Hi All,

This morning as I was driving toward the Embarcadero in San Francisco in the pre-
dawn hours I had the opportunity to gaze upon the Oakland Bay Bridge. It looked
like two double diamond necklaces against a black velvet background. In the
afterglow of last nights events at the American Geophysical Union’s Awards events
I felt like Cinderella after midnight, from the Ball.

To say I have fond memories of last nights events would truly be an understatement.
To be one of the fortunate in attendance at a black tie event, where those of the
highest praise in earth sciences received their appointed designations, was
something I had long wanted to see for myself. I was treated to a visit by a college
professor who sat down beside me and told me the names of the who’s who in
attendance and explained the nature of the nights agenda. It seems no matter where
I go, someone always helps me and last night was no different than every place I
went this year.

As the medalists were about to receive their awards, someone who had known them
at some point in their lives spoke before them of the persons character, pointing out
both their strongest and weakest assets. How truly wonderful to be treated in such a
fashion. Then as each award winner came before the podium they spoke of their
work, mostly in humble tones and thanked those generously who brought them to
their station in life. In the audience were their family members, all so very proud of
the achievements of these individuals. Though not like the Academy Awards, this
was more stated, yet eloquent and something truly worthy of attendance.

The dinner of roasted duck, with more glasses on the table than normal, was
delicious and for me another moment to sit with some I’ve not had the privilege of
meeting previously. To my left was a Dr. who is involved in launches of planetary
satellites and with my previously background study in astronomy, we had no
problem keeping a three hour conversation going with little pause. To my right was
a Dr. who teaches mathematics at a college in Australia. Equally interesting and
enjoyed my views on earthquake prediction. To say I am humbled to have had such
an evening with a room full of noted scientists is an understatement any day of the
week. During wine reception after the award presentation and before dinner I met
another Dr. from the Prague. He was delightful.

As 1999 comes to a close I have had the great good fortune of meeting and
communicating with our earth scientists on a global scale and find more often than
not, my views on earthquake prediction are receiving a good airing and acceptance
by some I would have otherwise thought impossible. Though I acknowledge I have
so much to learn, I can say, this year the teachers came one at a time and I am truly
in awe of how generously they have welcomed me and educated me with open
hearts and words of encouragement.

Last nights events were the end of my search in asking why we don’t have public
earthquake prediction today, however, as one door closes another opens in the vista
ahead. I finally did find someone who is willing to work with me, someone I met
early on, was always my friend and is so today. For this no words of thanks could
ever be enough. My prayers were answered and I am truly humbled.

The New Millennium is just a few days away, but today, there is reason for hope,
when at the beginning of 1999 I had none. I have traveled the longest road of my
life in this search and in the end, another road begins and with a generous smile, one
day, perhaps some of this research will indeed lead us to a new horizon where hope
does truly spring eternal.

May God Bless and Keep All of You Well and Happy in the Year 2000.
Pat in Petaluma