And the last one this year, too. Seemed like a very long year to me. Lots of personal and political turbulence. Living in interesting times, as they say.

River low this morning and choppy in a strong wind. Water blue in sunlight, green in shadow, whitecaps scattered around. Air clear, could see Staten Island beyond the pointed tent. A dozen gulls riding the sharp waves, gleaming white. The gulls don't usually sit in the water -- they leave that to the ducks -- but I guess when the river's this churned up there's lots to eat just under the surface, because they were poking their heads in and out assiduously and looking quite satisfied.