Winter Solstice 2008

Granddaughter Jessie and unknown companion.

Christmas time and we find ourselves anticipating all of the wonderful promises of the season. The packages are wrapped, and the food is purchased. Family is traveling and I find I can hardly wait to see everyone. I have stayed in my elf this year and Gail has done very well to keep good humor. Barkley watches it all unfold and takes it in. He knows there is something about "Better be good..." He has unwrapped one present as Gail was wrapping it. He likes to look at the tree but he does not take things off it.

Gail says this year's tree is the best we have ever had. I thought the same until B and I took our walk today. (I skied and he walked) A quarter of a mile behind our house there it was. One of Santa's elves had decorated this tree and it stood there so proud and strong. I wonder what the animals who walk there think, and of course I am curious who would do such a loving and selfless thing.

Gail and I find the gifts that we have this year are the gifts of new friendships, a very precious dog soul that has been placed in our care, and the circle of life. We wait with anticipation for Christmas and the new year.

The tree in the woods.