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Dec 2006 Happy Holidays "Mostly home bodies" is a good description of us in 2006. Michael has been organizing a spring semester course for the hundreds of USC Pre-Meds. It is hoped the students will become aware of the many rewarding alternative health-related professions open to them if they are unable to get into Medical School. He is making use of the expertise of the retired faculty from many departments at USC Irma has been spending much of her time in our yard. We have no lawns to water or mow but their replacement by low water­-use rock gardens is not maintenance free. Planting bulbs and picking up fallen leaves while balancing on rocks is treacherous when hovering over a cactus or some treasured plant. A little late autumn watering has recently brought a fresh green look between the rocks and some early flowers have already begun to bloom. If you are in the area drop by and have a look-see along with a cup of tea. Our travels did not take us out of California this year. In May we went to the U.C. Hiking Club reunion at Montana de Oro. Later, in July we went to Northern California to visit relatives. We spent part of a day at Point Reyes National Seashore and found it to be a highlight of our travels. The photograph of succulents, buckwheat and lichens clinging to a steep cliff was taken near the Point Reyes lighthouse. With best wishes and hope for a peaceful and productive New Year for all, Michael and Irma

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