I love this picture. An unseasonably warm day for Richmond in December, and we’re walking our way back from the department potluck.

So a quick Christmas Eve shout-out to two of my favorite elves (and to one I put up with, not without affection, i.e. me): Eric Palmer (left) and Terry Dolson (right). Working with them has been a tremendous gift.

Note that there’s an elf not pictured: Mark Nichols. Someone had to take the photo. Mark was the elf with the smart phone. Like me, Mark appreciates a good gadget, and though the North Pole workshop hasn’t got VoIP yet, he’s living proof that they’re fully in the cellular age.

Don’t forget to track Santa’s sleight tonight through NORAD, everyone!