Let us see, what has been going on around here lately.

The weather has been mild, almost spring-like for the past few weeks. Last night the temperature dropped and today is cold and windy. There is a thin layer of white snow lying lightly over everything. The world looks very pretty at the moment, very black and white. Those are the colors morality would be in my fantasy world. Black or white, those polar extremes would simplify decision-making. I would always choose the right white color, would I not?

Attila and I seem to be going through a temporary (God willing) period of medical activity. His annual checkup was accomplished with happy results. I have a biopsy coming up, no problems anticipated, and will find out this week if my chronic anemia has improved. The iron supplements I have taken for the last twenty years will not be missed for an instant, once I get the go ahead to lay them aside.

I have frequently referred to my use of Apple computers. Today is the Keynote Address by Steve Jobs at MacWorld Conference and Expo. It will soon be time for me to move along and purchase new computer equipment, so I will be keeping an eye open to see what new gizmos are on offer. The conference interests me; the products interest me; the evangelism and hype offend me on a deep level.

It is not Apple that offends me. It is the free enterprise system that necessitates constant change for the sake of change, and constant grandstanding braggadocio in order to maintain profits and thereby existence. Progress has rendered us infantile, in that our hands are constantly reaching out for the "I want", while the "I need" becomes someone else’s social responsibility.

New Year’s Eve was quiet and happy at our house. Actually, we missed our moment while watching a movie. It was ten minutes after midnight when we noticed the time, gave each other a warm smile, and indulged in a brief appreciative kiss. Then we turned back to the movie. Neither of us are prone to making resolutions, it is a tradition that does not work for either of us. I suspect I am too much a perfectionist. For me, a resolution has always constituted a well-aimed source of false expectation, failure, and the concomitant feelings of guilt. Guilt is never a good idea; I prefer regret.

As far as changing my behavior for the better, that seems to happen more easily if I take life one day at a time. Remembering all the while to incorporate those proverbial adages "a stitch in time saves nine" and "do unto others".

Our Christmas tree still stands in the corner. It must have been freshly cut when we bought it, because very few needles have fallen, and the scent of pine permeates the living room still. We will not electrify the lights again, so there should be little fire hazard involved in leaving the tree standing for another week or so. Mist was discovered drinking water from the stand at the base of the tree. Ever since, I have been wondering if Christmas Trees are treated with chemicals to keep them fresh longer. To date Mist has shown no signs of ill health.

Speaking of Mist, she is having the time of her life with Wilson, the mauve foam ball. I had described Mist’s new toy as blue, but it is mauve. We have dubbed the ball "Wilson", because she and the ball have become inseparable companions. The name Wilson is directly inspired by a character in the movie "Cast Away", Wilson the Volleyball. Mist is now seeking out Attila, dropping Wilson at his feet in invitation, and waiting for a toss. Several times a day, as I sit at my desk, I hear the quick sound of clicking claws, followed by heavy thumps. Eventually Mist appears, strutting in with Wilson in her mouth, meowing as loudly as any great and successful hunter might.

And me, what am I doing today? Clouds drift and flocks of birds circle in the sky outside my window. The bodhran and I are playing tag in the sunshine with Aerial Boundaries. Lost, sitting in the sunshine, following the mysteries of reverberating sound, letting the waves lead me towards myself, that is the best place.