n driving into work the other day, I was bestride the miata (strike one) listening to NPR (strike two) and had the top up, even though it was sunny out (strike three). A miata driver going the opposite way saw me give them the universal head nod of fellow miata ownership, flicked their eyes up at my closed top, and opted not to respond.

How bad is it when even other miata owners give you the cold shoulder? It's fine when society as a whole points and laughs, but to be cast out by your own people...

What's it been... like 10 weeks since my last post? That's a blink in geological terms, but it feels like about 6 months in my little world. My brother made it back safely by the way, from Somalia. They lost a lot of luggage on the way back, but managed to hold on to some interesting stories. They were too far inland to get caught up in the excitement of the Somalia pirates operating off the coast however, so their stories hold little interest for Sally.

We've spent a bit of time on the road in the last few weeks, most notably for the funeral of a cousin of Sally's. He was a 32 year old pastor in Florida. He leaves two little boys and wife, and as I witnessed at the funeral in Virginia, legions of others both related to and touched by the impact he had in their lives. He spent his 32 years carefully and with meaning. A good portion of those years were focused on the Lord and letting people know about Christ. Well done, good and faithful servant, indeed. It's easy to find distractions day after day, but when that last breath comes, what did you really accomplish, and who did you do it for? I wish I could answer that with confidence each day, but I can't. Brian's life is a good reminder that it's worth asking that question now, and improving the answer now.

I've got some photos I'll post in a day or so. I think I need to get outside and enjoy the sun for a bit.

PS: Thanks for the birthday wishes. Shep wins the award for using the most varied methods of communication to reach me (and got roundly ignored for the effort - that'll teach 'em).