Merry Christmas from my family.

I just wanted to get a post out there to wish you all a Merry Christmas. It’s 0300 right now and I’m working on Santa stuff – last minute toys, routing, checking for fuel stops, getting the suits ready, reindeer maintenance (Edzell’s not really a reindeer, but his poor elbows are raw and needed to be treated with steroids,) and assorted paperwork that goes with the business end of things.

I will probably not be posting again until after Christmas, but I’m not sure yet. I do have mobile access from the sleigh so who knows.

I do know that for the first time in 18 years I will be able to spend Christmas with my mother. My parents moved out of state years ago and due to personal and Santa obligations I couldn’t get there for Christmas. Last night, for the first time ever, she got to see me in my full garb as Santa. I loved her comment: “You look so real.” And this from the woman who gave me birth.

I am proud to share two pictures with you that I know I will cherish for the rest of my life. As you will quickly discern I’m a bit bigger than my mom. My dad was only 4 inches taller than her. I suspect the stork got the wrong address and dropped me out of frustration with hauling my big carcass around.

I wish you all love and joy this Christmas. Be kind to each other. Let petty differences go to the side. Don’t fight. Don’t get all liquored up and badger each other. And most of all, remember who’s birthday it is and why we celebrate this day.

Mom on my knee.

Just a bit of size difference.

Christmas video dump.

Good ones today. None of my usual dreck. These all have a message and a story worth reading about. So, enjoy the tune, Google the story. And say a prayer – the new girl comes to live with us today.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Oh, Holy Night.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Go Tell It On The Mountain .

7 hours and counting

My new girl arrives in 7 hours. And I have an update on Ed.

After Maisie died I finally got my act together and got a ramp built for the back steps so that Ed could get up them with fewer problems.

Good so far. Problem is he doesn’t like the ramp. He’s not afraid of it, but it’s just not on his agenda yet. Fact is he now has about 2/3 of his former “screwing around” room on the stairs. And with that area reduced, and his ability to fret and dither diminished, he’s suddenly remembered how to climb the steps without being coaxed, escorted, dragged, or nagged.

I wish I’d just given him the $255 I spent on the ramp and let him blow it on dog treats.

Maybe Stormy will like it.

Sigh.

7 hours.

Simple post today.

I’m just missing my girl this morning. She has been gone less than a month yet it feels like forever. Both my dogs played a role in a children’s book I’m working on with an artist friend. (Yeah, terrorist novels and childrens books… I’m really diverse or completely nutty.) The truth is, Maisie was the star of the book. Santa and Edzell just happened to be along for the ride. As it often was in our lives together.

This drawing is just one of many that she has produced thus far. Incredibly talented young lady by the name of Lauren Mattson. I just wanted to share this one with you, because it reflects my heart at this moment.

My favorite frame from the book thus far.