A rapid approach

Christmas is coming to us very quickly, it seems. Already, not withstanding having had black Friday, and sales ads galore, the local holiday parade happens this afternoon, Santa arrives at the end of it, and things are officially under way. Maybe the good part is taking the spot light off of everyones gloom over the economy, jobs, (or lack thereof,) housing, etc. The news today of 1 in 10 mortgages being in trouble is enough to mess up most anyone's holiday plans.

We try to keep our emphasis on the reason for having Christmas in the first place, celebrating the birth of God's son, Jesus, as God's magnificent gift to us, and not worrying about trying to spend all of next years spendable cash, just to make a large pile of gifts under the tree for Christmas morning. Actually, with no small children to deal with in the family, the adult population has decided to forego most exchanges, or at least keep them to a minimum, since total non-gifting is hardly possible. The new theory is, buy yourself whatever it is that you want, (and can afford,) wrap it for yourself and put it under the tree, if it fits, and then act surprised when you open it! Takes quite an actor to make this happen. Of course, there are sometimes 'gag' gifts show up in this family. Last year there was a rather heavy package under the tree at the last minute, with my name on it. It turned out to be pickled pig's jowls, a delicacy Pat found up in the back woods area of GA that he lives in! Seems I made too much of a fuss about finding packaged chicken feet, in a store up there. Anyhow, the jar was being stored, waiting for 'regifting', and fell from the kitchen cabinet and broke a couple of months ago, and the whole household felt so bad about it. If it was going to come to you, please accept our condolences. We will try not to let it happen again.

My blogger son in Utah, confirms that he has selected his personal Christmas gift, has it in layaway, and is well prepared. I have to say that mine has been selected as well, several weeks ago, but has been residing at home since the selection. It has been amazing, the increase in traffic at gun shows/shops since Obama won the election. If he thinks people are not listening to his speeches, he had better be careful about what he says. Local gun shops have been overwhelmed at the number of people looking, and buying, tight money or not. Nothing like being prepared, and locally, ready to protect yourself as needed.

I was watching TV last Monday, and heard a helo circling close by. Not sure if it was the Sherrif's, or Traumahawk, I stepped out the front door, to see the police spotlight being beamed down just a few blocks away, and patrol cars with flashing lights close by that area. As I was looking, I heard 5 very quick shots fired, and shortly thereafter, the helo left the scene. Seems a car thief had made a sudden move toward his pants/waist, while being ordered to exit the vehicle, and it was the last move he made. Nothing beats being very cooperative with law enforcement, if you wish to make it a pleasant experience. He had enough of a criminal history that he evidently had not figured that fact of life out, but he now has made his final mistake.

Life is exciting, isn't it?