For the next two weeks I'm moderating a series of panels on health care as part of our PCM class. Last week John Kitzhaber visited.

Friday I took off from school and went skiing, hoping to beat the holiday crowds and enjoy the nice weather and new snow. The vista's from Hood were spectacular. My tele turns are coming a long, I think. Unlike alpine skiing you gotta really commit to every turn you make.

On Sunday we met dad and Marsha for a celebration of her birthday for brunch at Le Pigeon. Naomi shared some extremely delicious French press coffee. After, we spent the rest of day at the new March fitness center (I got Naomi a free day pass). We tried all the weights and cardio machines, swam 20 laps then soaked in the jacuzzi.

Monday was MLK day. The weather was still clear and dry, so we took Sango to the little Cedar Hills park with pond. It was full of noisy ducks and geese standing on the iced over water.

Saturday night we watched Grave of the Fireflies by Miyazaki. It is a very sad, moving story about orphanage during times of war; an enduring theme, it seems, and ever more a propo in today's political landscape.