After Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath this week, and the repercussions that are already reverberating through the US, the lyrics of the old song are truer than ever: "We need a little Christmas now!"

Heck, by Christmas I could send $15 worth of gasoline in a thimble, and it wouldn't cost much postage at all! (...well, it all depends on the weight of the thimble...)

I haven't participated in the Mudcat Secret Santa in a year or two, but this year, count me in! It'll be a very welcome bit of fun. PM on the way.

Sharon