Merry Christmas from Alaska!

This is the time of year when we try to stop and think about peace and good will towards the entire world. So this message is not just about Christmas, or Alaska. It just so happens that we live in a part of the world that celebrates the year's end by reflecting upon these larger concerns in the context of the Christmas season.

Joe and I had a nice day shoveling snow, ice skating, visiting Gareth's solar-powered retreat, and talking to our families on the phone. We miss our folks and send them our wishes for a happy celebration of the season. But I want to add that I wish everyone, no matter who you are, whatever you may be doing, whether you are reading this or not, the possibility of peace and happiness for yourself and your life, right now, at this moment.

Forty Below Movie

Happy Birthday Gareth!

Yesterday was Gareth's 15th birthday. Joe and I went over to Simon's place for the celebration. There was lots of good food and wine and cake. Gareth got cards and a CD and other stuff, but what he wanted most was what his dad got him--a car battery. Not for a future car, Gareth plans to use the battery to rig up some solar panels so he can run a TV on solar power. He explained how the panels hook up to the battery to another gizmo before the electrons get fed into the TV. Smart kid.

Simon has a sign above his computer: "Remember Who You Wanted to Be"

Such a remembrance can cause a near heart attack of shock/shame for someone my age. But it should never leave our immediate regard, to think about who we still want to be when we see someone just on the threshold of adulthood, figuring out what he wants to be. If every kid was like Gareth I think the world would be in good hands.

Sunday Skate