In a paroxysm of “oh my God, it’s almost the last day of vacation and I haven’t followed up with friends about getting together as I’d promised...” I sent out invitations yesterday to Kate and Abby for new year’s cheer, and to Bill and Carol for dinner. As it happens, all will arrive here at about 4:00 today. Though they haven’t met before, I trust that we’ll have enough in common that it will be a successful mix of personalities. It takes a bit of courage to say OK, let’s do it, let’s step out of our comfort zone!