaming. I managed to finish with some winnings after a full day of poker. The photo is a great little shot that Jessica sneaked. It's my cousin Matt and Aunt Carol. This is special because 1) she's smiling and 2) she usually doesn't like being photographed. I saw my Uncle Tommy and Aunt Lena for the first time in probably 17 years. They have two grown daughters. I feel old. However, I did take the opportunity to eat way too much of Lena's pasta. So very tasty. So long since I had truly good Italian cooking.

Saturday, Jess and I went to the zoo very early. One of the best zoos in the country. Then we met up with Dad. He took us around the old neighborhood and we went to White Castle (none in Arkansas). After the sublimely tasty sliders, we hit the Anheuser-Busch brewery for the tour and free beer. Jess and I the headed to a big sculpture park that contains a number of modern sculpture pieces. Lastly, Jess and I had dinner with a couple who we might be traveling to Vietnam with. It was a good match and i hope we do travel with them. It's nice to know we're not the only ones going insane with the wait and stress. I'm ready to go to Vietnam now.

Sunday, we traveled home. It was a sad, but ultimately very good trip. I hope we can springboard into better contact with Dad and the family. Since St. Louis is actually only 6 hours away...we might be able to make trips on occasion...and the family will want to meet Beckett. (I'll have to share the Beckett/Grandma story soon.)

Anyway...I now have a bunch of photos that I'll be posting over the next few days. Hope you enjoy. All of them are here.

Is that a Peter I see before me?

Jess and I finally got Peter (http://geekhorde.blogspot.com/) in front of the mural at DamGoode Pies. We went there specificallty to see first-hand whether it looked like him or not. We suspected but memory can play tricks...

You be the judge...I tink it's a fair likeness and perhaps Peter needs to be compensated with some kind of free pizza deal. I've never seen Peter in a tu-tu, and he's not pudgy like that, but I think someone was channeling Peter while painting.

More details and some photos from this past weekend...tomorrow!

New Additions....

I've added links to some of my favorite (and friends') photo pages. Check them out on occasion.

Jess' Birthday - Delayed

All -

Last Monday we celebrated Jessica's ongoing 29th birthday. A wonderful mix of friends visited to wish her well and eat some cake.

Photos of the event are here: http://www.thehaddocks.net/jess30/jess30.html
Or here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7651708@N04/sets/72157600054372909/

My favorites:
Lukas being cute...
and this one with Hester....(we're slapping five...it's not an abuse situation...that's Mom smiling in the background)

Happy Easter, Part II

From Growing Up Found another photo...from sometime in the early 1980s. Looks like I may have been too old to compete in an egg hunt with those kids. Oh well.

Happy Easter

(Yeah...I've posted this before...but it's the only rabbit photo I have...)

From the Archives

Canoeing a few years ago with Frank, Leigh, and Chet. Jess couldn't make it so I spent a day on the Mullberry River with Chet as my canoe-mate. It was a great spring day. We stayed afloat...unlike other members of our little fleet.

Chet had the foresight to bring in a camera. However...his nimble little fingers managed to drop it in the river. The camera was snatched from the water with little damage and this is one of the surviving shots.

Abandoned Pump

Again with an old Syracuse photo. This time it's a water pump from an old farm that's now just another sprawling subdivision. If I can find a negative scanner I'll get all my old film from my photo classes in high school transferred to digital...

So when my mother was visiting a few weeks ago, I learned something about my family I heretofore had not known.

My grandmother was a professional bowler.

Now I realize that no one else really cares much about that but I think it's fascinating. I wish she was alive to tell me stories from her time as a bowler in the 50's and 60's. I'm told she was quite good. From what little I remember of her it's easy for me to fit a bowler persona into the person I knew (don't ask...I'm not going to try and defend that statement).

It seems clear to me that bowling isn't an inherited characteristic since, while I can bowl, I'm only average. My average tends to hover in the 140-160 range. One of the many things I miss about F'ville is the bowling league. I guess if I really wanted to I could sneak into a league here in Little Rock.

With the baby on the way, I should probably just stick with my weekly soccer game and hiking. I know that personal time will be a rare commodity when after Beckett gets here.

I took this photo near my house in Syracuse in 1990/91. I was taking a photd class at the time and made a print in sepia tones. It's always been a favorite photo of mine.

Lots of fun on Pinnacle Mountain last Thursday. I managed to walk into a low-hanging tree branch, smacking right across my face. Thankfully I was't wearing my glasses or I'm sure I'd have needed new ones. Anyway my buddy PJ and I posed for photos. Our other buddy Kent thought it would be fun to imply that PJ decked me. Here are the results.

As you can see it was a beautiful afternoon for a hike. My office is close enough to Pinnacle Mountain State Park that we can head there every couple of days after work. It's a refreshing hike; 1.5 miles with some bouldering and great views. We generally make a round trip in about 40-45 minutes. The best thing about going after work is fewer people than the weekend. The park tends to get kinda crowded on nice weekends. As we all know...crowds are bad.

Full photo series here.

Wonderful Weekend

So my mother came to visit this past weekend. It was a great time and very productive. She brought a whole bunch of gifts for Beckett as well as a some orphanage gifts. Very nice. One of the books she brought is A Child's Book of Art. I love it. This is the kind of children's book I can get behind.

Also, thanks to some inspiration at my soccer game (we won!), she purchased a fancy Radio Flyer Tricycle that allows parents to take control. In some circumstances it can replace a stroller...like on a walk in the park, or a trip to the Big Dam Bridge.

Beckett has clothes! We also got a whole mess of clothing from Jess' mother and my mother. Thanks!

Lastly...Beckett's room is probably 85% complete. My mother added some much needed inspiration and effort that brought the room project home. Photos of the completed room are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/JJOHNSTONMYERS/BeckettSRoom?pli=1

Terrific Weekend. I'll address the comments on the previous post tomorrow. It seems there are some things to discuss.

Soccer 2007?

Soccer season 2007 started today. We've got some new blood on the team and I think they'll bring us more victories. As luck would have it, I rolled my ankle late in the second half so I'm a bit gimpy. I don't plan to visit a doctor and hope to be well by next Sunday. I'll take it one day at a time. (Is there any other way?)

The photo with this post (me in yellow) is a fun action shot from the summer of 1984.

In other news...

Someone was questioning my use of the word "Shalom." It's a great word that means "peace" but is also used as a greeting or farewell. And...its use is not limited to practitioners of a specific religion. (Yes...Munkee Girl I know you know all this.)

As for conversion...not at this point. While I've met the rabbi and find her to be a wonderful person, if I was to pursue Judiasm, I would first talk to my Godmother.

Since I'm talking about religion, I went to church on Saturday night. It was a short, odd service that made me not want to go again. Jess was playing bells in the bell choir (and no, not the reason I don't want to go back). It was a casual, Saturday night service at a local Methodist church. Now, I was brought up within the Methodist faith (with a brief stint at a private Lutheran school). I was struck with how evangelical this pastor was. It put me off a bit. I'm not used to Methodist ministers asking for "Amens!" and "Praise the Lords!" from the congeregation (though to be fair the call and response has a rich religious tradition). I also found out that the minister is newer and actually runs the "contemporary" service so that explained a lot. No, what bothered me was the simple fact that his sermon was a sham. It was a 15-minute advertisement for some new movie called "Amazing Grace." Sure, it sounds like a fine subject for a movie (abolition of slavery in England) and there's a religious connection with the author of the song "Amazing Grace," but I don't go to church for movie reviews or commercialism. I was not pleased.

That said, I'll give their more traditional service a shot.

After the Fall

Okay...so I'm wearing a hat in this photo while in the previous one I was clearly not. The point is that I eventually got past the slide fear and learned to enjoy slides. Hell, I'm backwards in this photo.

Shalom!

So I've been scanning photos again. Back in December my mother gave me a box of photos tp go through and scan. I'll post some here and also out on my web album area.

This was taken by my Godfather, Warren Lepley ina park that not longer exists in the Plaza section of Kansas City, cicra 1980. He died a number of years ago but I'll never forget him. He had a kind of raspy voice and was, to a 5 year old, very cool. It was clear he didn't like kids too much but made every effort to be a great role model. I know that I'm a better person because of the impact he and my Godmother had on my mother and me. If I can be a parent in a manner such as his, I should be okay. The other fascinating, and very 1970s, thing about my Godparents was their super-cool giant round waterbed. To me it was a toy. I just wanted to play on it and make waves.

As you can see in the photo, I've got a little bit of terror in my eyes. See...when I was younger I was a bit impulsive. I climbed the slide thinking it would be no problem at all. Then the reality of the height caused me great concern. Warren, knowing this was a great learning opportunity, wouldn't let me climb back down. It was gravity or life atop the slide. As you can see, the platform was quite small. My solution: stretch as far as I could so that the trip down would be short. Still, even with logic on my side...what's a kid to do.

I've got a photo of the resolution that I'll post in a day or two.

Weekend Things...(and a big victory)

So...first things first...new photos of my son Beckett...arrived last Thursday. The current expectation is to travel sometime between May and August. We have no control over the travel date at this point. Naturally, sooner is better.

We also received official word from the adoption agency that our paperwork had been translated and shipped to Vietnam. If we're lucky, the dossier will arrive and get logged-in before Tet. The whole country shuts down for a week during the Tet festivities.

Saturday was the designated birthday celebration for my friend Rich. To that end he gathered friends for a full day of gaming. We arrived at his home around 10am and began playing Twilight Imperium around 11:30. We played solidly for the whole day, apart from a break for lunch at Vinos. I headed home around 9:30 as the winner...it was well worth the time spent and I look forward to playing again. To those of you who were invited but decided not to attend...pptthhh!!! You missed out on fun.

Today...Jess and I did some home improvements. We replaced some cat-stained (if you know what I mean) carpet in the office. All I can say is that Jess is pretty handy. Additionally we bought an area rug for Beckett's room and a camcorder so that we can record videos in Vietnam and while he grows up.

That's about it for now...we were good consumers. It was a good weekend.

Quick question for Munkee Girl...based on your comment on the previous post...was this post better? :-) (Luv ya...when are y'all coming to visit...and yes, I know we owe you one!)

A Little Spring for Mid-Winter

WWJD - 5

What would Jack do?

Nuclear bomb? No problem.

Helicopter crash around the corner? Easy.

Estranged Brother? Knock-em out, tie them up, plastic bag over the head.

Clearly someone has family issues.

WWJD - 3/4

What Would Jack Do?

Episode 3: Need to slow someone down...ram them with your car.

Episode 4: Save the reformed terrorist who has information or kill your friend? Clearly...kill your friend.

Sorry I was away for a while. No real good reason.

Sick of the rain here in LR. Thankfully it's finished for now and we can begin to dry.

New weekly feature now that 24 has started. What Would Jack Do? (WWJD) A weekly exploration of the myriad ways Jack solves problems. One of my friends and former colleagues, also a Jack, often would ask me, when I was confronted with a problem, " What would Jack Bauer do?"

Last night - first two episodes of the season: WWJD?
Rip out their jugular with his teeth. Clearly he's gone vampiric. Also not something you can use at the office.

More tomorrow based on episodes 3/4.

Grand Tour

For Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_tour and comments on the previous post.

My friend Munkee Girl is correct. The Grand Tour is an inherently good thing that should be revived. Yes it should be open to more than the economically elite. Exposure to the arts and culture fosters well rounded and intellectually curious humans. That's good. Certainly better than sitting in front of a Playstation for hours on end.

I also agree with Munkee Girl regarding language. Heading off to a non-threatening vacation (educational though it may be) to a predominantly English-speaking nation doesn't open one's eyes as much as traveling where you might have to make an effort at understanding. It would probably make better citizens and maybe even a better world.

I know that my trips abroad have always been to places where I could get by in English or German. Even on my trip to France I found it easier to use German than bother butchering the French language. My tip to Vietnam will be a challenge on the language front. Despite having a written language that is Latinate in nature (i.e. characters), there's not a lot that I'll gain in trying to decipher words by looking at them. There's no real connection to English (or German). Also...the language is tonal...meaning words with different tones may have different meanings. How fun is that? I don't have enough time before our trip to do a lot of book-learning or class-taking so I run the risk of being a dumb American, and I hate that thought.

Here is a sample of the Vietnamese written language: (See the challenge that awaits!)

Trăm năm trong cõi người ta,

Chữ tài chữ mệnh khéo là ghét nhau.

Trải qua một cuộc bể dâu,

Những điều trông thấy mà đau đớn lòng.

Lạ gì bỉ sắc tư phong,

Trời xanh quen thói má hồng đánh ghen.

Translated:

A hundred years – in this life span on earth

talent and destiny are apt to feud.

Go through an event in which the sea becomes mulberry fields

and watch such things as make you sick at heart.

Is it strange that one who is rich in this is poor in that?

Blue Heaven’s wont to strike rosy cheeks from spite.

Two final things...
1) If your 3-year old can craft a balanced mobile sculpture...it's ART! (and get her an agent...or whoever artists use because that's talent)

2) The Space Invader wall art is cool. Not every room has to be Beatrix Potter, or Harry Potter, or Col. Potter. It's okay to spice it up. Babies and childhood should be fun. When Beckett can talk and tell me how much he hates his room...we'll re-assess.

Oh...Thanks Pete. Miss you guys. The kids will all be within 1-year of each other in age (poor Jack as the baby of the bunch) so I hope we can get them to be friends at an early age. Trips to the park when we (or you) visit.

Calder Mobile

My old friend Joy, who lives in NYC and knowing my love of art, took this photo and sent it to me. She's just trying to make me jealous of the fact she's in NYC and around myriad art and culture options.

Actually I think it's in response to the ticket stub to the Andrew Wyeth exhibit that I sent her. We've had an ongoing art/culture feud since at least 1990. I generally credit her with victory since she's been to Europe more often than me. Plus she lives in NYC. However, occasionally even Arkansas gets something artistic that doesn't hit NYC (like the Wyeth exhibit) and I have to bask in that limited glory while I can.

I've got to say that my impending trip to Vietnam will go a long way to balancing the art/culture war. I'm pretty certain she's only traveled to Europe...I'm raising the ante and heading to Asia.

Big News (Delayed)

As many of the people who visit here know, Jess and I are pursuing international adoption from Vietnam. Well...in mid-December we received a referral for a baby boy...which we've decided to accept. (I realize a lot of you know this too but I've made no mention of it in this venue.)

He's a little over 5 months old and appears to be absolutely adorable. We hope to travel to Vietnam by late Spring at the earliest, but it's not in our control. It can't happen soon enough. I want him home.

His name will be Beckett.

Jess and I finally started working on his room this weekend. We picked colors (green/brown) and bedding (abstract/shapes) and purchased a crib. I'll not dwell on the details here. Rather, visit our adoption blog for more details and photos. http://bringinghomebe.blogspot.com/

I do want to share one bit about Beckett's room and the designs we're looking into. Jess has agreed, at least initially, to try out this cool Space Invader design on one of the walls. The challenge is to coordinate the room with the Space Invaders. Since we're trying to avoid trucks, cowboys, blue, etc it hopefully won't be too hard work in and still have a cohesive feel. Clearly I'm more about the Invader theme than Jess....but I think it could work and it's different.

Anyway...we're "having" a son and wanted to let you know.

Happy New Years (late)

All -

Happy New Year. I hope you celebrated in a fun and largely safe manner.

Jess and I had the fortune to spend the evening with some new friends (and old) friends. There was fancy imported Russian vodka, snacks, games, beer, music, conversation, and no stress. I've been in this state for a over a decade now and I'm still amazed at the different connections I find in the people I meet. I clearly have great taste in friends as they all seem to know each other or are separated by 1 degree.

Okay...maybe it's a lot of luck and the simple fact that I'm drawn to specific kinds of people; so it would stand to reason that they too would also find similar connections. Regardless...it's nice and reinforces the sense of home here in Arkansas.

I'm finally doing better...was ill for the past week. I'm very much looking forward to returning to work. I've missed it.

I wish you a year of more highs than lows, smiles than frowns, sweets than sours, and generally...all the best.