Jasper begged to go to bed at about 11:30, so we welcomed ’06 from our hotel room, overlooking our city. He was asleep by 11:45.

My wife who hates to be referred to like that says I’ve gone negative even before Harper. And I have no secret agenda. But I do have a new notebook. A “Moleskin” palm-sized hardcover book with a faux-leather cover and elastic. Blank pages. I chose this over a similar one with lines as an act of defiance. “Don’t fence me in!” I bought the over-priced scribbler to capture content for this new site, to kickstart writing again. See, I’m grouchy when I don’t write. And it’s been 3 months. Keep your distance. Day One. Observations: Christmas stuff is 50% off everywhere, but I just can’t bring myself to buy. I…