2006, here we come!

We spent an enjoyable evening at Tom and Sherry's ringing in the New Year with family and friends. For entertainment we had the youngest family members - Rachael and Caleb - and the Giants game on the TV. The Giants won the game and the NFC East title and the kids were just plain cute! There was good food (has there ever been a family gathering without good food???) (Kyle, those chocolate pretzel treats were deee-licious!) and lots of good conversation - interspersed with much yelling at the TV screen! Some of us didn't make it till the ball dropped (been there, done that), but the rest of us welcomed 2006 with hugs and kisses all around. All in all a good time!

"A Morning Wish". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W.R. Hunt

"The sun is just rising on the morning of another day, the first day of the new year. What can I wish that this day, that this year, may bring to me?

Nothing that shall make the world of others poorer, nothing at the expense of others; but just those few things which in their coming do not stop with me but touch me rather, as they pass and gather strength:

• A few friends who understand me, and yet remain my friends.
• A work to do which has real value without which the world would feel the poorer.
• A return for such work small enough not to tax unduly anyone who pays.
• A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed.
• An understanding heart.
• A sight of the eternal hills and unbelting sea, and of something beautiful the individual hand has made.
• A sense of humor and the power to laugh.
• A little leisure with nothing to do.
• A few moments of quiet, silent meditation. The sense of the presence of God.
• And the patience to wait for the coming of these things, with the wisdom to know them when they come."

Guide words: An Anthology of Inspiration and Humor, p. 13