Life in America: I went to Wal-Mart last night to try to buy 19 $50 gift cards and was lucky to escape. The banks and credit card companies declined my credit card because gift cards all over the country are being used to launder money from drug dealers and scammers.

It’s not a great big deal to me, but I found it sad there is so much suspicion surrounding the holidays.

I retreated and went to my bank this morning, and got 19 $50 bills without any trouble. The cash might even be better, in a way, the aides can do whatever they want with the money.

Several say they will use it for Christmas gifts.

We are also putting together a Christmas Amazon Aides Wish List for the children and families of the Mansion aides. Nobody on the staff makes a lot of money, and many are under some pressure. They do wonderful work, day in and out.

I’ve asked the aides without children also to put a Christmas gift they’d like to give to someone on the list. I think the list will be finished this week.

This morning, I’m heading to Bishop Maginn High School with Zinnia, we are both being interviewed by a reporter from a local newspaper, and I’m teaching my writing workshop.

Zinnia had a spectacular debut for her therapy work at the Mansion yesterday, today I brought her to my bank at the request of the tellers – I’m a popular man this week in town – and I got to work with her there. She is friendly and understandably gets excited when people make a fuss over here.

I want her to get used to that. Thanks for supporting the program to help the Mansion aides and staff at Christmas. This will make a huge difference to them, and I can’t think of anything more in line with the Christmas spirit.

Later.