Today, we have a guest author on the Jen blog page–this is John in DC writing. The great Jen has spent the last couple of days visiting me in DC (actually, suburban Virginia). She’s been very patient in putting up with me, in large part because I developed a case of the flu around the time she arrived on Monday and which has persisted throughout. As all of you know, Jen is a very nurturing type, and these types of situations bring out her best qualities.

Jen’s visit has been highlighted also by a trip to see her friend Mary in nearby Silver Spring which was preceeded by receipt of a parking ticket in Arlington. Nothing stirs Jen quite like encountering the traffic police: she made a rousing attempt to convince him that the ticket wasn’t warranted, to no avail. (Indeed, Jen had actually moved her car from another spot where the meter wasn’t working to avoid a situation like the above.)

So what would Jen say about her visit? I can’t really speak for her, but I think she’s had a good time. In the same breath, I think she also has concerns about the distance between Washington and Buffalo. At the same time, we’re obviously still trying to build that comfort level, but that’s true of any burgeoning relationship. Myself, I don’t worry about the future so much, but Jen has been known to futurize on occasion.

So on behalf of Jen, who is currently wearing her Santa hat, a Merry Christmas to you and yours. May you spend the new year not falling while carrying a Christmas tree and in the company of family and friends.