Morning all:

“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” — George Moore

After a week of travel, long days, late flights, half a day at Midway airport waiting for fog to clear on the way home, and a “wake-up I have great news” call at 2 this morning, my morning coffee is perfection.

The great news is that Cathy and Jason are new parents, Marin is now the big brother, and Marcia and I are proud new grandparents to Dinah Miriam, born at 12:54 this morning.
We are thrilled!

Last weekend was very special when my brothers rolled into town (and Sandy and Kelton too). Prior to heading out for dinner at a place called Pompilio’s we watched some scenes from the 1988 blockbuster movie Rain Man which starred Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. We had to do this since one of the movie’s scenes was shot at the restaurant, a 1930s throwback kind of place serving great Italian food.

It was just such a fine time. It makes you realize the importance and meaning of family. Thanks everyone.

Then it was a short run to Portland. Normally the Northwest winter weather consists of rain, I was welcomed by high winds and snow. My plane followed the Willamette River on its normal descent path, however, seeing both shores from my window seat as the plane dipped and twisted made the usual “ho-hum” a bit more interesting.

Question, what do visitors normally eat in the land of salmon? Several of us went out to dinner the evening after my arrival.

My plate?

A superb little Buffalo steak – my first ever.

Now I best get going. We’re making plans to visit with Cathy and the baby. Then I need to pack since it’s off to Montreal in the morning. Weather has morning temperatures there below zero so break out that winter garb.

Make it a great week everyone: remember that great insight from our nation’s greatest ‘insighter’, Will Rogers, that even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.

Cheers,
Dirk