Hi All,

Thank you Canie for bringing up the subject of Mt. Diablo. For five years I lived in the shadow of this magnificent peak. At the time most of the residents thought it was a dormant volcano, but in those days I really wasn't interested in its origins, but more so its year round seasonal changes. In the summer it was brown and full of dried brush, but as winter arrived, its top became a widely enjoyed snowy peak. The spring brought on the lush green colors; it was always it was a dominant feature on the skyline from all around. Even from the southern parts of Petaluma you can still see it.

Upon reflecting about my life and times near Mt. Diablo, I came to realize, I've lived in some of the most beautiful places in my lifetime and those are thanks to the interesting geological past of the West Coast. I doubt any place can hold a candle to viewing Mt. Rainier every day, but this day like many of late, I awoke and looked toward to the east and viewed Sonoma Mountain, one of many peaks that have been formed by the Rodgers Creek Fault. They are lush and green now and sometime this winter will be capped with snow, which is always such a delight.

Yesterday I was thinking of perhaps spending next Christmas in the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. Surprisingly, just outside the gate to this holy place are quite a number of quality hotels, however, I have yet to determine what kind of food they serve. While travel can be interesting and I would have to ride a horse for the first time in my life, I also need to eat well, so we'll see.

Petra