Here's a special for you 'Catters -- Christmas present, so to speak. Every year, end of November, I try to buy at least 1 bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau. There is a special reason, and, if the question ever comes up, you guys will know the straight skinny, right from the horse's mouth. Pay attention.

Once upon a time(trans: 10-20 yrs. ago)I was watching a Boston Pops concert on my local PBS station(KLRU). Out on stage drifted Burgess Meredith, not seeming at the height of his powers -- kinda feebly. As the music started behind him he suddenly lost about 40 or 50 years and gifted us with a song that had a refrain that included the words, "...and a bay-ay-aby boe-joe-lay". It was warm, delightful, funny, and too short. Should it happen that I don't live forever, and the legend of the annual bottle of BN takes off, you guys will know: In memoriam Burgess Meredith, with respect and gratitude for the sharing of his inimitable style and talents.

D'ya figger it'll be as important as the hidden signals in the "12 Days"??? Love and kisses; eat hearty; drive carefully (some of the grandchildren on the road will be mine!); wash behind your ears; brush your teeth regularly; button up your overcoats and put on your mittens; wear your mufflers; etc, etc, und so weiter. Merry whatever.                Tw