Dear Barbara, Thank you for your reminder of Marion's birthday. I think of her often, and even though our closer acquaintance spanned only the eight years from June 2009 until she died, her extraordinary personality has assumed a prominent position in my family pantheon. From time to time I refresh my fading memory by reviewing our correspondence which I have collected (and which is accessible to you) at http://ernstjmeyer.ddns.net, sections 36 through 40. A month ago I drove the 850 miles from Massachusetts to the house of my long deceased parents in Virginia. The trip took two days. Since then I have spent my time in blissful solitude, nursing the memories of my childhood and adolescence, of my parents, of my sister, of my wife and my son, and of the long life that is now almost behind me, - and writing, furiously, as if I were treading water to keep from drowning in oblivion. I remember with pleasure and gratitude, our visit last year to your farm, to Micha, to you and to your family. Please give them all my greetings and best wishes, and stay as content and happy as circumstances permit. Jochen