Well, it’s Christmas Eve 2003. Where does the time go? My wife and I are finishing wrapping presents for the grandchildren. I’m not sure why, they are all still wrapping paper shredder age, but Diane would have it no other way. Actually, the youngest, is still at the taste sensory age; everything in his universe is identified and defined by gooey gum contact. In fact, that’s how he beats his older brother when they wrestle. Pete pins him, then Luke drools all over him until Pete lets go. Messy, but effective, a little known martial art.
We have all of our children and their families over for dinner this year. It’s tough on those alternating years when the time goes to the in-laws, but fair is fair and it makes the holidays we spend together even more special. No matter how mature they get, my wife and I can’t help seeing them as little guys, dressed in pajamas with feet, covered with red fire truck, or blue NY Giant logos. The wives swear the guys don’t wear this type any more, but I’m not so sure.
This year, we were early putting up the decorations; tree with lights in the living room, lights and branches of pine around the balcony, and Santa, Rudolph and Sleighs lighting up the windows. My wife and I travel between Maine and California, necessitated by family and work commitments, so we decorated the apartment we call home when in California. It’s a nice enough place but, unfortunately, we are one of three families with any display of Christmas. Driving through the local city streets is pretty much the same. In this regard, It’s a tough year. A lot of people have generated a negative image of Christians, and Christian bashing seem to be fashionable for empty headed people, and others with a more malicious agenda. Fortunately, outside of California it isn’t so bad. Maine and NJ seem more traditional and, perhaps, a Southern California 6.5 quake the other day may jog some people’s memory that there really is something greater then themselves. I get the sense the pendulum will swing the other way and people will remember we are all suppose to be tolerant and have the ability to worship as we please, without infringing on the freedom of others. Hmm….that has a familiar ring.
This has been a good gun year. Significant court rulings seem to have gone our way for a change, there is more new hardware coming to market than has been the case in a long while. And it’s not only firearms, there are lots of new cartridges and bullets, tons of new accessories, and the local ranges are holding up pretty well. I’m very pleased with the products I’ve come in contact with this year. Yup, it’s been a good year and I’m thankful.
I wanted to thank everyone for visiting this year, and to say I will do my best to get some worthwhile information on the site in the new year. I hope the holidays find you in the company of family and friends, and that you find continued happiness, prosperity and peace of mind in the new year. For the men and women of the armed forces who have made, and continue to make, such a great sacrifice for the rest of us, we pray for your safety and the safety of your families, and for your speedy return.
I’d also like to say Merry Christmas to my Mom, Joanne D’Alessandro. She was a wonderful woman, a terrific mother and great inspiration in my life. She will be deeply missed by all of us. Merry Christmas Mom, we love you.
Joe
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