Much as Jay loves paper, he's a tree hugger at heart, saddened this time of year that so many beautiful trees are wasted.

Jay doesn't do that, for more reasons than his tree-huggerness. Yet, Jay loves paper. And wood things. Wood grain and cedar shakes. And pictures of all of the above.

Jay appreciates all things tree. Patterns in the bark, shuffling through leafy rainbows of muted color in the fall, the gaunt gnarls described by bare branches in winter, sprouts and buds that herald spring and especially the brazen few that flower first, risking frost to put on their colorful display early on. Jay greatly appreciates cooling shade, pine cones, and particularly nuts and berries. He loves looking at trees, too, admiring them through the lenses of his cameras as often as possible. And he has, on occasion, actually hugged a tree. Indeed, more than once, but no need for details. It's just a fact. Besides, he's seen many trees, great and small, that he'd like to have hugged, but didn't for one reason or other.

Jay respects trees and the many products made from them. The paper that he uses goes out with Jay's respect and with his heartfelt appreciation of a job well done, a purpose fulfilled, a tree's life not squandered. He

tries not to waste, and looks for "Recycled" icons on the products he uses. If he sends you a paper invoice - and you have to ask to get paper instead of electronic any more - it's on a (beautiful!) paper made from banana peels. Envelopes to match. Jay's proud of that. Jay'd rather we not have any more global warming than we've already got, and he's tried to keep his carbon footprint minimal. Not successfully. He drives around, instead of walking, though he wishes his wallet would accommodate an electric car.