Christmas is about a Savior. It really doesn't mean much until we call upon Him to do just that, save us from our sin. Amen. (Romans 10:13)

Mims Baptist Choir and Orchestra, Christmas - 2018

Good Tuesday morning. I do hope all is well on this December 11, 2018. We did a Santa and Mrs. Claus event on Sunday afternoon. Once finished, the wife headed straight for the Church to change for the big Christmas Choir and Orchestra performance. I came home, changed, and headed for the Church. Wait a minute! I haven't seen that many cars since I've been going there. Instead of having MY regular parking spot, (because I am always early), I was directed, that's right, directed to the only open spots available. When I finally got to the back of the back of a place I had never seen, I rolled down my window and asked the teenager with the flashlight what happened to my reserved parking spot. He just laughed and motioned his light for me to keep on trucking. What a performance! I don't know if it was standing room only, but, it was close. What made it great? It was all about Jesus, period, end of story. It was designed as a worship experience. At the end of the program, our pastor gave a brief overview of why Jesus came and how that everyone there could leave knowing Him as Savior and Lord. During the prayer, several raised their hands testifying to their calling upon the Lord to save them. Talk about a Christmas program with a joyful ending! (That may be the first time I have ever seen a public invitation for people to be saved at a Christmas program.) That's one I will not soon forget. Amen.

The other day I had a little girl, maybe 4 or 5, tell me she wanted her own credit card for Christmas. Another little guy told me he wanted his very own Alexa. When I complimented a little girl on her beautiful dress, she said, "Yeah, my mom made me wear it today." We all know that today's world, at best, is typically defined by blended families. I don't know why it bothers me, but, when they begin to sort out the kids and have photos made with those that belong to us together and they make the others wait on the sideline, well, I look at those waiting, typically older kids, and my heart goes out to them. Often, unknowingly, they come up when the rest of the kids come, only to be pulled back and reinserted later. Like I say, it's not any of my business but it does cause Santa's heart to hurt. I'm glad to report I have not seen this year as many parents using the Elf on the shelf as a threatening hammer. That's not to say I haven't heard some pretty wild escapades of behalf of these Elves that I am supposed to know. By name, of course. After all, they are reporting back to me. Right?

It is the season where it looks like the folks in Washington are working mightily on seeing how many lumps of coal they can dole out to their enemies. One thing I have to remind myself about the political machinations we see playing out each day. Just a simple thought to help put it into perspective, "If the roles were reversed." We don't know if there is blood in the water or just food coloring, but, they don't either, therefore, they will respond like it is a mortal wound. It's the nature of the beast. I am not sure this is a good thing or not, but, the way things play out each day turns a whole lot of people off. They would just as soon not watch any of it. That could be bad, especially over the long term. When folks get turned off enough to stop paying any attention, well, the people there may take advantage of that. And, that's why we have to keep up with it, even if it's repulsive. As always, there is good news to all of whatever is happening in Washington. God. That's right. He has the last word, period. He always has and always will. He knows. He sees. And, believers can always count on Him making everything right in His own time. Have faith. In Him. Amen. ....More later.

Here's some insight into the true source of a thousand points of light as well as all light that makes a difference for time and eternity: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Jesus, Matthew 5:16)

Good morning and welcome to a brand new work week, here on this Monday, December 10, 2018. Okay. I no longer go to the office at that place I occupied for nearly 12 years, however, we have participated in the Santa Enterprise with appearances for seven out of the last eight days. Whew! At any rate, as I write this, I am coming to you from The Home Office. I did appreciate the words spoken by President George W., 43, in honor of his dad, President George H. W., 41. They were gripping and heartfelt. I mention this to give you my thoughts about the coverage of the passing of President George H.W.  Hypocrite, hypocrite, hypocrite! They hated him when he was in office. They called him 'The Wimp'. Now they praise him in such an overflow that it is stunning. What can we learn from this? The mainstream likes only two kinds of Republicans. Those who claim to be conservative but vote with the liberals and those Republicans who are dead. I've already commented on how they do this to try and denigrate President Trump and if you can't see that, well, I can't help you. Meanwhile, this man had a family. Many of them chose a life of public service following his lead. The family was important to him. Not as a political ploy, but, as a dad, grandpaw, and one who cared deeply. One of his great-granddaughters, age 5, was quoted as saying, "Well, of course, it’s happening right before Christmas. Gampy had to get to Ganny so they could decorate their Christmas tree."

This time of year causes most of us to remember those who have gone on to their reward, but, they were a part of our Christmases for so many years. I loved watching Granny Mac open a gift. She was always surprised, always appreciative, and always thankful for the gift and the giver. I can hear her sweet voice, "Now y'all didn't have to go and do that." The good thing about it was her genuineness. I revered my Paw Paw Mac and was always thinking about something that he might like. That was tough because he was a man who believed in being satisfied with what he already had. During the Christmas season of 1966, I put a shotgun on layaway for him. He had gotten to where he couldn't see too well and his hearing was pretty well gone too. He loved Granny Mac's fried squirrel with gravy, but, he was being less and less successful at bringing home any game. Therefore, I purchased a bolt action 12 gauge shotgun with a 36" barrel and gave it to him for Christmas. It was actually a gun used to hunt geese. I will never forget his response, "All I need now is their name and address and if I can't hit them, I can reach up in the tree with that barrel and knock them out." He had given so much to me. Not stuff in terms of worldly goods, but, he had shown me by his life example how a man could live in fellowship with God and others. He was able to use that shotgun for several years before he left us for his heavenly home. I have it. It is in my closet. Or, I think that's where it is. I'll have to check and get back to you on that one. Good memories. I thank God for them. Amen.

I have many more where those memories came from. If that is boring to some folks, sorry, but it's my blog and I write mostly from the heart, therefore, these are the kinds of things that fall out. That is, on any given day. What about the bad stuff? I do remember a whole lot of that as well. It's all part of the fabric of life where each of us lives as a fallen person in a fallen world. That fallen stuff often produces memories of pain, suffering, and heartache. However, whether I recognized it at the time or not, I can say unequivocally, that throughout my three score, ten plus years, God has never forsaken me. (That, by the way, is His express promise to those who are His own: "...For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5) Speaking of dealing with a fallen world, I received a missed call on my cell phone while I was taking Santa photos with families. The phone number had listed beside it: Newfoundland and Labrador. Hello? When I get a call from a number I do not recognize I always do my best to check it out. I am not in the habit of getting scam calls from Nova Scotia. If you put in the number in quotes into Google, it will typically give you information about it. This one came up right away as a scam call. It may be the first one I've received from outside the US. What do you do next? Block that baby! And, I did just that. I always feel good when I block one of those, even knowing they have thousands of numbers at their disposal to continue their pernicious ways. My advice: Be vigilant and learn how to become a Blocking Master. I think I told you before this is the only game I play on my phone. Have a great rest of the day and don't forget to remember our Great God. Amen. .....More later.

I have been rerunning this one for a number of years. Who knew it would become a prophetic forerunner of today's alter ego? Enjoy.

You have landed on a blog where an Oldie is being played. Hopefully, you will agree that it's also a Goodie.

Good morning and welcome to Friday, December 7, 2018. Today's episode is a reprint from one I first published in my blog written in December of 2007. It was one that garnered a number of positive comments, therefore, I wanted to share it with you again. It reflects my recollection of a short story I wrote back in the mid-1970s. You will notice that me ever playing Santa again was not even a blip on my radar screen at that time. The short story was entitled: "Confessions of a Miffed Myth!" These are some excerpts as best I remembered them. (The actual typed story is stored in a box, somewhere.) Here it is:
                                                         

I've had quite a few jobs in my lifetime. They have ranged from being physically labor intensive up to executive management. However, none were quite as interesting as the Christmas season of 1973. During that season I worked in the evenings and on weekends as a department store Santa. Yes, that is the Christmas stamp from 1973, and yes, it did cost 8 cents! I was actually hired by a temporary agency that supplied Santas to a variety of stores. They conducted one mass training session where we were told about the outfits and how to do the makeup, and then we were encouraged to read the poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, by Clement C. Moore, to give us the idea behind the kind of Santa they wanted. I was assigned to a Sears store located in one of the area malls.

The store had set up a Santa Shop area next to their furniture department, and it was decorated with a large chair for Santa, all types of props, and it had a Polaroid camera to make instant photos for those wishing to buy a picture of their child with Santa. There were several of us who played Santa and a number of young ladies who dressed up as elves. These ladies worked the camera and operated the register. The Santa uniform, while uncomfortable and sweaty, was very nice and the beard very realistic. It was quite an ordeal to rush in from my regular job and undergo the transformation from an office worker to the Jolly Old Saint, and I did have to use a pillow for my tummy back in those days. There have been a few times over the years when I wouldn’t have needed one because I could have supplied my own, but that’s another story. Just so you know, I would have to use one today!

Typically, I would work from 6 p.m. to store closing on the weeknights I was scheduled, and on Saturdays, I could work as many as 12 hours. This job might look like loads of fun but I will tell you from actual experience, it can be very, very difficult. The children, of course, were wonderful. And, you can put up with those that cry, and those who spit up on you, or the occasional accident that soils your suit. But, when you are dealing with THE PARENTS, and especially, THE MOMS, there’s little to no hope for any kind of enjoyment.

I want to mention a word about the music. The Jackson Five came out with a Christmas album in 1970 with many standards recorded in their memorable style. The songs were: 1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 2. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town 3. The Christmas Song 4. Up On The House Top 5. Frosty The Snowman 6. The Little Drummer Boy 7. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer 8. Christmas Won't Be The Same This Year 9. Give Love On Christmas Day 10. Someday At Christmas 11. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. But there was only one huge problem: This was the only cassette our Santa Workshop had to play. I challenge anyone to listen to this music evening after evening and for 12 hours on Saturday without going postal! I guess the only thing worse I can think of is if it had been Alvin and the Chipmunks!

People showed up in droves and they were paying $2.50 for a special card with an instant photo of their child with Santa. Okay, we were not a portrait studio. It was a Polaroid camera! Hello? This was something that was obviously lost on many of the mommies who brought their children. They wanted the picture to be perfect which led to retakes, and log jams, and anger on the part of those waiting in line, and stress, and confusion, and chaos. There were times when I thought some of the moms were going to come to blows as they argued about their photos or their position in line. Believe it or not, some showed up to have twenty-five pictures made so they could send them out as Christmas cards. Now I ask you, who would think you might be able to keep a squirming kid posed for even one photo? It’s called insanity!

There were times whenever it got so completely out of hand I had no choice but to announce a timeout for Santa to go and feed his reindeer. (That’s what the sign said when I was on break.) If the children cried which many did, it was Santa’s fault. If the picture was bad, it was Santa’s fault. If the line was too long, it was Santa’s fault, and the list could go on and on and on. The last week before Christmas the store was open until 11 p.m. each night and I often pulled the entire Saturday shift by myself. Yes, we needed the extra money and we even have a photo of our boys taken with me, after we explained how I was only a helper because the real Santa was busy getting all the toys ready for them.

Despite these challenges, there were some moments that still stand out in my mind nearly 35 years later. I think about the little guy who wobbled up to me, trembling, as he brought all his old pacifiers in a bag to show Santa that he was kicking the habit. I remember the sad young ladies who came to make a photo for their boyfriend or husband stationed overseas. Then, there was that look in the eyes of children with disabilities as they had their moment with Santa. One night an entire high school Christmas party crew showed up for photos. Having a football player and his date sit on your lap was not exactly what I had in mind when I signed up for this work. And, THE CHILDREN. Santa is about children. Their innocence and their exuberant joy helped make an otherwise miserable experience one that still causes a warm glow in my heart, and brings a smile to my face. Here’s a final word straight from the old dude himself: "He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!" Have a great day and may God add His blessings to it. Amen.    ……More later."

If you want to be distracted, if not entertained, find on the web some of the complaint boards where folks voice their bad experiences with this franchise. Some of it can be quite humorous.

Good morning and welcome. It is Thursday, December 6, 2018. One of our grandsons works for the Big Box conglomerate in one of their stores. I texted him a photo taken in one of the stores as an advertisement. The caption on the photo read, 'You know this photo is fake because there is a cashier at every register.' The other day I had to visit one of the stores to pick up a few items. As I was rolling my wobbly cart around, (most of them are in need of some repair), I looked up ahead and saw four of the walk-around-find-something-wrong managers. They were standing in one of the main customer access lanes. They were essentially blocking the lane. These are the folks responsible for taking care of customers? At any rate, I will admit that I am not always on my very best behavior so I determined to take my cart and part the managers similar to that Red Sea account given in The Scriptures. My wife wanted to know if I at least said, 'Excuse me.', but, I couldn't remember. I did, however, navigate my way through and guess what? They moved. That's right. They relocated their bodies to a different spot and were no longer blocking the aisle. I heard one of them talking about all the pallets that needed to be unloaded just about the time he was nudged by The Wobbly Cart. When I went to check out, there were only two registers open unless you want to do the self-check-out program. My wife does it. I don't. I always look for the same fellow if I can find him. We have an understanding. Of sorts. He quit asking me if I wanted one of their charge cards and we laugh every time he asks if I found everything I was looking for. After waiting for a few minutes, he checked me out. As I was about to leave, the lady who replenishes the register with cash came up. I asked them both if the cashier strike was still going on. They laughed. I laughed. See? Another productive visit.

We added a new venue to our Santa Enterprise. We took care of it yesterday. It was a private school. The fellow who contacted me was very nice. I actually didn't know what to expect. I began checking it out as best I could and found the flyer above on their Facebook page. Hello? Who knew? It turned out to be 80 beautiful pre-school aged children. Wow! It was a most wonderful visit and we enjoyed being with the kiddos and staff so much. We had plenty of parents, grandparents, and additional siblings as well. I will admit there are certain photos that do capture the spirit of the moment. The one of the little guy in deep conversation with me is one of the hundreds of favorites I have from this season. It speaks volumes about the good stuff we get to do as a result of wearing The Red. It was taken last Monday evening at the Chick-fil-A visit we did in Magnolia, Texas. (And, yes, we knew the mother from when she was a teen in our Church and we knew her parents well. All I can say is that God is good. Amen.)

I never realized how retirement can produce a need to hang the Occupied Sign on the door. But, while I joke about how I've learned the most important words are Yes and Mam, typically spoken very close together, and how it works best if they are said often, thus far, it has been a wonderful change of pace that I am still working through. Some may wonder what in the world I will be doing after I ask for the last time for this season, "And, what would you like for Christmas?" We are planning to take a trip. Just the two of us. Several ideas are out there in the percolating phase. The other day after I had walked at the mall I decided to negate any benefit by indulging in one of those renown cinnamon rolls. (The wife wasn't with me. She was at home sharing with the ladies in their regular Tuesday Bible study.) The good news is they now have a smaller version of the famous huge cinnamon roll. That's the one I purchased. The young lady at the register sounded like she was French. I asked her what coffee they served. She said it was regular coffee or she believed it to be that. I asked her if she knew who the maker of the coffee was. She said she did not have a clue. I said, "Well, it appears they don't tell you anything, do they?" She just shrugged her shoulders. I bought a cup. The best I can say about it is that it was drinkable. I mention this only to say that coffee does become a factor in making our travel plans. I do like to carry my Community with me if at all possible. It saves asking all of those questions. You do know what I am talking about. Right? Enjoy the rest of your day and may God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.

Watch out for the pot holes when you try to retrace your steps walking down Memory Lane.

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday, December 5, 2018. I know that many may get weary in reading about all of my Santa related escapades. If that is the case, you have my permission to skip over any and all of what might be featured in any given episode. I've already confessed that I am much more emotional as I continue to climb the mountains of time and age. The other evening when sitting in the chair at Chick-fil-A with a long line of parents and kids waiting, we had more than one family we knew who came to have photos made with us and their kids. It dawned on me. Her parents had just married when we joined the same Church together. Later, we knew this particular lady when her mom was carrying her in her womb. Now she has a 15-year-old kid, plus three more. We watched her grow up. We saw her become a servant of the Lord God of heaven. I know that if you are The Santa Claus, a claim that has been associated with me, then you are not supposed to tear up when bringing joy to all the girls and boys, but, seeing these kiddos and their kiddos and remembering our bond with their parents over so many years, well, like I said before, I don't know exactly how to handle it. Maybe I could get it out of my system by watching a rerun of 'Old Yeller' or some other sad movie. Or maybe I can just do this. Be ever thankful that after all these years we still have folks that love and respect us. I will say this. Seeing that in action, my friend, is a transcendent blessing and it causes me to thank the Lord God above for His provisions. Amen.

I hear people talking about their most memorable Christmas from their childhood. While I do have a reasonably good memory and recall, I've tried to think about one that really stands out to me. I do remember the time when mom called a meeting of the older kids. It was my older brother Jimmy, my sisters Frances and JoAnn, and yours truly. I may have been 12 or 13 at the time. I felt pretty good about being included. She told us that things were really tight for that particular year and she wanted to ask if the four of us would be willing to not have as much in order to provide a special Christmas for our younger siblings, Donald and Kayla. Everyone immediately agreed. As the build-up to Christmas Day continued, I can remember being very excited, but, in a different way. It wasn't because I contributed any finances to the gifts being purchased, but, I felt a part of the giving spirit. When that early morning came, we were all up early which was the norm in our home. Seeing Donald and Kayla so excited over the gifts left for them made me feel so special. It was a little taste of what giving is all about. One of the interesting quotations in The Scriptures is the one Luke recorded Paul saying in the Book of Acts, Chapter 20, Verse 35, where Paul quotes our Lord, "It is better to give than to receive." (Interesting because that particular saying of our Lord is not recorded anywhere else in The Scriptures.) If I come up with another recollection I will let you know, but, for now, I'll stick with this one and be thankful for it. Amen.

The good news was how I was included with the older ones. The bad news was how I was included with the older ones. The better news was what I learned that particular Christmas season. I don't think anyone would disagree that having a giving heart and a giving filled life would be a better way to journey through this life. However, we all also know, it is not easy to make that a part of who we are. To be defined by our giving spirit mirrors our Savior who came to serve, not to be served. (Matthew 20:28) I hear folks talking today about how they want to live intentionally. This has to do with what motivates our actions each day. I had one slip away from me the other day. I was in the grocery store. I was tracking down the aisles along with a mom and her three boys. She would stop her cart, choose something off the shelf, look it over, read the price, and most of the time she put it back on the shelf. This happened time and time again. The kids were laughing and talking. Mom's demeanor was serious as she tried to determine what they could and could not afford. I had this urging that I could and should pay for their groceries when they checked out. However, they got away from me and because I failed to take action based on this urging, I missed out. My loss. I later talked to the wife and she encouraged me to just do it when I felt led to do so. I do know there will be a next time because there are always those we can help if we are paying attention and if we have intention. Listen. I never said being me was easy, but, thank God, He hasn't given up on me. Or you. Amen. ....More later.

Prevailing notion by many service providers: "The customer is always right, therefore, you must punish them for their arrogance."

Hello everyone and welcome. It's Tuesday, December 4, 2018, and the beat goes on. Or, at least that's what the hit song by Sonny and Cher communicated back in 1967. Some of you might have to look that one up. I am always taken aback in how some service providers deal with their customers. I received an email last week from our internet service provider, (a company with revenues just under $164 billion). It said our billing arrangement will be changing this upcoming January. The notification said that several years ago they had changed to billing for services one month in advance. (You know, billing for something that hasn't been used yet.) The notice went on to say that because of this if anyone canceled their service they would prorate the unused days and issue a refund. The new change being implemented will eliminate the prorate and refund process. Let me see if I've got this right? You get billed in advance for services you have not used yet. If you cancel those services you lose all that you have paid for the unused services. Makes perfect sense. Right? I told the wife it sounds like to me this will be the grounds for another of those class action lawsuits that will be pursued by some legal firm in the Midwest on behalf of all the aggrieved customers. After a few years, it will all be settled. Each customer will get a check for $0.50, or less, and the lawyers will be paid millions for protecting our interests. Is this a great country? Or what?

This past Saturday, we finished our third session of the season in Mindy Harmon's professional photography studio. This is our 7th year to work with Mindy and it has been our great privilege to be a part of her making magic behind the lens of her camera. Mindy has many loyal clients. This means we have been working with many of the same children, including hers, throughout their growing up years. We have never denied that we enjoy the pay we receive for our services. However, for us, it has been and continues to be first and foremost, about relationships. While we add a few events each year, our work has been predominately repeated appearances with people we enjoy working with. Each season, I read so many war stories from professional Santa's who have had nightmare types of experiences in doing this work. My response? And, I mean this sincerely: "Thank You Lord for the way we've been able to work in this endeavor." We do not take it for granted. I cannot leave this recap without again mentioning the great improvement I've experienced in using the cooling vest this season. Amazing difference! Instead of melting down from the inside out with everything from my collar to my beard being wilted after a few hours, with the ice cube-like device strapped to my body, so much better! Thanks again to my boys for going together to purchase that vest for my birthday.

Each time an iconic person passes off the scene, it becomes an opportunity to dig deep into their time here on the planet and into the contributions they have made. Such is the case with the passing of President George H. W. Bush. Let me make clear that we are 'Bush' supporters. Yes. I am aware of all the criticisms of the father and the son. I voted for them back then and would do the same again. While there appears to be an overload of coverage that goes on and on, I believe there is a reason for it. The mainstream media folks are busy grabbing hold of anything they can use to denigrate President Trump. He is a different kind of President. They don't just dislike him, they hate him, period. Therefore, by trumpeting, (no pun intended), the great civility and the great marriage and the great this, that, and the other found in President H. W., well, they believe it will draw a contrast with the current occupant of the Oval Office to the extent they can land a few more blows in their ongoing war. I know what some of you are thinking. Maybe I fall asleep every night listening to reruns of the Rush Limbaugh radio program. That would not be true. I only catch Rush if I happen to be in my truck on the road at the time his show is broadcast. Who am I to come up with such an assessment? I am an American taxpaying citizen and I can see what I see unfolding and come to my own conclusions about it. Yep. That's how sausage is being made here in The Home Office of the View From Here. Just so you know. May God bless each one and may He bless our land. Amen. ....More later.

“Country music is the poetry of the American spirit.” ~ Steve Maraboli, Author

Hello Y'all, (hello, hello), how're things going today? If you didn't pick up on that greeting, it is supposed to be a take-off on the Willie Nelson standard, "Hello Walls". That could indicate my state of mind for today's visit, here on this Monday, December 3, 2018. I could have used another opening but I couldn't really come up with anything from this proverbial country music title, "You Done Tore Out My Heart And Stomped That Sucker Flat." Maybe you could have better luck. I know that one is often used as a way to poke fun at country music but I'm not sure that it is actually in a song. However, the late Buck Owens did have a hit with this one and it had this line, "I've got the hungries for your love, wait'in in your welfare line." Funny song titles include: "Thank God and Greyhound, She's Gone"; "All I Want From You (Is Away)"; "You Can’t Have Your Kate and Edith Too"; "If the Phone Doesn’t Ring, It’s Me"; "Drop Kick Me, Jesus (Through the Goal Post of Life)"; "If My Nose Was Running Money (I’d Blow It All On You)"; "I’ve Got Tears in My Ears From Lying on My Back in Bed While I Cry Over You": "I Don’t Know Whether to Kill Myself or Go Bowling"; "Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)"; "I Bought the Shoes That Just Walked Out on Me"; "If You Won’t Leave Me, I’ll Find Somebody Who Will": "If You Can’t Live Without Me, Why Aren’t You Dead Yet?"; and finally, "This Song Has No Title." All of these are real songs. Most are from the country genre, but, not all of them. Several, believe it or not, were big hits. The fabric of life, it's really something to behold. Right?

I listen to a lot of different music. I really don't have a way to categorize my taste. I get a little confused in trying to decide whether it is eclectic or electric. Just kidding. I most likely listen to more Southern Gospel than anything else, but, on any given day, I might be listening to almost anything. There are some notable exceptions but I'll not mention any of those I never listen to because I'm not here to start an argument just for the sake of having one. The other day I got a big kick out of listening to the John Williams soundtrack from the movie, 'Home Alone'. What caused me to call that up was an ad I saw where the Houston Symphony will be playing these tunes live during a watching of the film. To me, that would be something neat to do. Our schedule wouldn't permit that as a consideration so I called up on the internet the fellow who actually put together the original orchestrations and listened to them again. Over the past several months I've also been watching some YouTube videos of a tremendously talented Jewish Cantor, Azi Schwartz. Don't laugh. Call up some of his music. You might be surprised. I think you get what I am talking about. On any given day.... And, I don't have Alexa or anyone else I can tell to play whatever I want to hear next, but, I do know how to find it if it's somewhere out there in the electronic surfer's paradise called the World Wide Web, (WWW).

Oh yeah, I didn't mention my fancy for Old Time Radio, (OTR). The other day I listened to the Mel Blanc Show from December 1946. It was their Christmas program and it was sponsored by Colgate Tooth Powder. It ran for 23 minutes and 24 seconds. I'm drawn to programs from 1946 since that is my birth year. Mel Blanc, (1908-1989), was one of the greatest voice actors of all time. Here are just a few of the characters he voiced, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, Sylvester, Speedy Gonzales, Yosemite Sam, Foghorn Leghorn, Wile E. Coyote, Barney Rubble, and Dino. You what? You would never sit and listen to a recording of an old radio program? Then, don't do it. Different strokes. There are, by the way, many hundreds of programs preserved and available out on the web for those who might be inclined to listen. My dad passed away when I was seven years old. One of the few flashback images I have of my dad is of him sitting at the little table in the kitchen listening to a baseball game on the radio. He was really into it. Maybe that has something to do with my interest. I can't be sure and since there's no therapist couch nearby, I'll save that analysis for another day. I also think the statute of limitations may have run out on that one. I do hope you have a great rest of the day. We all need the Lord as we make our way forward. Let's seek Him on behalf of each other. Amen. ....More later.