Damn. I hate it when good people leave Vermont. Especially when they retreat to a tropical paradise such as Honolulu. Total wusses.

Seriously, Stephan, was the snow this month just the last straw, or what? Isn't there anything we can do to make you enjoy winter more? Build snowmen? Make snow angels? Or take awesome winter pictures, which you definitely can't do in Hawaii? I know you like photography.

Sigh. I guess your mind's made up. Got the press release today that you're stepping down at the Shelburne Museum after five years, and taking a position as director of the Honolulu Academy of Arts. And I know you came from Oakland, Calif., before Vermont.  Guess you really are a fan of balmy weather.

But we'll miss you, Stephan. I'll remember your personal tours of the motorcyle design show a while back, and the awesome Ansel Adams and Edward Burtynsky exhibit last year — thanks for that. In fact, thanks for the other world-class exhibits that came to the Shelburne during your tenure. Word has it you can also take credit for expanding the educational programs at the museum, and for seeing to it the gardens were made even more beautiful. So, thanks again.

I guess it would be unkind not to wish you well in Hawaii, so I do. But it would help if you promise to send pictures, flowers (I love orchids!), ukelele music, or some other token of your heartfelt sadness to abandon Vermont, and evidence that you still care about us. Or at least me.

Oh, wait, this is not about me. It's about you. The guy leaving in mid-March for Honolulu.

Right. It's been a pleasure having you, Stephan. Safe journeys.

P.S. I wasn't kidding about the ukelele music.