Another year comes to the end

This is the final week of 2005, a year with many ups and downs. Last week I did not get to wish you a Merry Christmas as I had intended -- perhaps I can now offer a belated Merry Christmas to each of you.

Last week I had one of those trying experiences, when, after working to get most of the column written, I was not able to finish it. Perhaps it could be blamed on Aquila or perhaps it was Divine intervention.

Most of the column was written, but the hour was late and I decided that I would complete it the next day. I saved the column, but left it open and put the computer to sleep. The following morning, all of a sudden, the electricity went off and then it came back on. The television went off, but it was not any problem to turn it back on. Some of the electrical clocks had to be reset, others did not. No big deal.

That evening, I attempted to wake the computer, but it did not wake up. Then I realized that the power was not on, and it would not come on. It was late in the day and the only thing to do was to notify the editor that I was not going to have a column. The next day I had the computer repaired. One night, I was without a computer and could not get my e-mail.

Should the blame be put on the power supplier? It was a good clear morning without any storms. It is possible that it was an act of God. What I was attempting to write may have offended some individuals. Still, most of the readers would have been in agreement with me.

The column was about the war on Christmas and some of my thoughts related to that subject. It could have remained my topic this week, but the celebration of Christmas is now over for this year. Perhaps, next year, I will return to the subject during the Christmas season.

It bothers me to see the efforts to dilute Christmas, which is the national holiday and traditionally recognized as a celebration of the birth of Jesus. Some stores did not allow their employees to say Merry Christmas, nor would they use anything about Christmas in their advertisements. Instead, they used the word, "holiday." Schools called their vacation winter vacation instead of Christmas vacation. In many places children were not allowed to sing traditional Christmas songs. In some places, the trees cannot be called Christmas trees. The list goes on and many other things can be said about the attack on Christmas.

The greatest majority of Americans celebrate Christmas, including those not of the Christian faith. Why are there all of these attacks on Christmas? This is offensive to Christians for these things to be occurring.

Much more could be said about this subject. Even though Christmas is now over this subject is still being discussed this week in the media.

There is no special topic in this week's column; instead I will ramble about different things that have occurred this year.

One of the things I am thankful for are the many readers who say they read these columns and many express that they like them. That is amazing to me and greatly appreciated.

One person told me the other day that he enjoys my columns and for me to keep writing them. I told him that it is because of comments like that, I keep writing. I know that some day it will come to an end.

A few months ago, I was having health problems and I was not in the creative frame of mind to write columns. At that time I did not write a column for a few weeks and was not sure that I would continue. I received encouragement from members of my family and others. After I started feeling better, I got started again. While it does not come easy for me to write each week and meet the deadlines, it gives me an opportunity to share with you some of my thoughts. Even though I may not be successful, I try to make them objective, fair and balanced. Having spent my career at the University of Missouri Extension, I attempt to make many of these columns educational.

An event that happened this year that brought sadness to our family.

My brother, David, made the transition into another dimension. I think about the family of four on a small farm -- a mother, a father and two sons. Now there is only one left in that family of four. A blessing I share is to have our own clan.

Another event was a first cousin's following David into the other dimension. There have been many others whom I have known. It seems that when I visit with others of my age level that we are talking about the obits or medications that are being taken.

There are many events and things that have occurred in Nevada and Vernon County during this year. There are many people who are doing great things for this community and helping to make it a great place to work and to live.

This community has a heritage. Beginning with Bushwhacker Days of this year and ending with the same event next summer, we are celebrating the sesquicentennial with several events. This helps us to remember the heritage that we enjoy today.

A sesquicentennial book, consisting of two volumes, was published. This is a nice treasure to have in possession. The committee and those working with this publication did a tremendous job and put much effort into its success.

There are some remaining copies for sale. They will increase in value in future years.

One of the things that happened is that we have come closer to having 911 service in the entire county. This will be beneficial in the future.

It is good to have a change of years, like going into another chapter.

This causes us to stop and reflect on this year and to make plans for a new year.

May each of you have a Happy New Year and may it be a prosperous year for you.