By the fireplace, in Austin, Texas, we sat and spent time talking about plans. It was a hiatus from travel. A time to concentrate on the day job and plan for the next travel. It was also a time to see old friends. It was a time to plan for a bigger gathering of old friends.

From the fireplace, we went to the balcony and saw an old, tired-looking lake. A recent drought dropped its water level and made it look sickly. Once, we were watching a spectacular sunset over the same lake. Seasons change and we eagerly await the return of high waters and spectacular sunsets.