Facebook reality.

Just looked at Facebook and saw this message: "9 years ago today, you and your sister, Dell, became friends on Facebook. We made you this video to celebrate your friendship!"

I guess the real world doesn't matter on Facebook. It's when things begin on Facebook that matters to Facebook. And if you are "friends" within the meaning of Facebook, you have "friendship" in the only sense that matters to Facebook.

Mystery photo of the day.

IN THE COMMENTS: David looks ahead to the next photo in the series.



ADDED: The top picture is November 1951, my parents' failed attempt to make a photograph that could be used in a Christmas card. (I've tweaked the very dark original to make the image reasonably visible.) The second picture is September 1951, at Niagara Falls. For reference: I was born in January 1951. The other child is my older sister.

On the beach and poolside.

Chris, on the beach:



Chris and Dell, poolside:



We're done with our weekend on Hilton Head Island, where the full moon rose over the Atlantic Ocean and somebody got married.

Dell at Michelangelo's.

An iPhone picture of my sister, who drinks tea, while I drink coffee.

First encounter with Santa Claus.

Here I am, the skeptical one in the center. I'm almost 3, and the year is 1953. My sister Dell is enjoying the moment, while I'm suspicious about that beard and the lack of convincing attachment around the mouth.