There is no snow on the ground here in Southwest Oklahoma, and the sun shined warmly without regard to the calendar or the desires of a scant few who wished fruitlessly for a snow covered Christmas Day.

 I, weather oblivious aside, am in high spirits, and am thankful for the blessings in my life, as well as the gratitude for the ultimate gift bestowed upon humanity as celebrated (unevenly in some circles) during this time of year.

 A greatful nation and her allies are thankful for the men and women in the uniforms of their respective services and professions at home and around the world, making it possible for us to enjoy our holiday without incident or fuss. We can’t do enough for them.

Also in our hearts and minds are the absent friends and loved ones who are no longer with us on this day. Time and grace heals all eventually, but never easily. I pray for those recently departed that those left behind find some measure of peace and comfort. No time is ever really a good time to check out from this mortal coil, and late December is especially not ideal. For those in pain now, you have both my condolences and my prayers.

Having celebrated 45 occurances of the Christmas season, I appreciate the sentiments that accompany this time of the year. I only wish we could see it more often, and without any of the cynicism, over-the-top commercialism, or snarkiness that has been spotted in its shadow in recent years. Any items in which to stem that tide would be greatly appreciated.

No politics today. Just a sincere and heartfelt wish for joyous tidings to all my friends, real peace on Earth, and goodwill toward all men and women.

As for moi, I intend to finish laundry, and then catch up with the Christmas adventures of a certain Time Lord in Victorian England. After that, perhaps a return to the keyboard to pound some more paragraphs about a certain pan-dimensional being that resembles a Terran raccoon.

No, really.. *smirk*