For Eskie: Yes, I agree, I think the raging, massive storm that's affecting so many people has opened people's eyes to the fact that we're all in the same boat, figuratively speaking. These kinds of situations (hopefully) make one focus on what's really important!

Last night, we stopped by our local grocers to pick up a few last-minute things, and people were very kind to one another (even more so than usual), and wishing one another a Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays, even our obviously Muslim cashier. It was eye-opening, and a dazzling reminder of how much more often, and how easily, we should be like this: seeing one another, and thinking kindly of other people.

I love the story of your neighbor lending you a car, *Beth*. It's been said that often, the most generous people are those who have known poverty, deprivation, and hunger. I hope you had a great dinner!

Right now, the wind is howling. It's making the rafters creak and groan. We can't see out of any of our windows; blizzards tend to clog up screens, and cover glass in sticky veils of snow. This has shifted our priorities a bit...we're discussing contingency plans. Christmas is kind of taking a back seat, right now.

Hoping everyone is safe and warm....