To Start A New Year:"A new year is unfolding—like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within. Lord, let this year be filled with the things that are truly good—with the comfort of warmth in our relationships, with the strength to help those who need our help and the humility and openness to accept help from others. As we make our resolutions for the year ahead, let us go forward with great hope that all things can be possible—with Your help and guidance." Anonymous

Good morning and welcome to my last visit with you for 2014, here on this Wednesday, New Year's Eve, December 31, 2014. We will be headed back towards the old homestead later today but will likely not be there until Saturday. We still have some stops to make. Yesterday we decided to throw caution to the wind(s), literally, and drive up to the Santa Fe Ski Park. After the little dodge ball episodes near Wichita Falls on our way over here I have attempted to be very respectful of icy roads. That winding trip up the mountain was very slow and methodical. I figured that those little signs that said 20 mph on the curves probably meant that when the weather was cooperating. I got to lead a convoy. I had maybe 10 to 12 cars behind me and it took maybe forty minutes to make it to the top. It was not as windy up there but it was cold. Very cold. It was standing room only at the ski center. All those folks were doing their thing to get ready to go up and come down, or they were in line to go up again. They did walk funny in those ski boots and after seeing the program we decided it best to get back to our car. That was about a quarter mile walk, some of it pretty steep and slippery, but, we enjoyed the calendar views, and on the way down my better half didn't have to give me too many driver instructions. That always makes for a better day.

We found the folks here in the Santa Fe area to be very cordial and friendly. We also discovered that tourists are here from all over the world, in particular, we saw many groups and families from Japan. The capitol was pretty much deserted. There were a few staff members here and there but the senate and house were out on holiday. Some blue collar workers were moving in stuff to get ready for the inauguration in the rotunda but for the most part it was pretty much empty. That is, except for this lone house member, who sat reading over some materials. He must not be of the same kind who represent folks in Washington who tell other members they need to pass the bill to find out what's in the bill. I don't know who this fellow was but he looks like someone I might vote for. Many will be celebrating the New Year with all manners of activities. Some will be with their local fellowship of believers praying the new year in. Whatever you choose, may it be safe, and accompanied by some reflection on how God has blessed us all. Amen. .....More later.