In June and July, I went to China with Kent Asmussen, the occasion being an international conference on computational fluid dynamics in Beijing. We spent 17 days in Beijing, Xian, Guilin, and Guangzhou, plus some time in Hong Kong, and for me, a recuperative visit to Hawaii. I am impressed with their 6,000 years of continuous civilization, the wonders of their world, and their friendliness. Everyone, happy that the terror of the Cultural Revolution is past, is cultivating his family life.
After a lingering illness, my father left this world for the next on 21 September. He had made everything ready for his departure, and died in comfort. He lived a good life and left behind fond memories and numerous friends. He grew in spirit during his life, and He was given a dignified Christian funeral according to our beloved Byzantine Rite. I will do well to have loved as much.
I changed projects at work, in a first step to get away from the military. [I detest that s.o.b. reagan's arms buildup, his First Strike plans, his Star Wars, his bombs for the poor here and in Central America instead of food or medical care, his contra Death squads, his rape of the seashore, his campaign against civil liberties. He is an enemy of the planet and of peace. May the earth not see his like again for a century or more!]
After many years of hoping, I have found a loving companion in Richard Libby, a Ph.D. student in math from U.C. Santa Cruz, who also composes music. May it be a long and loving relationship!
I was involved in five fairy gatherings(!) I have also joined a fairy household in San Francisco, on a part-time basis, until I can sell the condo in Sunnyvale. Farewell, Sunnyvale! No culture here! It is time to move on. The fairies are buying land in southern oregon for their spiritual work. Goddess-speed!
May the best of the season be yours, till we meet again.
Faithfully yours,
David Kerlick a/k/a marvelous persimmon