A visit from Jingle Beard

In our house, when I was growing up, we were visited by Santa Claus, but for the good dogs and cats, who at least tried to be more nice than naughty, there was a visit from Jingle Beard. My dad told the story of how Jingle Beard was Santa's favorite dog, and how, on Christmas Eve, when Santa was out delivering presents to good children, Jingle Beard would deliver presents of bones and cat trees to all of the good, faithful pets.

This year Jingle Beard brought Maxie a new bed, a raincoat and a parka (ice storms are a'coming), lots of toys and tasty puppy treats. Izzy and Spooky got less. Apparently they have been getting in the garbage lately and so have found their own treats. But still, they did get their share of kitty treats and toys.

Need I say it has been a wonderful holiday for everyone here?
Even the smallest of us have been on the recieving end of a delightful holiday.

Now I'm off to light the yule log.
Honeyed ham and all of the traditional sides await dad's arrival home.

I consider all of our blogging friends a blessing and you are all in our hearts tonight. Thank you for making this year wonderful, both here and in the real world.


A Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Merry Christmas

From all of us to all of you!
Have a wonderful Holiday.

Remembering...

Dirge Without Music
I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.
So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind:
Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Crowned
With lilies and with laurel they go; but I am not resigned.
Lovers and thinkers, into the earth with you.
Be one with the dull, the indiscriminate dust.
A fragment of what you felt, of what you knew,
A formula, a phrase remains,--but the best is lost.
The answers quick and keen, the honest look, the laughter, the love, --
They are gone. They are gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled
Is the blossom. Fragrant is the blossom. I know. But I do not approve.
More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world.
Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave,
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.

-- Edna St. Vincent Millay

Today dad went to the cemetary, he wanted to have some time alone.
I did not want to be alone.
I am not resigned.

I feel my family this year.
I am as resolute as ever I have been.
All things must be borne.

What we're doing now

In the true spirit of the season we are doing what we do every year.

At school.
The students at the High School collected 3800 canned goods to give to N. Fulton Charities. Enough to fill an entire bus! Great job guys. We are all proud of you!

They also did a drive for the Women's Homeless Shelter.
A cause near and dear to my heart.
You guys are awesome!

At work.
We are doing collections for various local charities.
Always.

At home.
Toys for Tots always gets their donations before we start buying for one another.
It's a good reminder that the true spirit of the season is in what you can do for others. It makes this season feel just a little more special when you realize you have done your part to bring joy to others. We are all happier today for what we are blessed to have. We try to never forget just how lucky we are.

Once again I am reminded...

Behold, we live through all things,--famine, thirst, Bereavement, pain; all grief and misery, All woe and sorrow; life inflicts its worst On soul and body,--but we cannot die, Though we be sick, and tired, and faint, and worn,-- Lo, all things can be borne!
Elizabeth Akers Allen ("Florence Percy")

Troy and I went Christmas shopping tonight.
We got gifts for co-workers and friends.
The smell of holiday candles filled the van as I dragged him from place to place with me. The sounds of Christmas music playing on the radio and the houses and buildings lit up for the season gave me a feeling I haven't had in years. I reached out and laid my hand on his as we drove through the cool damp night, insulated together in our own little world.

I once again realized just how much I love this man and the family we have raised together. What would my life be without him? A dark place I think. Definitely not a place I would survive in long without his strength and humor.

I love you baby.
You are my heart.


PS.Good News. g33kgirl is designing a new template for me.
Awesome Christmas present. Thanks ladies.

A Visit From the Wireless Fairy

Last night the wireless fairy came and brought me a wireless adapter.
I found it sitting on my desk this morning.

Finally we are ready to begin.
Changes and fun are afoot.

Why Men Have Two Hands