I’m back after my Thanksgiving hiatus. I enjoyed a very well cooked meal at my parents’ house. We had a nice visit.

I’m more than a little disgusted by the performance of my car. I have done some research, and I can tell you it isn’t just me. Do not buy a Pontiac Montana. Your mechanic will love you. I just know that I’m in for a huge repair bill soon. The transmission is shifting very rough. It has been off since August or September, but now it gets angry at me if I drive it for a long period of time. The “Service Engine Soon” light comes on constantly — which seems to be a common flaw with this vehicle. This is my customer service announcement to you.

Steve just called. He has been in New York to be interviewed for a segment on Dateline, which will air next Sunday. If you were to look at our life circumstances at this moment, you would marvel at the surreality.