Meanwhile, the Rocket has been practicing her walking around skills – video here.

This was my first trip ever to New York where I a) was in bed by 11 PM both nights and b) did not consume all the beer purchased. Madeleine loves her FAO Schwartz stuffed dog though, and Herself and I enjoyed yummy cocktails at Bubby’s. The Bees Knees was just that, although next time I’m getting a Calvados Sidecar.

Also, I can still kick you in the head. So I got that going for me.

First – yet more pictures of the Rocket, mostly from a trip to the Paragon Carousel.  With which she was completely unimpressed.

Also in the imagery line – a collection of covers of vintage men’s magazines. Which taken as a whole seem to exhibit some deep–seated fear of being eaten alive – flesh ripped – by wild animals.

Light reading: a brief essay on Tolkien, by noted scifi author Gene Wolfe.

I missed noting John Wayne’s birthday, although Red covered it more than ably. I will point out these two anecdotes by Dick Cavett concerning his meeting the Duke.

“Oh I’m afraid the deflector shield will be quite operational when your friends arrive.”

And that picture and quote combination is probably the nerdiest thing I will do this year.  I’m not even going to explain it – either you’ll get it or you won’t.

I started a new set of  pictures of the Rocket.  I also intended to post something more substantial here this weekend, but time ran away from me. Maybe later then.

Year in review, 2009: married in January, baby arrived in October.

Went to Paris for the first time. Still struggling to write and express my feelings about that city.

Did I mention we had a baby?  I’m not going to even try and write about the tsunami of emotions involved with my daughter. Too much. Too humbling.

Many other folks, dear to us, had babies. So far we are all of us muddling along in a pretty fair manner and in good health.

Can’t ask for much more. See you around in 2010.