Christmas+The Longest Day of the Year

"So may I suggest the secret of Christmas

Is not the things you do on Christmas Day

But the Christmas things you do all year through."

The longest day has come and gone. Here in wonderland, the snow, ice and rain fell on our heads with delicious abandon, the kind of winter opening night we've come to know and love. This is that time of year when a plan to shop is one of the weekend's activities. Let's report on what gifts will make Christmas special this year:

1. 
   
   
   
   A pine scented candle in a metal container that will replace the tree- somewhat less of a fire hazard, I deduce. This is dubbed "christmas in a can."




2. 
   
   
   
   A reproduction painting in a large gilt frame; frame located at a tag sale; print from the esteemed Wadsworth Athanaeum.




3. 
   
   
   
   The gift of jewelry with a religous theme ,(destined for the neck of a young lady), that will ward off evil.




4. 
   
   
   
   Clothing that will ward off cold.




5. 
   
   
   
   Books that will ward off dunciness.




6. 
   
   
   
   Food.

A trip to Florida will happen in January. This is really enough to lighten the spirit and leaven the dark, long, cold days with a joy of anticipation totally unknown before early retirement set me free. However, all this joy is somewhat tempered by the passage of another year; one that saw both the ruination of the world economy, and the election of a multicultural, multiracial leader of our nation. God Speed!

Winter Weather

How to express my love for winter weather in Massachusetts...must I really write anything? After all, I am here; so is it; we are together; isn't that love?

Perhaps love is a bit more than that some may argue. Well, if you plan to argue that, have some ideas about exactly why this is so. I might respond by noting that a sure sign of "not love" is the absence of the object itself.

Consequently, does winter weather decide it does not 'love' me when it hikes out of here in April of each year?

Al Gore's ideas notwithstanding, this idea that winter will not return is certainly a sad thought. Why, here in Massachusetts we have had in recent forecasts cold, driving rain, high winds, rough seas (offshore, and not the metaphorical type), snow, lots of snow, and more driving rain, possibly ice, all mingling in the atmosphere around our beloved Bay State.

The effect of all this is momentous. It is possible now that the retired must postpone golf in that snow and frozen teeing areas are slippery, and dangerous. Parties in local restaurants will have the brio of the hardy adventurers who sally forth in the worst weather to get their people fix. The weather does not respect state lines.

Our intrepid governor avows that mobility of the populace in these shopping times is the priority for the state, funding for which is dependent on collecting sales tax from a mobile, consuming populace. Winter perils take many forms.

Speaking of governors; have you ever seen a more wintry hazing than that depicted in the photo on the left? I thought not.

I have read that Atty. Spitzer is now using his considerable fortune in acquisition of 'distressed' real estate assets. Good for him! Let's hope he stays busy.

Now time to take the vitamins. I hope your governor is working and is wise.