I had a double purpose in drawing this year's Hanukkah dinosaur.  It was to accompany my best wishes for the holiday, as well as announce my intention to write a travelogue about our trip to Russia.  Before I begin that, account, I shall regale you with my completed travelogue about The Balkans.  You can find it as a serial here over the next few weeks.  

        My Kremlinosaurus regards the eponymous fortress, its distinctive swallowtail battlements transformed into candle holders for the Festival of Lights.  Now it is between Hanukkah and the New Year of 2018, and I had intended to maintain the festive mood.  I was very excited about publishing my Balkan adventures, illustrated with HL's photographs.  Yet the days turned very dark for me just before the Winter Solstice.  And I am debating with myself about disclosing the source of my grief. 

        I had imagined that I might adopt a jaunty tone in this blog, referring to people by their initials in the manner of a French epistolary novel, describing my impressions of the passing cavalcade in addition to my own foibles.  Now I am reconsidering, wondering if there is any validity in the adage that sharing a sorrow lessens it.  Please help me to illuminate the somber precincts of my mind by sending whatever Light you can to me;  more anon...