"Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever." -- Bess Streeter Aldrich

Dad and Victor, yours truly and Maria, Marilyn and Mom.

Happy Christmas eve to one and all, on this Monday, December 24, 2012. We enjoyed a wonderful visit yesterday with mom and dad along with my step brother Victor and his sweet wife Maria. The four of them set up the visit which meets approximately half way in Beaumont at the Cracker Barrel. I found out about it so Marilyn and I more or less crashed the party and surprised them. Did we ever! What a time of fellowship we had. Now it is on to putting the final touches on the program here. Getting ready to get ready. I've got my list and I'm checking it twice. Based on the forecast, we will have a backup plan since it is supposed to rain. That becomes important since our tradition is to have steaks for our Christmas celebration. It wouldn't be the first time we've smoked up the garage. I'm thankful that we still get filled with excitement and anticipation. And, we are aware that many will not be with family, therefore, we treasure our times of being together as blessings.

We do wish everyone a blessed and happy Christmas as we enjoy the festivities while we rejoice in He who was born to die that we might live. Amen.   .....More later.