Party Mood
It's amazing the difference an attitude can make. I'm so excited about the holidays this year. I'm currently making preparations for a huge holiday beer tasting party in my home in a couple of weeks. I should probably explain that this will not be a Bacchanalian, beer swilling event. I have several friends and family who are avid fans of the pursuit of finding and rating the perfect beer. This event will include several expensive, difficult to procure brews, score cards, palate cleansing foods, and dumping and rinsing of glasses. Inebriation is strongly discouraged, and can guarantee a non-invite to the next tasting event. The guests will include an eclectic collection of some of my most favorite people in this world. It's one of the few times that both my family, Bart's family, and some of Bart's any my closest friends intersect.

To add to the excitement of the season, my oldest son will be home from college for a month, and my sister and her family with be home from Germany. In looking forward to spending time with people very dear to my heart, I'm doing everything that I can to guarantee a festive mood. Rooms are being cleaned and linens changed, halls are being decked with festive decorations, food is being planned, and music chosen. I know I'm probably paying attention to details that don't matter, but I'm really enjoying the whole process, and I know that the effort will be appreciated. Friends and family is what makes this season so special, and this year I'm getting exactly what I missed so much last year.

Now, and in the coming new year I wish you peace, joy, health and happiness!