I have been absent from my blog for several months, and many people are asking where I've been. Well, my world changed dramatically with the sudden death on May 1st of my youngest child, Joe. He was 29 years old, a neuropharmacological research scientist, a loving brother and uncle, a intrepid snowboarder and a friend to many. I am not a writer, and when I've attempted to update this blog, I fail miserably. Our family is devastated by the loss of Joe. At this time I cannot foresee when I will return to traveling, or when I will have the mental energy to write this blog. Eventually I will return, but it may take a while for the shock and sadness to ease. Our family is close, and we are all helping each other through this most difficult time.