Paul–When this cityview photo came, I thought “what a classy way to conclude a monumental gift of friendship to those who have followed you through Jordan and your life to date in Amsterdam.” Clearly you had left the entrance/exit of Petra; the Museumplein photo is like a beautiful holiday card, your stated end-date for the tour. And then more Petra photos arrived before I could compliment you! I am in the last preparation stage of December festivities (we are a low-key New Year family) and you were intent on doing justice to your Petra journey. Different priorities. Both legitimate. HOWEVER I am keeping the Winter Lights photo in a prominent place so I can treasure it through whatever Houston delivers weather-wise in the next two months.
The news reports suggest that gathering with new friends and colleagues for the December Finale may be complicated. I think the US is headed for the same restrictions as the Netherlands, we just are not ready to acknowledge it. You have mastered the art of making the best of it–I’m rooting for you. We have celebrated Hanukkah and mercifully welcomed the Solstice; I wish you Merry and Happy in the next week. Out of habit I will stretch the celebration out through 12th Night.
(so much world, so little time....) 
I was wondering if you’d be getting any decorations in! Very pretty.
Cheers! Maria
Sent from my t.d.s. phone. I apologize if I’ve missed de-correcting any of the ridiculous autocorrects.
On Tue, Dec 21, 2021, 23:49 (so much world, so little time….) wrote:
> somuchworldsolittletime posted: ” ” >
December 22, 2021 at 15:08
Paul–When this cityview photo came, I thought “what a classy way to conclude a monumental gift of friendship to those who have followed you through Jordan and your life to date in Amsterdam.” Clearly you had left the entrance/exit of Petra; the Museumplein photo is like a beautiful holiday card, your stated end-date for the tour. And then more Petra photos arrived before I could compliment you! I am in the last preparation stage of December festivities (we are a low-key New Year family) and you were intent on doing justice to your Petra journey. Different priorities. Both legitimate. HOWEVER I am keeping the Winter Lights photo in a prominent place so I can treasure it through whatever Houston delivers weather-wise in the next two months.
The news reports suggest that gathering with new friends and colleagues for the December Finale may be complicated. I think the US is headed for the same restrictions as the Netherlands, we just are not ready to acknowledge it. You have mastered the art of making the best of it–I’m rooting for you. We have celebrated Hanukkah and mercifully welcomed the Solstice; I wish you Merry and Happy in the next week. Out of habit I will stretch the celebration out through 12th Night.
Hugs across the miles–Jean
December 27, 2021 at 00:26