Good morning to all! Another day is dawning in NYC. We continue to have good health and life is beginning to resemble a bit of routine. Many new experiences have been added to our life. I will try to share a few that may interest you.

Christmas has always been an enjoyable time with family and friends. This year we were able to see another side of life that many experience daily. The basic needs of mankind are food and shelter and a job to make it work. It is indeed enlightening to find that many do not have all (and some none) of these basic needs and rely on the good will of others. No doubt, many did not expect to be in those situations. We were invited to help serve a Christmas dinner at one of the food pantries that the boys help at each week. It was the first time in a couple years that the people were able to come inside and have dinner. It was a cold windy evening, so nice to be inside. Many of the people brought in their earthly possessions and kept them close so they wouldn’t lose them. Makes you wonder what their story is. We served over three hundred meals, some had takeout, didn’t want to stay. The food was good, ham and turkey for meat and mac and cheese, dressing, green beans, yams and bread and apple pie for dessert. Most people were very grateful. We also sang at a women’s shelter, where Stan and Marilyn have bible study each week. Mama and the boys sing at the hospital on Tuesdays, so a lot of Christmas caroling has been done. It is heartening to see many people trying to help the downtrodden. Not uncommon to see homeless people sprawled out on sidewalk or in the subway stations, some have a heap of dirty blankets covering them and others without. Some ride the subway, and lay on the seats, taking up room that could be used. Usually, they are sleeping like Jonah, oblivious to what is going on around them. Oh yes, we are seeing rats in the subway track that we were told about. Seems to me, a little common sense could eliminate some of the population.

Downtown really decorates for Christmas. Walking down the street, a festive feeling is felt, the many carols ringing thru the air, people busy shopping, laden with many packages from upscale stores. Can happiness really be bought? How many really know the true meaning of Christmas.

With the holiday schedule somewhat interrupted, we took the boys for a little get away to Vermont (about four hours away) and the boys went snowboarding and we did some shopping at places we are familiar with. One of the boys commented about “life outside of NYC”. There is a big world out there, and our little corner is just that, a little part. Hopefully, we are trying to fill that spot as best we can! Wishing you all a Happy New Year, full of meaningful experiences!