December 25, 2008 – Merry Christmas from Bedlam Farm. I am going to a special Christmas service at the United Presbyterian Church, run my friend the pastor Steve McLean. Winston is still hanging on. I am looking for joy, peace and human connection today, all day. I am putting troubles, fears, worries and struggles aside. Life is a gift, not to be wasted or trivialized by lack of perspective, loss of hope or faith.
  I am fortunate, lucky, blessed, and intend to make the most of the opportunities I have. Much of life is not controllable, but my feelings about life are up to me, and I am absolutely determined to use my time well and meaningfully. I am looking forward to today. Every day is a choice, about how to live, how to feel.
 Christmas for me is about the good things in life, the gifts. I will be making dinner for those I love, visiting with the animals, walking the dogs, taking photos, blogging, reveling in peace and hope. I am going to visit my friend Warren, who is spending his first Christmas in more than 60 years without his beloved Helen. Warren is an inspiration, a man who knows how to hang on to the good memories and treasure so life. He reminds me, along with many other things,  that life is good.