I am getting into the Christmas spirit. Are you? My collection of Santas sit on the mantle over the fireplace. Lights hang from the iron railing of our porch. They have been repaired and increased in number, so that they brighten the night and welcome visitors and friends. I am going to have a small tree this year, even though it sheds. I shopped today, in the category of impersonal and necessary items. I bought my husband, Eben, a toaster oven to replace our very, very, very ancient one, and a cone-shaped dust buster for me to remove dead lady bugs on the inside window sills of every room, and some socks for me in red and pink and blue. Have you seen the clock weather stations? I got those for all my kids. Before I step outside in winter, I like to know how cold it is. Doesn’t everyone? And these clocks from SAMS were $20 each, about ten inches square, and easy to read.

One reason the holiday is so special this year is that my daughter, Paula, has settled into her new home here on our property and is very much a part of our lives. Paula worked in the field of TV for 25 years, in all aspects of it other than as an Anchorperson.

Last year, she filmed a beautiful short holiday DVD of our house and land in the snow. Our dogs were romping, and she captured a bird on a branch in a tree. She added music. It is quite wonderful! Paula taught me how to use my computer program and fixed every problem I ever had, and I have had many, believe me. (Ever lose what you’re working on and you sit there looking at the blank screen? She can retrieve it). Bless my daughter’s infinite patience and kindness. She also has a soft voice and is a major reason I finally got these hearing aides.

They are lightweight. The section inside my ear is not molded but is a plastic tube with a special tip on it. After getting them, I went to the cafeteria for lunch and almost ran away. Was there always such a racket, and I mean racket, things banging, clanging, and knocking, people with too loud voices, and very loud music? I thought of the saying, ignorance is bliss, and thought that, not hearing can be bliss. I am sure that any of you with hearing aides experienced the shock of sound—too much of it—the first days. I had no idea the keys on this keyboard make such a clatter or the dog’s toenails were so noisy on a wood floor. Now, let’s see how I fare watching TV or rented movies. I’ve been watching them by reading sub titles. Yes, It’s been a while and I know my hearing has gotten worse and worse. Well. Now we shall see, and I will report on my adjustment.

Pat Griggs is our third prize photo contest winner. Her photo was chosen by the judges for its uniqueness and creativity. Pat shot it at a battlefield reenactment, in silhouette, against a field of corn. Pat will receive a copy of my Virgin Island novel, Belonging.

I want to thank each and every one of you who sent in photos. There are many fine photos, and it was not easy for the judges to decide.

email: jmedlicott@mindspring.com

web: http://www.joanmedlicott.com