...I believe in order to see our future we must revisit our past. When I started this weblog, with the help of C, I wasn't sure what I was going to encounter. I'm a very private person.... but I have made some wonderful blog friends from Leaves of Grass from Brazil to Like Grandma from Argentina...leaving comments, but also making some personal connections through private e-mail. Also, I joined Postcrossing Just received one from Ireland! ..This Christmas is a time of reflection... a time of honoring our ONE Earth...regardless of religious, political views.
I have to make a special tribute to our service men and woman...ours and our neighbors service people! I beg for people to realize the good these folks are doing...aside from 'war' there is so many positive things happening..yet it never shows up on the news.Try News Stand! Our people keep out waterways and air safe for other countries not only our own...make countless rescues in the middle of oceans, countless drug seizures...imagine what that 10 METRIC TONS would have done if this wouldn't have happened!Way to go USS Gettysburg! So I cringe when I here : Bring our Service people home.... I would say...please don't! There is so much GOOD going on out there...beyond the news! please remain positive about the good that the services do- and if this doesn't bring a smile to your face- NORAD SUPPORT!!!...well then, you can't be helped!!
Last Christmas my husband was gone (hasn't been the first)- next Christmas will bring a scheduled deployment (won't be the last). So we celebrate the time NOW! We wouldn't have it any other way! So Christmas eve, I will be so thankful for every Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Air Force, and Coast Guard...that must be away from their family...we understand.
...and to leave you with something perhaps only a salty Chief would understand...
Chiefs Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, compartments were still, the sailors were sleeping, as most sailors will.
The ditty bags hung by the lockers with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The men/women were all peacefully dreaming in bed As visions of liberty danced in each head.
The Chief in his skivvies, hopped into his rack, Having just came from town and a quick midnight snack.
When out on the deck there arose such a roar, I ran to the pothole to find out the score.
I stuck out my head and started to shout, "Just what in the world is this noise all about?"
A moon made for boondocking showed with a glow, It was downright cold out, 'bout seven below.
What I saw out there looked like those Mardi Gras floats, "Twas a Captain's gig drawn by four white Navy goats.
In the boat was a man who seemed quiet and moody, I knew in an instant St. Nick had the duty.
As quickly as Monday his billy goats came, He whistled and shouted and called them by name.
"Now Perry, now Farragut, Dewey, and Jones, What's the matter John Paul, got lead in your bones?
A little to Starb'rd, now hold it up short, No fluffing off now, or you'll go on report!"
He was wearing dress "Reds" that fit like a charm, His hash marks they covered the length of his arm.
The gifts to be issued were all in his pack, The gedunk was ready to leave on each rack.
His eyes they were watering, his nose caked with ice, He wiped it with canvass, then sneezed once or twice.
He opened his mouth and started to yawn, It looked like the Sun coming up with the dawn.
The stump of a pipe, he held tight in his teeth, And took a small nip from a bottle beneath.
he wasn't so big, but he must have been strong. I figured he'd been in SEALS early and long.
he was chubby and plump, a right jolly old Tar, Who said, "Evenin' Matey, here- have a cigar."
he filled every seabag with presents galore, And left us all leave papers, right by the door.
With "Anchors Aweigh" he climbed back into place, A broad smile was creeping all over his face.
one look at his watch and started to frown, "This mid-watch is certainly getting me down."
Then out to the breakwater and into the night, The gig started fading, the landscape was bright.
"Merry Christmas" he said, as he drove on his way, "Now I'll finish my rounds and sack in for the day."
-author unknown
Another version is here-Sailors Night Before Christmas My sailor is home with me, but this still produces a tear....
My future looks grand...with a new found love of blogging and connecting, my many projects sketched in in my sketch diary, the books are very patient on my shelves, my children are healthy and good, my Nugget is leaving her puppy-ness, my Christmas goodies are finished, presents are waiting, yes- I may have a dreary head cold right now, but NOTHING can ruin my spirit! I have so many things to be thankful for this Christmas. 
The Golden Nugget sends her happy wishes to my readers animals, as well!
Dear Paula, I LOVE this post today! THANK YOU so much for mention Leaves of Grass! I am honored meeting you through your blog and yours comments on my place.
Very touching "Chiefs Night Before Christmas".
I love Nugget's kind eyes!
Happy wishes to you and all family! Your friend Sonia.
Posted by: Sonia | December 26, 2005 at 09:29 AM