January 6, 2003 Portland, OR Hello Everyone, I'm coming to you from Portland, OR today having driven across the northwest. I put "Tom" on an airplane back to Massachusetts last Tuesday. We went to the courthouse on Monday and met with the DA. He said he would have to recomend 15 days of jailtime, but would not argue if the judge decided to be more creative in his sentencing. Then we went to court where the judge let me speak on Tom's behalf. He contemplated the issue and said if we came back to court by 1:00pm with an airline ticket and a confirmation to his acceptance to a detox center, he would grant probation. So, we scrambled and managed to get that done. Now it's up to Tom. I hope he realizes how fortunate he was and takes some real steps to get the help he needs. I was told that it was extremely rare for the judge to do what he did, but I think he believed it was in Tom's best interest. Boy, if you want to see the sad side of life, go spend some time sitting in a courtroom. It's amazing the troulbe people manage to get into and that some just never learn. On the bright side, it is also nice to meet people that are willing to help you when you need advice. I met many such people in Glenwood Springs. Nancy and Erin at Valley View Hospital helped me get situated, Heather at the Caravan Inn was nice enough to invite me to Chrismas dinner. Leslie in the DA's office walked me through the judicial process. The DA was considerate and fair, Judge Zerbi was understanding, but stern with the probation he sentenced and the ladies in the courthouse served us with a smile. It may not have been the most enjoyable Christmas I ever spent, but it is one I wll always remember. Anyhow, I continued travelling west and have viewed some incredible scenery. Mountains, valleys, plains with farmland that goes on forever. Route 84 takes you through the Columbia River Gorge which is a sight you must see for no pictures or words can capture the natural beauty. I'll be heading up to Seattle then down to California from here. Happy New Year to all. Peter