It's beginning to...

OK, so I'm listening to, and singing, far too many schmaltzy Christmas tunes - but hey, that's part of what the season is for, right? This morning I woke early and was out in the yard, at 5 a.m., with Hoover enjoying the absolute silence of a cold, crisp and clear pre-winter morning. With no wind (and thankfully, no rain) it was gorgeous out there looking up at the stars.

My deepest sympathies go to the families in Charlotte County whose lives have been so disrupted by this week's unbelievable floods. The situation is bad enough any time, but 10 days before Christmas is a lot to ask anyone to bear. According to this morning's newspaper, aid is arriving from donations from generous and caring individuals and companies - to whom I say "a tip of the hat". We can all do something to help these folks through a difficult time - and hopefully they won't be forgotten as the rest of us enjoy our Christmas with family and friends.

Christmas can also bring out the melancholy in people, especially those who have lost family members or whose sons and daughters and grandchildren live far, far away. And this is despite the constant admonishments that this is "the season to be jolly". Sometimes it is ok to shed a tear for what we don't have - as long as we turn around and greatly appreciate what we DO have - no matter how big or small.

So, to my friends, relatives, clients and students - I wish you a truly Merry Christmas.