Dear Friends and Family,

What gifts will this New Year of 2013 bring us…?  Wiser Gun Control Restrictions, Compromising Politicians, Peace Treaties, More Attention to Mental Health, Easier and Quality Access to Health Care, More Concern for our Environment, Continued Financial Strength.  I would be thrilled if any of these issues were enhanced within the next 12 months.

Speaking of Mental Health, Gun Control, Financial Strength and Peace Treaties, here is a sad statistic that is affected by all of them.  In 2012 there were more soldier suicides than war zone fatalities.  Our soldiers deserve more resources and attention to help combat this troubling phenomenon. Let’s hope 2013 brings a reversal to this unacceptable trend.

Yes, there was FINALLY a DC deal to avoid a Financial Calamity (retiring the other overused FC phrase) yet Congressman Boehner (from Ohio, safely protected from Superstorm Sandy) sent his colleagues home before voting on the aid package for NY/NJ Sandy victims. Many of these victims STILL have no power or safe living conditions. Two months after the storm is WAY too long to wait for assistance.

Due to the fact that massive amounts of water bottles are floating in our oceans and resting in our landfills, Concord, Mass has just passed our nation’s first ever water bottle ban that makes it a $50 fine to sell 16oz (or smaller) bottles of water.  Who will be next?

I’m sure any vessel of water would be greatly appreciated in Death Valley as it is (now) officially the site of the hottest recorded temperature (134 degrees recorded in 1913) since the previous Libyan record (136.4 degrees in 1922) was recently disqualified after researchers determined it was a faulty reading.

If you are unavailable to reach Jerusalem this year, part of Jerusalem can come to you via the internet.  After 5 years of digital imaging, the Dead Sea Scrolls are now available to view (with enhancements) online.  Click here to learn more about this incredible work:
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/31/googling-the-dead-sea-scrolls/?hpt=hp_t2

Rest in Peace, Patti Page, who famously sang “Doggie in the Window” and “Tennessee Waltz”.  But my favorite was Moon River.  Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql9lhb94mH8

Our family adventure to Tucson (hiking, mountain biking, tennis and horseback riding) and Eugene (eating, drinking and wine tours) was wonderful.  Here are some photos as proof:

Our Family                                                                Their Family

And our New Years Eve/Hannan’s Birthday Celebration was a blast, thanks to those who helped us celebrate.

Last supper of 2012                                                  My Tennis Buddies

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa

P.S. Happy 20th birthday dear son, Mataan.