Just had a lengthy phone conversation with Wildebeest, our older son. He and his partner are navigating choices involving their future together and what that might look like. Without going into detail, suffice to say the decisions they’re being forced to make are greatly influenced by the state of this country, the global community, and the planet itself. The ongoing chaos and degradation weren’t caused by them or any other young people in this world, and yet, those grim realities are shaping their choices.

I know it’s a pointless use of my energy but there are days I feel immense guilt for being part of a very privileged class and generation that brought about much of what is wrong today, and then blithely brought two children into the mess I helped create.

Thank you for reading this far. Here are some cormorants (and ducks) for your time.

December 12, 2025