Ann

Heidi, I'm saying prayers!

Oh Anais...I can't believe a year has passed since you lost your dear mother. I know how hard that was for you. Please know that I think about you often and wonder how you're doing. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

Donna, I have often thought the same thing. I would love having some of you great folks for neighbors! Thanks for saying what I've been thinking. How have you been doing? I know this time of year will be rough for you withour your dear brother, Mark. Just remember that thee are lots of us that think of you and care!

Yes, Linda, I do remember you and am so glad to see your post. I know this will be a tough Christmas without your father. Thank you so very much for suggesting this book. I'll definitely pick it up. I try and read anything of this nature that I can get my hands on. Please keep in touch with us. We miss you!

I'm going to be making Kasey's taters for my Christmas dinner! I can't wait! I love the fact that you can make 'em up ahead and then just heat 'em up!

That house looks great, Katie! I love gingerbread but have never attempted to make a house, as I know mine would collapse!

I don’t know why, but then again, perhaps I do…. We find ourselves thinking wistfully of days gone by. We find ourselves going back in time and remembering the ways that holidays used to be celebrated. We think about the simple things that brought us pleasure. We think about the innocence of our youth . We think about the paths our lives have traveled. Some bumpy, some smooth. We think of the instances of unexpected pleasures...the sound of laughter, a walk in the rain, a smile, a glance, a certain scent, the wag of a tail, a welcoming bark. We think of the disappointments we have had to bear. We think of the treasures we have experienced. And we think of those that are no longer here to look backward with us. But Today is here with countless possibilities And Tomorrow will come and the sun will shine bright. We long for the Past. We live in the Present. And we plan for the Future. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. With Love, Ann

Letter To Dad (Added: 15-Dec-2005 Rating: 5.38 Votes: 13 ) A father passing by his son's bedroom was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an envelope propped up prominently on the center of the bed. It was addressed, DAD With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands: Dear Dad, It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you. I've been finding real passion with Joan and she is so nice-even with all her piercing, tattoos, and her tight Motorcycle clothes. But it's not only the passion dad, she's pregnant and Joan said that we will be very happy. Don't worry Dad, I'm 15 years old now and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I'm sure we'll be back to visit so you can get to know your grandchildren. Your loving son, Jon PS - Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Tyler's house. My report card is in my desk drawer. Just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life. Call me when it's safe to come home .

Jackie...I love it! You make me want to run right out and buy a red hat and a purple dress!!! And....stop at Sam's and eat lots of samples on the way! You go Jackie!!!

Denise, I did tape the show and would be happy to send it to you. Just give me a few days so things aren't so hectic. I know how hard these last things are. I know your mom will cherish this gift from your father. (((((((((((((Denise))))))))))))))

I love the smells of Christmas. Cookies baking, fresh trees, peppermint candy...just to name a few. I love the sparkle in the eyes of children as they eagerly await Santa Claus. I love the people that still remember and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. I love families and togetherness and big dinners. I love remembering the wonderful Christmas times I shared with Dennis. And...every day I love getting a big, wet, sloppy kiss from my dogs and a gentle rub from my cats. They really make me happy! And last...but not least...you guys make me happy!!!

Share with us a few things that make you happy at this time of year....or anytime.

Ginny...I just read this in the paper and thought I would share. The winter soltice occurs when the northern hemisphere is tilted the farthest away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. National Geographic

Ginny, what beautiful and thoughtful messages you always post. I pray that all your wishes come true for each of these members.

Prayers for Nancy. May your treatment go smoothly and all the results be positive!

Add me to that hug circle. I pray that each of us can cling to special memories and happy times to get us through this season. I am here for all of you, as I know you are for me! God bless everyone that is strugglingg right now!

Brian...I'm still thinking of Joanie and saying lots of prayers. Thanks so much for keeping us up to date on that great gal of yours!

Click on the link....volume up. http://www.flashfunpages.com/couple.swf

Teen Poverty in America We just spent several hours observing teenagers hanging out at our local mall. We came to the conclusion many teenagers in America today are living in poverty. Most young men We observed didn't even own a belt; there was not one among the whole group. But that wasn't the sad part. Many were wearing their daddy's jeans. Some jeans were so big and baggy they hung low on their hips, exposing their underwear. I know some must have been ashamed their daddy was short, because his jeans hardly went below their knees. They weren't even their daddies' good jeans, for most had holes ripped in the knees and a dirty look to them. It grieved us, in a modern, affluent society like America, there are those who can't afford a decent pair of jeans. I was thinking about asking my church to start a jeans drive for "poor kids at the mall." Then on Christmas Eve, we could go Christmas caroling and distribute jeans to these poor teenagers. But here is the saddest part...it was the girls they were hanging out with that disturbed us most. Never, in all of our lives, have we seen such poverty-stricken girls. These girls had the opposite problem of the guys. They all had to wear their little sister's clothes. Their jeans were about 5 sizes too small! I don't know how they could get them on, let alone button them up. Their jeans barely went over their hipbones. Most also had on their little sister's top; it hardly covered their midsections. Oh, they were trying to hold their heads up with pride, but it was a sad sight to see these almost grown women wearing children's clothes. However, it was their underwear that bothered us most. They, like the boys, because of the improper fitting of their clothes, they had their underwear exposed. We had never seen anything like it. It looked like their underwear was only held together by a single piece of string. We know it saddens your heart to receive this report on condition of our American teenagers. While we go to bed every night with a closets full of clothes nearby, there are millions of "mall girls" who barely have enough material to keep it together. We think their "poorness" is why these 2 groups gather at the mall; boys with their short daddies' ripped jeans, and girls wearing their younger sisters' clothes. The mall is one place where they can find acceptance. So, next time you are at the mall, doing your shopping , and you pass by some of these poor teenagers, would you say a prayer for them? And one more thing . Will you pray the guys' pants won't fall down, and the girls' strings won't break? We thank you all, Two Concerned Grandmothers

Subject: OT Office party ( politically correct) FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 4th November 2005 RE: Christmas Party I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar with plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols, so please feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if the MD shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1.00p.m.. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over £10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! The MD will make a special announcement at the Party. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Pauline ************** FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 5th November 2005 RE: Holiday Party In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognise that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on, we're calling it our 'Holiday Party'. The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians. There will be no Christmas tree and no Christmas carols will be sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment. Happy now? Happy Holidays to you and your family! Pauline. ***************** FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 6th November 2005 RE: Holiday Party Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table, you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you won't be anonymous anymore!!!! How am I supposed to handle this? Forget about the gift exchange. No gift exchange is allowed now, since the Union Officials feel that £10.00 is too much money and Management believe £10.00 is a little cheap. REPEAT: NO GIFT EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED. Pauline. ************************ FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 7th November 2005 RE: Holiday Party What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate the n beliefs of our Muslim employees'. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party - or else package everything up for you to take home in a little foil doggy bag. Will that work? Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the toilets. Gays are allowed to sit with each other. **** do not have to sit with gay men; each group will have its own table. Yes, there will be flower arrangements for the gay men's table too. To the person asking permission to cross dress - no cross-dressing allowed. We will have booster seats for short people. Low fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food. We suggest that those people with high blood pressure taste the food first. There will be fresh fruits as dessert for Diabetics but the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" desserts. Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?!?!? Pauline. ************************* FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: All *** Employees DATE: 8 November 2005 RE: The **** Holiday Party Vegetarian xx#### - I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "Grill of Death", as you so quaintly put it. You'll get your ***## salad bar, including organic tomatoes. But you know tomatoes have feelings too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing the scream right NOW!! I hope you all have a rotten holiday, drink drive and die. The witch from HELL!!!!!!! ****************************** FROM: John Bishop - Acting Human Resources Director DATE: 9th November 2005 RE: Pauline Lewis and Holiday Party I'm sure that I speak for all of us in wishing Pauline Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her in hospital. In the meantime, the Management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and, instead, give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd December off with full pay.

Is underwater sea life xxxographic? My son has a 120 gallon tank. Had no idea all that vulgarity was hanging out at his house.

Underwater ???

So very glad to hear that Gary is up and running and feeling much better!!! Hope things continue to look up! This is just the type of news we need to get this time of year!

Cindi...think it could be either!!! Hear, hear....here, here! In other words, perk up your ears and listen to my words....right here...right now!!!

I'm so glad you are going to be watching this, Melinda. Now I'll have someone to talk to about it, afterwards. It sounds really interesting and I like the fact that so very many views are going to be taken into consideration. I'll be thinking of you at 9:00.