In 2006, in the middle of the Thai jungle, Jessica and I were adopted by a warm-hearted, broad-grinned doggy named Belly. We adopted him right back, and brought him home to the States to live with us. We made for ourselves a little family, and Belly was always the fuzzy, loving heart of that family. And now he's gone. And it hurts.

How addicted to travel am I that even before we went to India I was already wondering where we'd travel to in 2010? The more you travel, the more you realize you haven't seen in the world. Not to mention, the more you really want to go back to many of the places you've already seen.

Described by Rudyard Kipling as "the embodiment of all things pure," the Taj Mahal is located only a few hours by train from Delhi. But with limited travel time is visiting the Taj Mahal a "must see" for a first trip to India?

I want to thank everyone who commented or emailed after reading about my sister Seana being in the ICU. I'm happy to share that she's back home now, after making an amazing turnaround. I shared with her all your kind words, and she had tears in her eyes upon seeing the outpouring of love and concern everyone had for her.

My middle sister Seana has been in the hospital for 10 days, and is currently in the ICU. She is critical, intubated, and breathing with assistance. She probably has another week in the ICU ahead of her, followed by another 4-5 weeks in the hospital. If you could, please think good thought for my sister Seana.