Connie wanted me to see the yarn – this just came in the last day or so – that she has been receiving from some of you at the Mansion. She has already made six mittens for residents and staffs, and hopes to make more, along with some scarves. While we were talking, Julie Smith came in and said another box of yarn had arrived.

Your generosity is remarkable and uplifting, not only to the residents and staff of the Mansion, but to me and everyone else who reads the blog as well. I don’t usually pass out blessings, I’m not a priest, but bless you all for making Christmas so real and reminding us that people are good, when given the chance. This is the real news, even though you will never seen it on television.

The yarn is in a beautiful ring around Connie’s chair, she is excited and grateful to have this good work to do with so many beautiful materials. She says this really gives her purpose and pleasure. I can see that it does. She wanted to make sure that Red slept in the house, and not in a barn. I said he has beautiful dog beds, one in the bedroom, one by the wood stove. He has a good life.