Thoughts on the Trail

Namaste, friends. It's late (again). I have been compulsively staying up. Warning: laptops in bed create very hazardous sleeping patterns. Mom promised to wake me up at 10, so hopefully I'll beat this cycle tomorrow. Today was Leland's 21st birthday! Happy bday, broha. Dad took us to a gorgeous restaurant in West Orange that overlooked the NYC skyline. I had a goat cheese parfait, roast pork tenderloin stuffed with apricots, and a bit of rum raisin ice cream. What a party! I gave Nene Atlas Shrugged for his big day. A story that makes or breaks a man!

Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.-Proverbs

All I think about is the Appalachian Trail. My gear, my training, my hiking philosophy. I pray God will give me the strength and circumstance to complete. I am so restless! I am starting from Amicalola Falls on February 20th. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for some serious hardships, and to get some good experience and advice before I head out. Life is generally pretty great. Perry's down in TX, Grams and Gramps here with us, and Nonna on her way! We sure miss ya, Perooch! Missed Nan's birthday in turn for Leland's. Sorry I missed the Silver gang in Pennington. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get to see Annie and Becker!

'Ere the World Began to Be!

Merry Christmas!!

This is your captain speaking...
I'm officially a pilot! I can't believe that I'm home in NJ with a flying certificate, my baby sister into college, and my friends and family all reunited on the East Coast. Well, minus Micky! This flying experience has really changed my ability to comprehend what I thought I was capable of and turned it on its head! Alice... capable of operating and dealing with mechanics?! What a notion! I have also thought a great deal about serving in the armed forces during college (ROTC) and after as an officer. What a year off this is turning out to be! We've officially ended the fall season... who knows what is to come! Next up is a job, and prayerfully a thruhike on the Appalachian Trail. May God guide my footsteps.

What a beautiful holiday. I hope you have all spent it with joy and with family! The Christmas was not white (a disappointment, especially after I watched Bing Crosby), but the eggnog, presents, and reminder of Christ's entrance into our and my own life have greatly appeased this fact. Phew! I got an orange in my stocking! I got several AT gifts - a backpack and stove, a new wallet and creche, and some great new items for my wardrobe! I'm sitting here in our brand new NP kitchen, readily full from a slice of delicious mince meat pie. Leland got a new cell, Perry a camera. She's off to Houston tomorrow... a whirlwind of a vacation! First, getting into WELLESLEY (rah!), then Xmas rush, then the Cheley reunion with all her camp buddies.

Mom gave a great sermon last night on the "other" Christmas story... the one where Jesus appears in John 1: "In the beginning was the Word." How clever to think of that as Christmas! When we subtract the hooplah of the Nazareth journey that secular culture has taken over, the story becomes so much clearer to me. It is about the birth (if you will) of Jesus even before Creation. As in Milton, Jesus' eye has always been present, even before he opens them in the manger. And to think that word became flesh so that we in the darkness may see a great light! Alleluia.

All is well, and we safely rest in New Jersey. I cannot wait to see my dear friends over New Year's, and am very worried about Ashley and Kali as Ethiopian forces invade Somalia. I will probably call the Zeigers tomorrow. Scary! Please pray for them!

Peace and love...

Adeste Fideles!

ALICE