Random Comments

[Elaine]

someone needs to turn on the heater.  i need to find something to do today.  maybe i will make prank calls, thats a good inside activity

[me]

Ain't near as safe now with caller ID and all though.....

[Elaine]

okay, new plan then.  it is so hard to find inside activities now!  guess i will go do laundry then

[me]

okay, new plan then.  it is so hard to find inside activities now!  guess i will go do laundry then

That might be a little bit safer.   

[Palehorse]

Why not do what our state's congressional, and city leadership do with our finances? Play Jenga!

http://www.boardgames.com/jenga.html

[Sandy Eggo]

It does make ya wonder.

[me]

Just noticed the temp out and seems to me like last time we had temps like this in Dec we had a blizzard in Jan..... 

[Palehorse]

It's warm enough to get the steel horse out for a trot. In fact, I am thinking of doing just that!  (I got some more shopping to do for small items). . . 

[pariann]

I was just sitting out on my front porch for a bit. Actually feels pretty nice out considering the chill we've had over the last few days.

[Palehorse]

I was just sitting out on my front porch for a bit. Actually feels pretty nice out considering the chill we've had over the last few days.

Go out there and sit now! 

[pariann]

You know...if I wasn't at my own home...and I wanted to smoke a cig....I would have to...and I would. 

[me]

I knew we should have done our runnin' Monday.....I don't want to go out.......

[Palehorse]

Me neither. . . but I have to I suppose. 

[me]

It really wasn't bad out since the sun was out and there's no wind. 

[Palehorse]

Well I got sheared and did a bit of the shopping I have left to do. The rest I am putting off until tomorrow to combine tasks; since I have to go to Muncie tomorrow I can do that. . .

While I was in the barber-shop, there were 4 U.S. Army Sgt's in the shop. I listened to their banter as they took turns getting into the chair. Whenever the barber turned the topic to family and the holidays, one or more of them would make a short answer and turn the subject toward something else.

Before long the barber just came right out and asked them why they didn't seem to want to talk about the holidays and family. One spoke up and said that all 4 of them are from other states and cannot get home to their families until after the New Year because of their work. . .

As I sat in the chair I reflected on the many times I had found myself in the same situation throughout my years, and how my own son had spent several holiday seasons in a foreign country within an active theater of operations. I remember how depressed it would make me to think about what and who I was missing, and so I did what these guys were doing and just not think about it.  I recall my son telling me he dealt with it similarly. . .

By the time the barber got finished with me, the 3rd guy was also getting out of the chair. I walked up to him and thanked him for his service to our country, shook his hand, and wished him a merry Christmas; then did the same with the other 3. We talked for a bit about their work and what brought them to Anderson, and eventually I got around to asking them what they had planned for the holiday next week. . .

Each year on Christmas Day evening, my wife and I cook a special dinner for our close friends and family members who can make it. This year my son and his new wife are attending. It is always a special time for my wife and I, and this year we have a really big ham to cook.

I fished around in my coat for a pen and some paper. I wrote down my name, address, and phone number on 4 pieces of paper and handed them to these four men in uniform. I told them that if they had no other plans and could find their way to that address, that my family and friends would be honored to have them come to our home for a dinner of baked Ham and all the trimmings, and spend some time with us doing the usual holiday stuff, games, carols, adult beverages, and maybe even a movie or something.

One of them asked me with his eyes welling up, "Why would you do this? You don't even know us."

I told him about the years my own son spent in similar situations and told him that he would be here this year too, and that I am sure my son would be more than pleased to see them there. Then I told them all, You guys don't know me either, yet you put on that uniform and you risk your lives to defend the rights of everyone. That's enough for me, my family, and friends. You guys are welcome in our home and we would be honored to have you if you will come. It is the least we can do for you.

I hope they come!