Nov. 24-Dec.1, 2005

I got a large manilla envelope from Dodger Bob, which contained a cutting from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. He sends one every year. When I opened it the aroma of the Norway sprice just jumped out. Along with it was a newspaper clipping, picturing the workmen adjusting the 9-by-1 1/2 feet, 550 lbs Swarovski crystal star, with its 25,000 crystals, atop of the 74 foot Norway Spruce tree. Oh, how I wish I could see it in person when it is lite on Nov.30. Thanks Bob

Europe now has the highest Christmas tree, 236 feet high! It has been erected in Warsaw, Poland. It is adorned with 2 million lights. Now that should be something to see! A local bank is sponsoring the construction of a metal frame for the Artificial Tree!

Ken Dudeck still has his pinkie finger, which was sievered about three weeks ago on the job. It seems to be doing well, but Ken says it is cold and throbs,some thing that he will have to get used to if he keeps it. We are praying that it will continue to heal. While at the WhiteHouse Farm, my nephew, Keith Holtje told of a co-worker, who lost one the same day in New Jersey.

Thanksgiving greetings came from all over. Martha and Illiot are back in Englewood, Florida and Martha will spend it with her daughter, who has to work that day. "At least we will be together", she wrot. See you this summer....

Beth Eves writes that it is 60 degrees in Leesberg, Florida. The weather has been HOT there and this will be a blessing, Beth relates. She asked if we have had any snow here! Hope to see her this winter. . .

Danny Holtje came home to Pierstown from Anchorage, Aladka for 10 days to be with family and friends for the Thanksgiving Holiday. He came with mounds of photos, which I hope to see next week. My brother and his wife haven't seen much of him so far, as he is visiting everyone he can while he is here. They will be happy with whatever he gives them.

Pray your holiday was wonderful as mine was. My brother, Terry and his wife hosted a Feast on Thanksgiving evening. Everyone pitches in and helps. Maureen's antipasto is always a hit and all the guys were waiting for Laura Shute's deviled eggs. She makes them for every occasion and beleive it or not, two trays were gone in no time. Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes,cranberry sauce, turnip, a huge tray of stuffing, butternut squash, brussel sprouts with broccoli and rice were among the fixings. We finished up with apple and pumpkin pie with topping. . .

We had dinner at Joe's son, Anthony and his wife, Jassely, twice in the past week. One night Tony treated all to Brook's barbecued ribs and chicken. It was delicious. On Saturday we went to tallk hunting and eat pie, ice cream and drink coffee! It was a way to get to visit with Steve, who hails from Englewood, Florida. He and his brother, have been out hunting everyday since he arrived. Anthony got a eight pointed and his brother, Joe, of Oneonta, a four pointer, but Steve has not bagged one yet. He does care. He is just happy to be out there with his Dad and brothers.

The grape vine has it that Terry Cornish of Milford bagged himself a ten point buck under some unusual circumstances. Ask him about it.

I usually pit baleds of hay around the back of my house to helo keep pipes from freeaing, but this year Joe gave to an idea when I could not locate the old fashioned rectangular bales. "Bagged leaves will do the same thing," he said. As if planned we picked up a numbet of bagged leaves on uppet East Street. They are now in place and hopefully it will work.

Tara Boardman from Ommegang Brewery will have a number of fantastic brews at the Sage Center on Railroad Ave. on Sun, Dec. 11 from 2-4pm and Katy Bouton will have many of her favorite store items on sale too. From 7-8pm that evening, Dr. Caere Dunn will offer a Hypro Vacation for reducing holiday stress(Cost $10-00 If you have any questions, give Katy a call at 547-7485.

Thought for the Week: If you can't make light of your troubles, keep them in the dark. . .