February Edition

Finally got my puter back in working order. Nick very kindly sent me a replacement power supply which got here in 1/4 the time I waited for the local place to tell me that the one I ordered was still "in the mail". I hope they can sell it whenever it arrives. Anyway, we set off for Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic on the 23rd of January. Is wanted to go on a "Holiday", and I had the hardest time figuring out how to go on "Holiday" from retirement. After I spent days on white sand beaches, swam in transparent water, sailed a catamaran for the first time, ate too much, partook of limitless daiquiris, wine and whatever-I figured it out. Pictures to follow-somewhere in this post. Had a couple of cold days in Madrid, but played tourist around the Royal Palace and watched the hubbub around a funeral for a Provincial President. I have never seen so many cops in one place. There were Guardia Civil, National Police who even had a mounted detachment, and the Madrid Municipal Police. All told, there must have been about 200 visible. No telling how many were in plainclothes, on rooftops and inside the buildings, not to mention the black helicopters. We're experiencing a cold spell here, and high winds blown all the way down from the steppes. Everyone says that it's the coldest they've experienced, which leads me to wonder whether it's following me. Went out for a ride with the Amigos last Sunday and saw a shelf of ice where a puddle had been. At least the roads were dry. Heading West for Maine in March. Gotta collect papers and prepare to alleviate the national debt-at least that's what it feels like when I file taxes. I guess someone's gotta pay to send the Border Bastards to arrogance classes.