HAPPY, HOLY HOLIDAYS!

GREETINGS, PILGRIM(S)!!

We trust that you are in the throes of the best holiday season of your lives.

It's always at this time that I count my blessings, which are basically
innumerable! PTL!

Here's the latest from Jayne's brood and husband. How she loved this
time of the year! Advent calendars, manger scene, colorful but tasty
decorations were her forte', and memories come flooding back of the
joy she exhibited, especially at Christmas, the birthday celebration
of her (and our, and hopefully your) Saviour!

I know I'm a bit early with December's post, but I'm soon to be
"on the road again" (later).

Chartel is fine, having turned 18 last month, and living with a co-
worker from Starbucks. They work many of the same shifts, so
they share rides, etc. She has now also picked up a parttime job
waitressing at Quaker Steak and Lube, which is close to her
fulltime job.

Somewhat surprisingly, she showed up on Thanksgiving day
(her brother was already here) and we shared pork chop dinner.
It's the one of two times annually that I actually get to cook.
She brought a "friend" home with her - a monster dog, which
she says is only 7 months old, but he's as big as a small pony.

Yes, she is making her car and insurance payments, probably
because she is making more money than I do! Otherwise, her
health seems to be fine, and she's grown to be a beautiful
young lady. If only her Mom was here to see her!

As for "Mr. C.J.", he, too is blessed with good health. Now a
"man", having turned 21 in September, he's working on his
plans for his career, etc. There seems to be some question as
to whether the Peace Corps option is a viable one, but it is
still being mentioned.

He still plays soccer 2 or 3 times a week, as his schedule has
eased up a bit. He works at tutoring elementary students on
their Spanish. He's looking forward to having 5th graders in
his next class, hoping for better attention and behavior.

His Thanksgiving visit was shortened by his having forgotten
to bring a book home that he needed to study, and the usual
Saturday morning soccer game. We did get some time together
to talk, but should have quite a bit for Christmas, as he will
probably be here 3 days after I get back from my next
assignment.

Speaking of which, I leave Tuesday AM for Portland, Maine, then
drive down to Kittery. Seven days at the Rite Aid store there,
then a couple days "off", during which I plan to sightsee Boston,
visit 2 or 3 stores that I already trained at, then on to my next
job at Great Barrington, Mass. I'll be gone about 18 days, getting
home on December 14th. Chartel will check on the house while
I'm gone, as will two of my neighbors. Being gone will sure help
with the utility bills, hey? Hey!

Feel free to post comments or greetings. I hope you still have the
"kids'" phone numbers. PLEASE call them from time to time, just
to let them know someone is thinking about them. I talk with
them via cellphone regularly, sometimes for no special reason,
just to hear their voices and know they're okay.

HAVE A GLORIOUS CHRISTMAS, AND PLEASE REMEMBER

WHY WE HAVE CHRISTMAS. GOD LOVES YOU, AND SO DO WE!

HIS AND YOURS, C.J., CHARTEL, AND BILL