Two big events happened that have made me rather blue today.

I’m sure many of you have read the news about the four American sailors whose yacht was hijacked off the coast of Oman. Before they could be rescued, the pirates killed them in cold blood. It’s a terrible tragedy of momentous proportion to me because just a few years ago, we sailed Julia through these same waters on the same route as these innocent people. I recount the fear and trepidation we experienced in my book and remembering those days gives me the shivers. A special thank you to our crew Suse and Rob who were with us on that passage. They were more than brave, and contributed greatly to our safe passage.

For more information about the hijacking, go here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/02/22/501364/main20034691.shtml

The second tragedy to happen recently is the major earthquake in one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Christchurch, New Zealand. We have many friends in New Zealand and a good number of them live in Christchurch.We have just received emails saying they’re okay but evidently the city is a mess with fuel and water shortages. There have been many deaths and injuries — it’s a tragedy of grand proportion.

For more information about the earthquake, go here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/02/21/501364/main20034596.shtml?tag=strip

I feel sad for all of the people who have suffered today — I go to bed thankful for all I have — and for my good fate and fortune. It’s important to recognize the good in our lives each and every day… you never know when it will be your last.

Be safe, be happy, and enjoy the journey.

With love,

Larry