Dec 15, 2012, The Newtown Tragedy and Santa Fe 2012

Naturally, we're all shattered by the horror that happened in Connecticut yesterday - there's not much one can say, it's just so overwhelming. Maybe, just maybe there will be some sane restrictions on guns and ammunition. It's incredible that one can so easily by guns and ammo on the internet but one cannot get a driver's license.

Santa Fe was truly wonderful. What a great place - spectacular scenery, mountains and a huge sky.

I stayed there a week. Although I was only speaking on the one day, Saturday, my host thought I should get there earlier to acclimatize myself to the altitude, and give myself a vacation.

Of course it's totally different from New York, it's scrubby land - they've been suffering a drought for the last two years - and I've never seen so many real Indians and all the beautiful South-West arts and crafts. All the homes are adobe with flat roofs and because it's Christmas, everywhere was decorated with lights and special lights around the tops of the homes.

There was a blizzard while I was there, so the snow and the lights made it very festive looking.

I fell in love while in Santa Fe - my hosts had a big, beautiful dog, Marcus - the same type as in the Obama White House except that Marcus is a mushroom color. He is the best. I have a great picture of him sitting on my lap but unfortunately I'm not able to put it onto this blog.

This season is so emotionally evocative - I really miss England. My mother died on December 7th and four days later I received a Christmas card from her - she must have had a premonition about her end. I'll be staying here in NY through the holidays.

I wish everyone a very blessed holiday season.

Talk to you in the New Year.