Warning: Post May Contain Sap

Well, I'm old.

I'm also happy. Washington D.C. was both hoot and holler. Many jokes were cracked; many glasses of Jack Daniels were consumed; many memories made.

The highlights from the trip? The surprise cake and presents, seeing Jaba's (fancy, cozy, fantastic) new digs, dinner out in Olde Alexandria, pug-wrasslin' with Ziva, seeing a piece of Thelonius Monk's handwritten sheet music for "4-in-1," lunch on the Potomac, and spending a night at the Mandarin Oriental with my lady.

Life is good. In the near-constant daily pursuit of riches, material comforts, status, and respect, one should never forget that the greatest, most powerfully enriching rewards to be had are in the bonds you forge with the ones you love.