Sunday morning there was a wonderful sunrise. It was missed by most people since it was early and lasted only for a few minutes. The deep pink edge of the sky was a color and richness only nature can produce. Sunday was also depressing with the news that over a hundred dolphins had beached themselves of the coast of Mexico. Most died. We have no idea why dolphins and whales do this. Many reasons have been suggested, maybe we need to consider the thought that they are staging a protest. The ultimate protest of dying to make a point. Dolphins are very intelligent creatures, maybe they are getting tired of man using their home, the sea, as a garbage dump. We dump raw sewage, oil from tankers, waste and who knows what else into the sea every hour of the day. At some point this mindless action has to trigger a reaction. Maybe the dolphins and whales are trying to warn us of the impending issues from our actions. It may be time to pay attention to their warning.

Finally we had some fresh cold weather to clean out the cobwebs. Cold weather wakes me up and gets me going. Everything is crisp and bright in the winter sunlight. The trees are bare skeletons, beautiful structures that appear now that the leafy clothing has been blown away. The blue sky is deep and fresh. Inviting. Walking outside is refreshing with a cool wind in your face or at your back. The dog charges around while we walk. The cool of winter has put a bounce in his step as well. He does not like the heat of summer either.

This year is starting well. Lots of good things are happening. It is good to be alive.

2004 has started hot and muggy. I hope this is not a bad omen. They say the economy will be a lot better this year. I suspect that will be true for the very rich. The average worker will probably be no better of than in 2003 with work still hard to find and cost of living gradually increasing. Hopefully the economy will not help Bush keep the Presidency. I am not sure we can handle another 4 years of his divisive and destructive policy making. The environment has suffered and will keep suffering for a very long time as a consequence of his approach. Take whatever you want, not what you need, and make as much money while you are at it. Rape the earth for your personal gain. No problem there.

Well I hope we will make the right choices going forward, choosing leaders that care for more than their personal wellbeing and that we can start to turn the tide of destruction back to one of caring and balance with the earth we so desperately depend on.