Blackcatter: Jeez, how did I miss your SS's post (with big, bold letters)? Sorry; I'll wake up soon. I'm glad to see your SS is alive, if not very talkative!

Your message about family celebrations is well taken; although my family's get-togethers can be more lukewarm than warm, they still provide a necessary connection. On the other hand, holiday gatherings certainly do not need to be restricted to get-togethers that exclude non-family members. I think that we, in the US especially, should do more visiting with friends, and truly welcoming them into our celebrations without making them feel awkward or out of place. Of course, we "invited friends" have a responsibility, too: to accept hospitality, and to get into the spirit of our host's festivities (in other words, enjoy ourselves!).

Jeri: I was hoping you knew the answer to my trivia question... 'cause I don't either! Anybody else out there know? (The question was: In the movie "It's a Wonderful Life", what was Mary Bailey's maiden name?)

To my Secret Santa: Ooh, yeah, bring on the rubber gloves! Then I'll be able to open my mail with confidence! ;^) In fact, I think I feel a song coming on...

(To the tune of "Rubber Ducky" from Sesame Street)

Rubber glovey, you're the one
You make work time so much fun
Rubber glovey, I'm aw-ful-ly fond of yooooou...

Rubber glovey, boy oh boy!
When I rub a dish with Joy*,
Rubber glovey, you're my fingers' best friend, it's true!

Oh, ev'ry day when I
Make my way to the sink-y
I find a little fella who's
Either yella or pink-y
(rink-a-dink-a-dinky!)

Rubber glovey, I'll be cry'n'
Till my Santa makes you mine!
Rubber glovey I'd like to put on, luv –
Rubber glovey, I'm aw-ful-ly fond of you!

(*Joy=brand of dishwashing detergent)


Wheeeee, I can hardly wait till Christmas!!!
Sharon