If 2001 was your Annus Horribilis, then my heart goes out to you. But aside from terrorism and war drums in India and Pakistan, I personally had a very pleasant year.
My wife and I spent more days than I can count at the lake last summer. Long lazy days of swimming, reading, and just looking up at the clouds. This is the sort of thing I do best;
nothing.
Despite a record drought, our garden produced the best harvest ever. I can't remember seeing the pantry, freezer, and root cellar so full at this time of the year. For example, we normally have a marginal harvest of tomatoes before the frost, but this year we put away just under 50 quarts. When I return home after several days of severe winter weather on the mountain, I look forward to my wife giving me a kiss at the door, and then sitting down to a big bowl of soup from our garden and a loaf of her fresh baked bread. I don't think there could be anything finer.
And then there was the incredible Leonid meteor shower this Fall. I've never seen so many meteors in the span of two hours. The best part was that I was able to lie on my back at 4AM and watch them beside my brother Tom. Two years ago Tom was diagnosed with a rare and fatal disease called Pulmonary Hypertension. As it turns out he was mis-diagnosed, there's absolutely nothing wrong with him.
Lastly, I read an armload of wonderful books this past year; science, mathematics, and philosophy. The new ideas I picked up from these books are both beautiful and fascinating.
All things considered, I've had a fine year. I wish you all a happy and healthy 2002.
Michael
