hold close

It's Christmas eve eve. Wanted to wish all the Chicken Wingers the merriest of Christmases!

The terribly sad events in Connecticut gave me new vision. My vision improved to 20/20 as the holy holiday drew nearer.

Enjoyed singing for old folks. My retirement singing group must have visited every retirement/nursing/alzheimer's home in this town. I savored holding every arthritic hand.

Led the Christmas merriment at the facility where my mother lived. So many ties and lovely memories there. They are kind to ask me back every year.

Had some help with Nancy, Rich and the Christmas Bichon, Sophie.

Sophie enjoying Nancy's rendition of 'O, Holy Night'.

As I was standing at the podium about to lead 'Silver Bells', a male resident walked behind me....patted me on the a## and said I was lots wider back there than I was last year. Really. Made me laugh so hard, I teased him mercilessly about being 'naughty'.

Santa agreed. The guy was naughty.

Santa 'n me!

Our church choir had a special Christmas musical with local musicians.

Was privileged to be a part of this glorious day of celebrating Christ's birth. We talked about the deaths of the innocents in Connecticut that Sunday morning. Talked about how the light is coming into the darkness. Aren't we longing for the light this year? This world feels less and less like home to me.

While I'm here, I'll savor moments like these.

Baby G and me Christmas Eve 2011. Holding close my precious grandson.

Peanut and G.

The grandson is 15 months old now. He has his own pony. He's learned to walk and he can sing 'EEE-EYE-EEE-EYE-OOOOOO! Amazing! The year has flown by.

I'm grateful for my Sprouts and for the long-suffering Texan. I need to tell them 'I love you' more often.

I enjoy this ridiculous wiener dog.

Roxy Doxy is worried about the meaning of 'naughty'.

She shows me something of God's love. I like to think He wags his tail thinking about seeing me and He would give me a big, slobbery lick if He were here.

I think He would hold me (and you!) close, too.

May your Christmas be brimming with fun times with your loved ones and lots of happiness.

The light is coming.

Be blessed.

Christmas-y love to all.