Three countries in one day, 2 birthday cakes, and everyone still asks about Trump and the domestic situation in the USA

[DFW]

7. Thanks, Peggy!

Days off are still very rare, no matter how I try to construe it. I'm still reminded of Clemenceau's remark: the cemeteries are full of irreplaceable people--all of whom have been replaced.

I have been told I'm irreplaceable (that and $5.75 gets you a coffee at Starbucks), but I'd rather be replaced than wrapped. Actually, the son of my Belgian colleague, a bright guy in his mid-twenties, asked if I was interested in training "someone." I said, I was, indeed. He knows English, French and some Dutch, has an EU passport and work permit, and is interested in learning a lot. Hitch: he doesn't speak Spanish, Catalan, Italian, German, Swedish or Russian. But he's young enough to learn at least the basics. I may yet give him a try. I don't want to find myself 80 years old, and asking myself the same question.