OK, gang, things aren't perfect. I sit here post surgery after a major infection with another site infection brewing. I am a vocalist, and, due to the problems leading to surgery, as well as surgery, have had to abandon my church choir for my most favorite season of singing. My husband has had an awful year of back problems culminating in surgery next week. Due to this surgery, we will miss Christmas dinner with the family. My kitty lost her best friend "Mousie" to the gears in the stair chair.

But you know what? We're having an open house tomorrow evening. We will celebrate our many friends and blessings even if neither of us can move from our chairs; our friends will take care of what needs to be done. The food is made and the rest will fall into place.

Count your blessings. I know with some there has been great sorrow. The loss of Phred is deep, but he would not want us to dwell on this. It is the season of the Lord's birth-REJOICE!