in the depths of winter, I finally learned

Ken was willing to take a chance on a bottle that had "Torres" on it, in honor of Dean and my football hero Fernando Torres:

It's not that we suspect any relation, but it is just so typical of us to see and celebrate connections like that. I think it's that kind of whimsical outlook that keeps us going -- through the depths of winter, through the less-than-whimsical stuff life throws at us. And of course each glass had to start with a toast: "To Fernando!"

Really the hard part about being back to work now, after our lovely 2 week holiday break, is (aside from the work itself) that there's hardly any daylight time to enjoy. It's dark when I walk the dog in the mornings and dark when I take him out again when we get back home at the end of the day. Some spectacular sunrises, some glorious views of the moon and stars are the little treats I seek out so that I get everything I can from those experiences, although the bitter cold makes it hard to stay out there too long.

I'm looking for the little connections, the funny stories, the unexpected moments that can turn January into a gem and not a hump to get over. I go into the new year newly compelled to make the most of every day, every month. All the talk of the decade just past has my head spinning -- 10 years? Really? Couldn't have been! Four or 5, sure -- that I could believe. Not 10.