I was so moved, touched, inspired by your surprize phone call that shortly after we hung up I called Hoffs*is to keep the high going. They seem to be much in the same mood as me in that Jim hates his job as a manager just going to meetings and not being involved with the technical aspects. Increasing crime in their neighborhood has got them thinking about moving to a small town or joining the Peace Corps again. They seem ripe for a change. Main stumbling block seems to be their concern over money. Luckily, that has never seemed to be a problem in our case and I thank the Lord for seeing me right so far. I gave them my little speech about positive thinking and that a couple years of their life is nothing. They should go do what they nay they want to try and if it doesn't work out they can always go back to their security blanket. However, these days that may no longer work. No one is guaranteed of a job in the future, Anyway, enough of my opinions.

On the flight back I sat next to young fellow who was on his way to NZ for two weeks. We had an interesting conversation as he is a plant specialist. I imagine you know of the Dupont Gardens at Longwood, PA. Or to be more precise, Longwood Gardens at Kennett Square. You ~ay have even been there. They seem to specialize in waterworks combined in gardens, but have an excellent research facility. So if you ever near Philadelphia and want a private, being the scenes tour let Kirk Himelick, Visitor Education Specialist know ahead of time and mention me, the guy from NZ, and he'll get you in free and show you around.

I had an extra bonus on the trip home. Rain and wind closed down Auckland so we diverted to Fiji and I sat in the plane on the ground at Nadi for two hours. From there it was home to an extremely green yard. Wow, what a change coming from the yellow-brown and emptiness of AZ.

Tonight is my big birthday party bash and so I am going to end this with wishes for you two to have a wonderful Christmas.