This is a post I should have made in January -- but I never got around to taking the critical pictures. So now I'll brag up my daughter and SIL. To be specific, they are among those people who are blessed in the gift-selecting department.

You may recall that several months ago, I was careless with my prize black walking stick and had to make do with a thrift shop
ski pole conversion. But it wasn't black. This past Christmas, the kids presented me with a long tube. Usually, that means an extra big or an old historic topo map that SIL has printed out just for me. Imagine my surprise when out popped a brand new black walking stick. Believe you me, I'm being extra careful not to leave it behind.

Then there is the new approach to socks. Sewn. Cut from Polartec fleece. Comfy. Warm. And wild. Suitable for wearing with one's favorite river sandals.

The stars showed up in a package a year ago.

Here are my new socks for 2007. Don't they look like legs borrowed from a Dr. Seuss character?