Arlington, VA. Mom wins again. Sauteed portobello mushrooms in white wine, salmon filets baked with a white butter garlic cream sauce, and escargot on the side. It has taken me days just to get through my paperwork and files. I'm not sure when I'll ever get to the packing. My cousin Linh stopped by last week while on a business trip. We hadn't seen each other in nine years, and had a blast for the several days he was here. Ate much.

hey, go to my album to see just a few alaska photos from the ride and pictures of my house in vietnam. Click on "Find an album" and password is oxen. Family pictures password is kapunkatuk.
and another thing, vietnamonline has great info in its travel link. Also check out biking and hiking trips in Vietnam at Breakaway Adventures where you can pick from a huge itinerary. off to do some more packing, repacking and organizing till i'm off to Vietnam.

Arlington VA. Happy New Year! Chuc Mung Nam Moi! I've been to London, NY, and just got back Saturday. Much to update upon, but so little time. Pat - longtime old friend from high school - got engaged to Connie. Saw fabulous theatre in London, had fun in NY, and am happy to be home. Mom and dad picked me up from the bus station. We got home and mom started to make dinner. And I was really glad mom's our mom. She prepped the dish of lettuce, vietnamese basil, and mint leaves. had nuoc mam (fish sauce) on the side. steamed rice noodle cakes, and put it all on the table with baked lobsters. how's that for tossing a 10-minute meal together? Mom's damn good.

tis four in the morning. more later.
h.