Merry Christ Mass

(It’s a record – a record I am not crazy about.  This is easily the longest period of time of not writing s since I began blogging back in June, 2003.  In 4 ½ years, I have never gone this long between posts.  Even while living in Việt Nam, I usually posted twice each week.

The Gentle Reader may ask “Why haven’t you blogged lately, Doug?”, though most likely Gentle Reader doesn’t really care.  But, since its my blog, I’ll answer the rhetorical question anyway.

When the Mystery Guest Blogger and I got back from Việt Nam in November, I went to work part-time for a newspaper.  It’s the same paper where I’ve been freelancing, but now I’m also working in the production of the paper and a seasonal publication called The Winter Texas Times.  Since it takes me about 5 hours to shoot and process the photographs of a sports event, and I do two or three of those each week, plus I work 15-20 hours each week, as well as  visiting my mother almost every day, the days are busy.  Of course, I used to work 40 hours (or more) a week, and have time for hobbies and writing, but that was before I started getting Social Security.

So - - there are my excuses and I am sticking with them.)

Every one likes to talk and write about the spirit of giving during the Christmas season.  Like most other newspapers, mine has been running stories along those lines. I think it’s a good thing – I just wish the same feeling pervaded during the rest of the year.  I guess we feel that way, eh?

There was one family whose mobile home burned down in November.  A nearby Catholic church found out about it.  The youth director of  the church called on some folks who work in the construction industry – the same folks who work with teenagers during the summer on The Mission Service Project to help seniors and poor folks fix up their houses.  The photo ran in the paper along with a plea that folks chip in with some construction materials.  I’ve been thinking that I need to go back out to the site and see how the new house is coming along.

(As always, be sure to click on each photo – you’ll see a full sized version if you do.)

I enjoyed the Lighting of the Christmas Tree for the City of Mission.  It really was a family affair – lots of kids.  Santa was there, but every time I tried to get a shot of him with the kids, the Mayor put himself in the scene too – and I just didn’t want a politician in my Christmas pix.  But – I came up on this by accident.  I was walking around, watching the kids with candy and new toys when I saw a little girl break away from her Mom.  Nobody told her to do this – she just did it.  This kid knows what Christmas is about, eh?

Today, I went out with a group of folks from the local Lions Club.  Yeah – they had fun.  They joked as much as they worked, but work they did.  I followed two of them around as they went to drop off groceries to families in need.  This Mom’s husband used to bring home the bacon, but is disabled now.  She has her hands full with little ones, so three bags of food were much appreciated.

So – how’s your Christmas going?

Comments

[Thao Hien]

Merry Christmas! I hope that Christmas fills your heart with happiness and love! You both keep in my thoughts these days.

[Russ]

23 down, 1 to go. But seriously folks, it's been a nice holiday season with just enough snow to really get you in the spirit. I know the ski resorts are happy. A very blessed Merry Christmas to you and your bride. We love you guys.

[MLW]

A very Merry and Blessed Christmas to you and the Mystery Guest Blogger. See you soon.

[Miss Kitty]

Merry Christmas, Doug & family! Hope you and the MGB have a peaceful, joyous Christmas, and a wonderful 2008.