***Just...an Animal**

~~Okay...I am an admitted 'animal lover.' I love most of the animals I have had the priviledge of knowing. Of course, there are millions (billions) of species I know very little about. That being said, what I do know of the animal world allows me to realize that all creatures on this earth are 'wonderfully, and miraculously made,' just as we humans are. There are many animals that the average person only gets to read about, or observe behind a wall, like at a zoo or other public preserve. Even so, learning about their specific traits, their primitive instincts, and the behaviors and habits that allow them to survive on the earth, allows me to 'know' and appreciate them from afar. Finally, there are the animals that we get to know 'really well,' our family pets. I know there are many people who never had a pet growing up, and also those who have opted to never own a pet as an adult. I know there are alot of reasons to not own a pet, a dislike or fear of animals, lack of funds, allergies, etc. I guess, based on my own life-long experience with many family pets, I wish everyone could have the opportunity, and the pleasure, of owning one. Through our lives we interact, on a daily basis, with our fellow humans. We are loved, we are needed, we are sometimes disliked and sometimes not appreciated. We are here, they are someplace else. There is a both a give and take in our relationships, a mutual interdependence. This is life and this is good. We are able to have a different sort of bond with our pets. We are here, they are here. We give them love, and they accept...most all of the time. We are in a good mood, they are happy and give us kisses. We are in a bad mood, they are still happy and give us kisses! Although there are some human relationships which are amazing examples of unconditional love, not many are as consistantly, and predictably loyal as are those with our pets! So, Bobby dog, when I think of you stealing, and running a mile down the streets of Wesleyville with the neighbor's raw rib roast, I will only smile, and remember your fuzzy kisses. Likewise, I will always remember Lad's loyal and endearing look, as he perched himself in front of me. Bear, you big, loveable dog, I will try NOT to remember how many times you have run away, instead remembering the time you dragged yourself home, in a blizzard, after being hit by a car! You looked at me with eyes that I will never forget. Hopefully Bear, you will be 'driving us crazy' for years to come! Just an animal? I think not!

**Grey Day**

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It is what I like to call a 'grey day' today.  Nothing wrong with 'grey days.'  Some find them a bit depressing.  I usually don't.  Give me a rainy day with thunder and lightening, or a snowy day and I'm feeling good!  I guess it makes me feel like getting work done, reading, or being creative. 'Also, if it fits into the schedule...taking a nice nap!  There is alot to be said for a hot cup of tea, and a nice 'thinking chair.'  When there seems to be a 'chunk of time' and a good 'grey day,' alot of previously confusing details and life situations, can be more easily contemplated.  Here's to This 'Grey Day.'

*Christmas Gifts*

 ***I know I am not alone when I say that the days after Christmas are a downer!  Maybe those who 'don't put alot of stock in the holiday are not feeling the 'let-down' that most of us are.  I'll speak for myself, (but feel free to identify with me), when I say that I look forward to Christmas as much as any child would!  Beginning in October, I start to feel that 'secret excitement,' that feeling of expecting the unexpected.  As the days grow closer, that excitement grows, and grows into a fever pitch!  Of course, as I am definitely not a child, the excitement is mixed with alot of other 'not sa hot' emotions.  I, am a born procratinator.  I should be in a 'twelve step program' for Procrastinators.  I wait until the 'last dog is hung' to shop.  I then feel not only the monetary crunch, but the limitations of both time and energy.  So, at a time when I want to feel the happiest, I feel a little anxious (alot), and truly afraid I won't be able to do it all!  I swear, next year will be different.  I will shop for those special gifts even in the summer!

  Still, even with anxiety in tow, I love Christmas.  I think Christmas allows us to 'look for a miracle,'  to expect something wonderful to happen!  We reflect more deeply on that 'first birth, that first miracle,' the coming of our Lord Jesus.  I guess as 'tired adults' we need encouragement to think as such!  Life is hard, and this is a time when we can again, be like children.  So yes, I am a little down. My favorite season is coming to a close.  I still have the most precious gifts in my posession though.  My abiding faith in the Maker of all miracles, and my family...my true loves!  I get to 're-enact' that   'Christmas feeling' every time  I have the opportunity to 'give or receive the gift of love'....it's Christmas!