Fully vaccinated and so happy to be requested as one of six artists to perform at the outdoor Fundraiser Concert to save DC Coffeehouse Coffee Nature on Fessenden Street on Saturday afternoon, May 22, 2021. This was my first public performance in over a year since the pandemic began. Coffee Nature like so many businesses has struggled to stay open during the Covid-19 pandemic and also suffered some vandalism to its signage over the past months. The owner, Joseph Oh is a good friend and supporter to me and many other performers over the years and it was the least I could do to give of my time and talent to help a friend and his family in need. Trying to give back for the many blessings I have received in my life, too. In beautiful weather so many audience members shared with us how much they enjoyed this first outdoor event since pandemic restrictions have been greatly eased in the District for now. Thank you to the wonderful audience and to Elizabeth for organizing this meaningful event and Tom for his great work on sound.

Today, my colleagues honored me for my ten years of public service to the Nation and the United States Government. In actuality, I am going on my thirteenth year in public service because reception of this award was delayed for two years due to the onset of the pandemic. Reflecting on the fulfilling years so far, I am thankful to the good Lord for calling me to the practice of law and public service and for giving me the opportunity everyday to do my very best to make a positive difference in people's lives, the protection of the environment, and for the Nation.

The ten-year public service certificate signed by the Principal Deputy Solicitor of the United States.

Posing in front of the Department of the Interior's flag.

The ten-year pin awarded for public service.

Receiving the ten-year public service pin. Honored to serve under Old Glory.

Not Tokyo, but dreaming of it, though, post-pandemic. Celebrating with Tek the release and publication of my new environmental law article on Japan's Iriomote cat and UNESCO nomination at a cute and delicious ramen-ya in downtown College Park near the University of Maryland. Just ordered tonkotsu ramen and miso ramen. Perfect for a chilly winter's day. Especially love the authentic wooden signs that bring back fond memories for me from my student days of the tightly-packed, side street ramen-ya of Kichijyoji Tokyo.

My letter to Ian Anderson of the legendary British rock band, Jethro Tull

In Lancaster, PA. Ecstatic.

The personally-autographed photo from Ian Anderson to me.

Ian's return correspondence to me via the Royal Mail, U.K. A nice surprise by way of the British Post.

In remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) and his love for all living beings and the environment, Rev. Meredith and our seminarian, Iva lead the prayers mindful of our kinship with all life on the Earth. We also reaffirmed our covenant between us and our pets to care, love and protect them just as Saint Francis and Clare did.

Happiness is being with my beloved standard poodle, Runa at the Blessing of the Animals today.

Francis' devotion to God was expressed through his love for all of God's creation. St. Francis cared for the poor and sick, he preached sermons to animals and praised all creatures as brothers and sisters under God. October 4 is the proper Feast Day of Saint Francis in the Calendar of the Church. However, churches celebrate the life of the "poor man" of Assisi throughout the month of October as the Church's liturgical cycle reflects the autumnal harvest.

Rev. Meredith greeting and blessing Runa at the Saint Francis Day celebration after Holy Eucharist.

The rector blessing our pets after the Sunday Service in the church.

The program from the Blessing this afternoon.

Runa's first time at the church and the Blessing of the Animals.

Our rector and seminarian leading us in this beautiful short and intimate prayer service of thanksgiving for the life of our pets, the environment, and all the gifts we receive in our lives from God.

Our seminarian blessing the dogs in the church yard by Saint James' School.