Howdy Y'all

Greetings from the Republic of Texas! I am back at Texas A&M after my extended stay in Duluth, sigh.... Wow, I had a great time when I was there and would like to thank everyone I had the pleasure to talk to and drink with. You are very lucky (and/or smart) to live where you do. You do not realize what you have until you leave it for an extended period, in particular the beer but also the community of good and diverse people in our social groups, the music and the Lake. I am in the very heart of conservative Texas, a pilgrim in an unholy land, with all the God, gun and George W. freaks here. Scary, but I love my program and my job so I keep busy and try to forget where I am, but it is difficult with George Sr.'s presidential library on our campus, Barbara bush parent center, pro-war rallies,ad nauseaum.

I do not know when I will be back for I have another tough year at school with more globe trotting in the works. Please drink a decent pint of brewhouse beer for me while I swill Shiner bock. Thanks y'all.

Swan