Here are just a few pictures from my going away party. Tricia and Scott were kind enough to host it at their house. I'm so thankful that I have such very good friends who braved lots of wind and rain to see me off.


Christopher, Douglas, Gerardo, Clanton and Jerry-- he's making a face because he's bitter that I get to leave the country and he doesn't.


Jim and Evan are sensitive to one another's need for personal space.


This is my sister. She's pretty fabulous.


Iowans tend to stick together at parties...and, apparently, laugh at the same things.


Jim, Andrea, Amy and Jen humor me when I stick a camera in their face.


This is Bao. Run right now to Cafe Lily and have the Lemon Sponge Custard thing (not its official name) that he makes. It's completely lovely.


Fatema came from DC just for me.


As long as Michael has a shot, he's not being a smart ass.


What does D see that Marie and I are missing?


As things wind down, Evan and Cyndi take a break.