We're in Mexico, and Bao is boning up on his Spanish. By osmosis.

This isn't as silly as it sounds. I mean, what about people who buy books by Stephen Hawking and leave them (unread) on the coffee table? I asked one of them, Did you really understand all that stuff? Absolutely, he replied. But I'd seen the book, and it had never been opened. It was still sealed in plastic.

I do a lot of reading when I'm down here. I actually catch up on my reading. There is no reason why I can't read at home. I am -- technically -- retired. Of course, I'm still teaching, and writing books. (And now, searching for an agent) And secretary of my HOA, and painting the walls of my house, and starting a little publishing company, and learning to speak Spanish. The only time I "give myself permission" to curl up with a good book is in bed, at night.

And of course, here.

Isn't that weird?