This year we are sending you a picture from California's new Joshua Tree National Park which is about 160 miles east of our home. In the spring, we made two trips there. One was at the end of March with our son Miguel to camp and to see the desert in bloom.  The other trip was in May to look for the bright orange Kennedy's Mariposa Lily in flower. Both outings were wonderful; we found all that we were seeking and more! A bonus, in May, was the surprise sighting of dozens of blooming Parry's Nolina in a small area on the west side of the Park (see picture).

In September, we traveled to the northern coast of California to attend the UC Berkeley Hiking Club reunion at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Camping and hiking with long time friends is always fun; the beaches, tall redwoods, fungi, banana slugs, and elk mixed with rain and sunshine made many happy memories.

We find ourselves with plenty to do around home even if we are retired. Irma spends too much time working in our garden and Michael is involved with USC student and emeriti faculty organizations to develop a Health Careers Awareness program. We go square dancing once a week. Irma dances and gimpy Michael prepares refreshments. Recently we have joined a daily morning water exercise class at the nearby YMCA pool.

We hope this finds you perky enough to keep busy without overdoing it.

With best wishes for 2006,

Michael and Irma