I am on the beautiful Central California Coast. All the travel books
call it "God's Golden Triangle." As an atheist, the appellation grates,
but I understand its sentiment. This is truly paradise. While the rest
of the nation froze we enjoyed a balmy California solstice with crisp
sea breezes and a warm cloudless sky. High temp was 70 degrees
Fahrenheit.

And we had that amazing full moon. At midnight I could read my
newspaper on the patio without artificial light. Brandy helped warm the
chills. We sacrificed babies like they were going out of style.

Don't believe it. No babies involved. But we DID burn some cow. A most
excellent barbecued roast prime rib was our fare. My partner made
chocolate filled cream puffs for dessert. You want paradise? That's it,
right there. With pan Au Jus, a crusty bread and horseradish sauce.
Utter paradise.

I must say, she's looking mighty fine. She's been going to the gym
about five times a week for several months now and she's taken off
nearly forty pounds. She spent most of the day going through her
closet, throwing away her "fat clothes." I tried to help but she kept
shooing me away, told me to stop pawing her. I said okay but just wait
'til later.

I love all of you, my friends, and I wish for you a happy, prosperous,
fun-filled 2008.

Be well. If you have any extra babies to sacrifice, send them my way.
I'm all out.