From its source to its sink, this year has been a triumph, for both Nurri and I. One protracted and exhausting endurance test, but a triumph nonetheless.

Any such success is of necessity a collective endeavor. There are too many of you to thank by name – last time I tried I bobbled the job badly – but believe me, I registered every outstretched hand and offered word along the way, and appreciated them more than you can know. I hope we all of us get to have this kind of year in 2008.

Minus the “exhaustion” part, of course. Excelsior!