When I came out of the dorm this morning the ground was covered by a two inch blanket of soft white snow. This is in stark contrast to the dark gray brown of the volcanic ground this time of year. The temperature was warm and the wind was calm, also very unusual for the last several days. This certainly has been a different weather year for me. As the New Year approaches I find myself anticipating my February 19th departure date. I’m looking forward to seeing Deni, the kids (big) and the grandchildren (small). I’ve also scheduled a week of golf with my cousin Jim and some of his friends.