My parents live disgustingly close, but yet, I see them very rarely. I suppose it has to do with our schedules. Dad is a pediatrician which puts demands on his time like very few other professions. I remember a childhood where he was devoted to hundreds of children in addition to his own. It took many years, perhaps even until I found myself in a pediatric-related field, until I understood it all. Today, we put each of our respective patients second to spending some time with each other. We shared a wonderful meal, complete with Mom as well as an uncle and aunt for good measure. We discussed important issues in life and shared a table full of delicious delights. My parents left me today with yet another few tibits of wisdom, as well as a refrigerator's worth of leftovers...both very nourishing things.

To continue the trend of cheating and including a few extra portraits, I spent some time in New York today running photo-related errands as well as having the pleasure of sharing wonderful conversation (and dessert) with a friend. Sandwiched between these two very rewarding experiences was a third. I spent some time walking around Julliard when I came across these two percussionists. Their command of their art was entertaining and inspiring, matched only by their willingness to share.