My wishes for 2008!

Neil is already planning a tour. My wish on this front is that he follows up on Europe with a jaunt through the US including nearby cities in the upper midwest.

On the political side I will continue to do all I can to help Al Franken take Paul Wellstone's seat in the US Senate from the current occupant. This will include caucusing in February.

On the Presidential front I am interested in seeing Obama defeat Hillary in Iowa and would like Edwards to do respectably well so that he can continue his campaign. My favorite candidate on both sides is Richardson but his chances look bleak.

None of the Dems have said or done anything that places them in the 'definite no' category.

Should prove to be an interesting year.

Farewell to a friend.

On December 6th, I said a final goodbye to Reuben. His system had been shutting down for the better part of two months. He finally lost his sense of smell and his sight. When he started walking into wall and falling off furniture I couldn't endure putting him through any more.

He had lost much of his weight- he was down to 10 pounds. This picture may not be pretty but it was a recent shot where he looks most content.

My favorite thing about Reuben was that he would sing along with me when I would play Neil Diamond songs. He will be missed.

But, before you all (or both of you, as the case may be) get all melancholy on me check out the photos to the left for the newest addition to my home. Bailey, as in George Bailey, found his new home on December 7. He is an all black pug, 3 months old and full of life.

Not much has changed for me: he doesn't climb stairs and goes out twice during the night. He weighs about the same as Reuben did at his last.

Hopefully I can post more pics soon.

Look for more regular posts in the coming year. Until then, Merry Christmas!