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First off, it’s the Christmas season. 

Which means I start off with a different premise.  This is about a gift given to us before stores had UPC codes and sales tax.  Before black Friday or Boxing Day became consumer holiday madness.  Prior to wrapping paper — more related to swaddling clothes and babies.

Yesterday we visited a new born baby and his parents.  Kale was born on December 28th and stretches over 23 inches!  Hard to imagine a savior that came to earth 2000 years ago that could almost fit into your hand.  No wonder any self respecting philosopher struggles with the flesh and blood of the incarnation of God.

We also visited with my father on his ninetieth birthday (or as my brother so lovingly says — “you’ve entered your tenth decade”).  When we sang happy birthday, and added “and many more”, dad’s reaction was “not too many more!”  There is a place for living here and now, and there is a place for living ready for eternity.  The older we become the more we move towards a new place and a new desire to shed this body and receive a new body.

One final observation.  The snow started to really fall today, pushed by increasing winds.  Blizzard conditions for almost an hour or so.  Then the sky cleared and the expected snow day disappeared.  But, just wait an hour or so, and the wind returns and snow falls.  I’m not much of a forecaster, and the more I encounter the weather the more I’m willing to be an observer and leave the forecasting to more adventurous souls (a compliment to my father who served as a weather forecaster for 25 years).

Well, the 90th birthday is actually here. December 29, 1918 my father was born. The war was just done and another on the way – just in time for my father to be eligible for service (he chose to be a conscientious objector and worked around Waskesiu, Saskatchewan for his “war service”).

Our trip here came through snow and wind. Around a place called Cadillac the worst of the storm appeared. We followed the yellow line (better than a yellow brick road) – sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other. I caught the silhouette of a deer at one point just to my left. And then the road seemed to clear with snow rushing across the tarmac leaving the blackness of the road to contrast the white snow shining in the headlights.

Total time to arrive? From 3:38 in the afternoon (following a church service at our local seniors manor) ’til 7:59. Then evening tea and talk.

Now today we will celebrate with three of us mom and dad, siblings, children, spouses and whoever else may wish to pop in!!

So, I missed days 3 and 4!

Actually didn’t miss them at all!  We were in Prince Albert at our daughter’s place for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.  A great meal, with in-law relatives in abundance.  Gift opening with fun included.  Cleaning the stacks so the toilet flushes well (OK, so every holiday includes those “down to earth” times).

We’re back now, but looking forward to a quick trip down to LaFleche to visit my parents and two of my siblings (with Nadia’s kids included).  The occasion?  My dad’s actual 9oth birthday is on the 29th!

Merry Christmas  to all, and to all a gracious New Year.

Time off with leisure in mind.  Delivered some goodies to staff and elders at the church.  Watched some movies.  Leisurely worked with my wife around the house.  Entertained a guest from Calgary.  Ate meatloaf, sweet potatoe and cauliflower smothered in cheese.  Not a bad day!!