Psalm 90:10: "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."

Hello and welcome. Today. That, my friend, is the one we have before us. This one clocks in as Thursday, November 20, 2025, and, it's up to us all to make something good happen as we continue our journey here on the planet. I saw the posted informational image and it reminded me of the rare air I breathe based on statistical averages. There are approximately 1.27 million Americans who are 80 or older. Our estimated population is currently 340 million. Therefore, as I approach the 80 year mile marker, I will become 0.00373529411% of our nation's population. (If I calculated that accurately.)  I know it's perhaps a little late in the game to become focused on making a difference for good in my time here, and, I do know, just by reading the obituaries each day, how the clock is ticking. Yep. I also know all about how it is ticking for every individual regardless of age. I get it. However, when you cross certain thresholds, the potential for exit does increase. Still wondering about all of this, well, here are some other facts that help shape my thoughts on the matter. The death rate for the general US population is 750.5 deaths per 100,000. The death rate for those 80 and older here in our country is 14,285 deaths per 100,000. Those are averages which means some live longer, in fact, the 90 plus age group has been greatly increasing since 2010. The bottom line, it's time for me, you, and everyone who reads this to pay attention to the dash. That's right. On the grave marker there will be a birth date, a dash, and, a death date. That dash constitutes our journey here. Some say I am morbid because I seem to be fixated on stuff like this. Sorry, but it seems to help me consider things realistically and do my best, with God's help, to make that dash impactful to others, and, honoring to Him, as much as I can. Kick in the pants? Could be. It's mostly just because I saw  that informational image and it got all of this stirred up. And, as always, I write, you choose. If you don't like the subject, skip it, skip it, skip it in the bud, Barney.

 

Recognized outstanding Woodlands photographer Mindy Harmon in her booth at the Junior League Holiday Market back in 2016. I have always felt privileged to be her Santa for these many years. 

As I mentioned before, this upcoming Saturday we will be representing the Jolly Couple, Santa and Mrs. Claus, for the 16th year at the Marriot, Woodlands, during the annual Junior League Holiday Market, from 10 am to 2 pm. It's always a joy to see the kiddos there and to observe them changing from year to year. Times have changed. You've noticed that? Well, we are right, they have changed. Back when we started with the Junior League we had a huge program where children could do arts and crafts along with photos with Santa. Then it went to 1-1/2 days of Santa photos. Now it is 4 hours with Santa. I'm not complaining because the changes reflect how society has adapted to the use of technology. Portrait shots are no longer the only game in town. Many businesses offer free Santa photos that one can take with their own cellphone or camera. And, may I just add this. These reduced hours are not all bad for an aging Santa, (see that first paragraph), therefore, I look forward to being with those wonderful ladies of the Woodlands Junior League along with so many families who come each year for their photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. If you prefer not to join in the Christmas fun, well, I give you some insight from an expert on the subject, Buddy the Elf, "you just might be a cotton-headed ninny muggin." Until next time, may the Good Lord take a liking to you and know this: He already has. How do I know? He sent His one and only Son into the world to die for the sins of everyone. He did. That includes you. Okay? I'm glad we got that cleared up. May God add His blessings. Amen.