"When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?" ~ George Canning

I did make it back. It's countdown Monday and I bid you a ho ho ho on this Veteran's Day remembrance here on November 11, 2013. This is the day set aside to remember and honor veterans. Two weeks ago a fellow who brings his younger children to our Church sponsored AWANA Bible Club brought his oldest son to visit. His son had just finished his USMC boot camp out at Camp Pendleton, California. I greeted his son and thanked him for his willingness to serve in our nation's military. I explained to them that my late brother had been a retired USMC Gunny Sergeant and that he had served for many years as a drill instructor at Pendleton. The young man's eyes lit up. The dad paid respect to my brother and his service and told me he was sorry for our loss. Instant respect. Earned. That's what we all owe to those who have honorably worn the uniform and defended our way of life. I pray a blessing on all those who have served, are serving, and for all their families. Amen.

This week is a countdown because this coming Saturday will find the wife and I participating in the big market festival here at our local big mall. I will be dressed "all in fur, from his head to his foot" as I do my best to bring joy to hundreds of little kiddos. That phrase is a quote from the book that my wife, aka Mrs. Claus, will be reading to the children, 'The Night Before Christmas'. I've taken the time to read over several of this year's hot toys list and hopefully I will be prepared for the requests coming my way. The holiday market event is a huge fund raiser for the Junior League who supports many worthy causes including the fight against breast cancer and others. This will be our 4th time to grace Santa's throne at this event and we look forward to doing our best in helping families to make memories.

Last week's election produced some stuff fit for Ripley's Believe It or Not. The Vice President actually called a candidate to congratulate them on their win. Only one problem. The fellow he called was the loser. Up in Washington state one dead man was elected by a landslide and another dead man is leading in a close race that may go into a run off. Both died recently, therefore, their names could not be removed from the ballot. You may have heard about a big time supporter of the Obama Presidency who arranged for millions to be contributed to the President's campaigns and how he got himself involved in last week's Virgina governor's election. This mega wealthy person is a staunch progressive Democrat but he donated large amounts to a fringe libertarian candidate to take votes away from the Republican on the ballot. He did not support the libertarian or his policies. His effort worked. The margin of victory was 4% and the final tally showed the fringe candidate got 6%, with 99% of that coming from the Republican. Sounds like a dirty trick? You betcha, and, just so you know, it's a technique used by all sides. Makes you a little sick to your stomach. Insert Tums commercial here. See you next time and may God bless us all including our great nation. Amen. ...More later.