Merry Christmas

Several snowflakes per minute are falling as our music server randomly serves up Amy Grant, Vince Guaraldi, "Christmas Cocktails," Chanticleer, and about 90 other artists. Some songs are downright scary, obviously made because, as an "artist," you have to have a Christmas CD. Others are supremely beautiful. Our newest favorite CD is "Have Yourself A Prairie Christmas" by our dear friends Edd and Theresa. Tremendously gifted people, them.

Yesterday before Monique's niece Sarah came over, we went for a river walk. It was very quiet and peaceful, and it started snowing. Later, with cookies and ornaments made and wrapped, we took Sarah home and had a blast at their party. Kids, lots of presents and lots of good food!

Expectations are fickle critters, especially around Christmas, music, and church. Admittedly mine were not high as we drove to Bethany Lutheran church in Bigfork for their candlelight service (after fifteen years at Immanuel in Seattle with Joan Lundquist as music director, and Kevin's sermons at Advent in Mill creek, I'm spoiled). Last night I was very pleasantly surprised with the sermon and the music, both supplied by pastor Joe Strandjord.

Last Christmas Eve at Immanuel we heard a sermon I can only call dreck. Being at Advent Lutheran for the 11p service felt like taking a shower, and completely underscored, reinforced, and exemplified our reasons for leaving Immanuel.

After the service we came home, opened a present each, and watched the 1951 "A Christmas Carol" with Alistair Sim. In places it veers wildly from the book, but Mr. Sim's Scrooge is my favorite movie version. Overall, and without doubt, Strawberry Theatre Workshop's Fellow Passengers is now on top of my list. I hope they do it again sometime!

It's now snowing for real, Harry Connick Jr. is on, the Jell-O is setting, the turkey is being prepped, and munchies and goodies abound.

Merry Christmas!