Dec.8-15, 2005

I always run into someone I know when I go shopping. I was going through the shoe department when there was-The The Three Musketeers. They know who they are. They are inseparable. THEN, a big smile and a hearty "Hi" from Dick Henrikson. A hug was in order. All is well with him. Still driven school bus. Time marches on. Nice to see all of you.

Nature's Scene: My backyard is full of tracks. Deer, bunnies, crows, and some unidentified ones. The birds signal each other when they hear me coming . It is their telegram system! I enjoy so much. . .

My son, Andy, has been working for Wighteman's Lumber in Portlandville for just over three months now, following the closing of Phillips Lumber of Hartwick. Several other former employees of there have also been hired by Wighteman's. They all will attend their annual Christmas Party, which will be held at the Tally Ho this weekend. His lady, Laura Shute will accompany him for the festivities. It should be a great experience, as the Tally Ho has a long experience of having great viddles. Enjoy!

Dr. Neil Haynes, a dear friend to Milford Joe and myself, has been quite ill over the last few months with several health problems. They have kept him, from going hunting, which he truly enjoys. We found a note on the door when we returned from shopping after several weeks of silence. "I just came from Bassett Hospital and I am going to have an Angio Plasty done on my right renal artery on the 28th of this month. Sorry I haven't seen you", writes Neil. He will send further emails to keep us up too date. Please put him on your prayer list.

The cutting from Steffie Baker's Christmas Cactus, given to me a number of years ago when she was still with us, is starting to bloom. It reminds me of her and I am in hopes that it will be in full bloom for this Christmas. Thanks, Steffie.

We had a few teaser snow falls, but the one that arrived mid week, dumped better then a foot of snow on top of Joe's mountain. He was unable to plow that morning so the snow continued to fall. He was up early the next morning, bundled up for the task. The Chevy was parked with the plow at the top of the driveway and a couple of swipes down the driveway got him started. Before long he had the job done. Now a 747 could land there! Cars were cleaned off and shuffled around, while his dog Patchy inspected the job. A big bowl of turkey soup and homemade ham salad filled the bill when the job was done.

An emergency call from Joe's daughter, Melissa, had us on the way to Franklin on Thursday. . .The shower stall was leaking badly and she needed help NOW! Joe loaded the car with the tools that he thought he would need. We started to pull the unit apart as it had to be replaced. We worked on and off for two days and finally was able to get it out and rebuild the wall and replaced it with a new shower stall. What a job.

It looks like we finally rid myself the the worst cold I have had in several years. It just would not let go. My head felt like a balloon and my nose was like a faucet on over-drive. Then I thought my chest was supporting a ten pound bowling ball. I am pleased to report that I am alive and kicking all the way to Christmas. Yes, CHRISTMAS!

I want to thank the folks who took the time to email, write or call concerning my stand on CHRISTMAS. I have always believed in CHRISTMAS and its true meaning and I will stand by those convictions. From the time I was in the 5th grade in William Cullen Bryant Grade School in Teaneck, NJ, I lead the class in a bible reading, the Lord's Prayer and the Pledge of Allience. This continued through high school at Teaneck High School. I do not believe in the commercialism of Christmas to the extent it is today. Christmas is not about going into debt to buy presents but to look upon the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus Chirist. MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I did it again, something dumb! I missed placed my old pair of glasses and then lost my good glasses while in Franklin. I, or anyone else, has not found them. . .Hence, I have my limitations until I get another pair.

Thought for the Week: Opportunities multiply as they are seized, they die when neglected. "author unknown"

PS- I FOUND MY GLASSES UNDER THE MAIL IN THE BOTTOM OF MY POCKETBOOK!!!!

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