In Alamosa, Colorado right now, it's -17 degrees with a wind chill of -32. In Bali, Indonesia it's 88 with a heat index of 104. That's an actual temperature difference of 105 degrees, and a perceived difference of 136 degrees. In terms of climate, Alamosa and Bali are about as opposite as you can get right now.

It's fitting, I think. The two are probably the most disparate places I've ever been to. Bali is crowded - a blur of motion and color - hazy, lush and heavy. Alamosa is a wide horizon of snow and sun - blinding, still, and solitary.

Everyone is counting down to Christmas here, and I'm getting into it too, which keeps me moving. I like having things to look forward to - days to check off the calendar, plans to make. I can see how rich women with nothing to do could get thoroughly absorbed in the throwing of elaborate parties.