Welcome August 2, 2008 This summer involved a lot of traveling. After coming back from Wyoming, it was two weeks of Hand call, straight. After that, I had the nice chance to visit Philadelphia for a meeting. Then I enjoyed the very brief visit with my aunt & uncle and cousin. And after a month, I got to visit with Priscilla in New York—going to the German Church, walking along the Hudson, and touring her hospital grounds. The whole trip was too short, and on the return trip, I was stuck in Dallas overnight because of plane issues. Then, I attended the Western Orthopaedic Association in Hawai'i with Eric, Pete, and Laura. Highlights include driving the Road to Hāna, hiking up the Kīpahulu area, attending the meeting, touring 'Ulupalakua Ranch, backpacking from Haleakalā summit to Palikū and out via the Halemau'u trail with Eric and Brad, sightseeing in Lahaina, and snorkeling Kapalua Bay. On Sunday, we flew to O'ahu to meet Eric's parents, who are very hospitable hosts. The stay was most wonderful. We kayaked out to one of the Mokulua Islands just offshore from Lanikai. Eric took us around the north side of the island along the craggy coastline to a hidden cove. On Tuesday, we rode up Mount Tantalus and Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park for a beautiful view of Waikīkī and Honolulu. Pete and I tried surfing that afternoon, with Eric giving us pointers. After a rushed clean-up, we got to the airport and headed home. Arriving home Wednesday morning after the red-eye, I went to clinic and had a full day. I'm just catching up with the much-needed rested.