2008

It was the best of years, and the worst of years.
The worst was short: after running for 45 years I developed osteoarthritis in my left knee: my 7th running in the Washington DC St. Patrick's Day race was off! Also, my school program was under review, so I had to interview for my job (don't try to figure this out) in July, and two weeks before school opened I was told that I had a job! Whew!

The best was traveling with my family. It was pure happenchance, but my wife and I flew/voyaged/drove/rode/hiked over 23,000 miles from January through December. Trips to New England for weddings and graduations were enjoyable, from winter through the summer.

Our youngest daughter lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, so this was an excuse to go with the other two girls and travel in a motor home for two weeks. No night, vast landscapes, roaring frigid rivers, snow-capped mountains, and cooking on open fires provided great moments in time and forever memories.

Our last trip was to Hawaii, where we boarded the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. One of our sons is a pilot, and we had an unforgettabel six day voyage from Pearl Harbor to San Diego. We were with 1,100 other guests, and we certainly got to appreciate the dedication of the entire crew of 4.000. We got to see air shows, talent shows, and ate lots of food!!!