Good morning all,

It's the dawn of a new day, I hope - literally a rainy dawn in Abu Dhabi. Somehow this blog got stuck back in 2003, but by now the world knows about the Emperor and his dubiously tailored threads. So I don't need to be stuck there anymore, and besides it's CHRISTMAS day, and one of my New Year's Resolutions is to start using this blog more (I have several) ... but THIS one, as a central location to pull together some of my other projects.

Right now, my project is Christmas. In Abu Dhabi, we work the day before and after Christmas, but our gracious hosts always grant us the day itself off. There is therefore a rare chance for pause and reflection in what is otherwise a routine work week.

My family and I are taking pictures and opening presents just now. More to follow.

Vance