Health Trek Day 51

Today is the first day of winter and we have already had two blizzards, weather below zero and been able to skate on the Pond. The ice rarely is thick enough to skate on this early in the season. A rare treat, but icy cold! I feel bad for the people anxious to see their families that are stuck in airports and train stations. But I guess you just make an adventure out of it and move forward. Think of all the interesting people you could meet. And a great excuse to sing Christmas carols. I miss the caroling we used to do as kids. We would stroll along the snowy sidewalks and pause and sing before our neighbors house. People often brought steaming mugs of hot chocolate to the singers and often joined in as we walked to the next house. Nowadays we'd probably get reported to the police for noise pollution or something. I think maybe this small neighborhood might enjoy the caroling, especially since most of us are seniors on this street, but my kids always look at me as if I was a lunatic if I suggest it and they have no idea what the words to all the old Carols are. I am going to have to start looking for some crazy old bats like me that would like to go out and make fools of themselves. I think I would like to let the temperature go up just a tad first though. Maybe we could write some fourth of July carols and go out singing then!
I hope you are all enjoying your last minute shopping and wrapping and baking and celebrating!
Rock On!

Christmas Poem 2006

The Unexpected Gift
Hope abounds in children's faces
As stockings adorn the chimney places
They wonder what St. Nick will bring
As Shepherds watch and Angels sing
The unexpected makes the season bright
As candles light up a snowy night
What wonder this year will unfold?
That warms the spirit despite the cold.
Perhaps a call from an old friend
Or a card some one will deign to send
Random acts of kindness reign
A break from loneliness and pain
Christmas promotes philanthropy
Makes us the best that we can be
We'll want to be a Tiny Tim
As we hum another Christmas hymn
Anticipation is the key
Not promises from Santa's knee
It's the action that is unforeseen
That brings the meaning to the red and green
As we seek the Shining Star
A journey traversed near and far
For a few special days each year
we follow the path that Christ made clear
If only we could hold this force
We might change the world's whole course
Bringing unexpected joy
to all God's children, girl or boy
What waits for us this Christmas Season
What is our goal, and what our reason
Will we become a Christmas light
And truly make the Season bright?

Judy Patt Hall
Christmas 2006

Health Trek Day 46

We ran out of temperature this morning. It is zero degrees out. A good day to stay inside and cuddle up with a good book. Dream On! I still have lots of preparations for Christmas but my Kindle is tempting me to stay in bed and just read. I have always loved to read and am so glad that I have been able to pass the gift of reading on to my kids and grandkids. I asked my Florida grandkids what they wanted for Christmas and they said a gift card for Borders so they could buy their favorite books. This is a real break through for my grandson who has special needs and reading has always been a challenge for him. He now is reading faster and better and actually enjoys it when he normally wants to spend all his time playing computer games. His parents have insisted that he read every day and they are now seeing the great results. So books are still the best gift you can give. TO give the gift of reading is a very good thing. I hope one day to have one of mine on all your shelves!
I must run and see if I can get through my long list of Christmas chores. Being an elf this time of year is not easy!
Rock On all!

Christmas Poem 2001

Ring the Bells

Bells are ringing in the square
Pure, sweet carols fill the air
Christmas time is surely here
But our hearts are filled with fear
When the Towers crashed and fell,
Life was for some a living Hell
The terrorists were all delighted
But we stood Tall and were United
Everywhere one chanced to roam
Flags appeared at work and home
Families, fragile and so dear
Longed to keep their loved ones near
Our Children sent to parts unknown
Fight a battle all alone
We fight a war we did not choose
A war we know we will not lose
Live must go on to prove to all
That cowards won't make our Nation fall
So Ring the Bells for Honor
Ring the bells for Pride
Ring with all the feelings
That you hold inside
Ring the Bells for Peace
And to keep us all from danger
Ring the Bells for Love
Of the Baby in the Manger

Judy Patt Hall
December 25, 2001