well, leave it to kids to remind us of the spirit and wonder of the season. too often, as adults ,we can be so rushed with the responsibility of daily life that the holidays just bring additional "to do" lists and stress. i know pre-stroke i had the gift lists, mailing deadlines, baking activities, card lists, party list - blah, blah,blah. i loved it! by the end of december i was exhausted,happy and looking forward to the new year. :yay: i have found it harder to get into the holiday spirit since my stroke and like many i am dogged by a never ending fatigue, a true discomfort in groups and a burning desire for routine and quiet. so, today my husband was walking our dog in the neighborhood. it was chilly -he had his red flannel shirt and red vest on - i know, is was 63 degrees - but this is florida and it seemed cold! adding to this picture is that barry, my hubby, has a beautiful head of white hair and a beard that nearly matches.. well, he came home from his walk with a big smile. it seems noah, our neighbor's grandson(age 4) had thought barry was santa. noah out playing had spotted barry coming down the block and started jumping up and down yelling "hi santa" hi santa" and ran over to hug barry! later, noah's grand dad came over and told us how thrilled noah was to see santa had a dog. i think this all came about as noah had joined neighborhood children the previous night sitting on blankets, sipping hot chocolate, waiting for santa to drive by in his big red fire engine. every year our local firemen drive through the neighbohoods blaring their sirens with santa waving and throwing candy. :reigndeer: it is big event for safety harbor kids and so noah knew santa was in town! later i sent some magical reindeer food over to noah's grandma so santa's team would have a snack when santa was eating cookies and milk on christmas eve night. so, imagination and a child's belief gave this household a real gift of joy and a wonderful injection of smiles.

otherwise, the week was one of fatigue and trying to deal with it. i had my oral surgery this past monday and found that 7 stiches do not keep me from eating ice cream! lol !! i attended quite a bash with my cyber family and friends on friday! :ChristmasTree: i had no idea what fashion plates i was hanging out with and the food and drink was the best. i never cease to be amazed at the humor and imagination of my friends.

i was productive in that i finally submitted a short story and a few short poems to lin for the feburary newsletter. i also found 26 cents to add to the family coffers. so, ho! ho! ho! wishing you all the joy of the seaon. :santa: kathy

p.s.(magical reindeer food consists of a small amount of oatmeal, a few chocolate chips and some glitter - reindeers love it)