Family and Friends,

Once again, time has seen fit to continue its march onward just as surely as William T. Sherman made his march to the sea. 2006 is drawing nigh upon its exit into the annals of history. As I reflect on the year that was, I am struck at the juxtaposition of the dichotomy that composed my contribution to the year. On the one hand, this year was an exercise in the maintenance of the status quo. I worked, I sang at church, I played trivia on Tuesday nights. There is a certain elemental beauty to a balanced routine. At the same time, however, the year was also a composition of trips and visits that added an exclamation point to the periods of balanced routine. My trips with Steve in his new fifth wheel trailer, most especially the week we spent in Yellowstone were glorious outings in the world that God has given us. Returning home in November for Thanksgiving was, as always a delight. There was the traditional White Pines trip, but there were also outings with Don, and with Carl (a member of one of my internet forums). Additionally, I've been graced with visits from family this year. Don came out in September, and we were able to spend Labor Day weekend riding and photographing trains in the state. Annie and Susan came out in October for my birthday, and we spent a lot of time enjoying the wonder that is Colorado. Both visits were great fun.

As is my recent custom, I've again decided to present a slightly different Christmas correspondence. In order to satiate my creative needs this year, I've decided to commit to a year long project to share with you all. This year, I've started a PAD (Photo-A-Day) gallery at my website. In a PAD gallery, one posts a photo for each day of the year and posts his thoughts on the photo. Those thoughts can be about the technical merits of the photo (or lack thereof), or of a more journalistic or editorial approach to what is being shown. I cannot promise you that I will publish a PAD in the purest form where each post includes a photo taken that day, but thanks to the wonders of communication in today's age, it is my goal to make a post every day. My PAD gallery will be interactive, so you all will be able to leave posts giving me feedback on my photos or their accompanying post. I look forward to hearing from you. I've begun the project with a bit of a warm-up. Starting in mid-December I have been posting pictures from the past year and more thoughts on the year (which has allowed me to be comparatively brief in my Christmas letter this year). You can find it at www.pbase.com/copcarss/pad2007.

I would like to close wishing each of you the merriest of Christmases. May God rest you all merry in 2007.

Chris