I had a very wonderful Christmas and Christmas season this year and I thank My Dear Father in Heaven for it all. I still don't have a job and I'm on disability but things are working out finacially. Disability pays almost as much as my regular salary. It's amazing how many expenses you once had but don't use once you're not working. Like Dry Cleaning. (Can't believe how much I used to spend on that as per a strict Ritz apperance policy) My back has a few fits here and there, but I'll be okay once I join my partner's health insurance next month. As fot this Christmas season, this is the first time since 1996, I was able to really enjoy the holiday in a non-retail, non crazy and relaxed atmosphere. I was able to go shopping leisurely and bake Christmas cookies and a Christmas cake. The cookies were great and the cake was very moist and tasty. This year I had the time to decorate both inside and outside the apartment. It was a kind and gentle time that I was very grateful for. My first family gathering was wonderful and we all shared great and warm moments at a Prime Rib dinner at my nephew's home. I had the time to send out Christmas cards and actually call people on Christmas Day that I hadn't talked to in a very long time. My friend Grace Packard (wife of my dear late friend Carl) was especially nice to talk to. She is studying hard to become a librarian. I talked to dear Bill Lewis who unfortunately was part of the Entertainment that Disneyland has eliminated, but he remains hopeful of the future. I called my dear friend Tim Doran who is beginning to feel better these days, thank goodness and to my dear friend Ron Glasman. Ron and I go way back yo the 1960's. On Christmas Eve, John Nugent and my partner John Long had a wonderful meal at Micelli's restraunt. The place was packed. The music and singing as always was amazing. The whole Christmas season this year was fabulous. On Christmas Day, I even received a text message from Darius Jamison who was my original district manager at Ritz Camera. The weather was stormy, with periods of some really hard rain pouring down. but it co-operated nicely and the Dear Lord was certainly responsible for that. The nicest note came from Tony Westbrook in New York City who wroteme one of the most beautiful and touching Christmas messages I have ever received. It was a really great Christmas. And for the first time in my life, I actually received a gift from a restaurant. Good old Micelli's restaurant gave gave John and I certificate for a free dinner for two on New Years Eve-- now that's what I call special! My sister gave me a perfect gift in a great jacket with the "Fighting Irish" and Notre Dame symbols all over it-- now that will keep me warm! I am indeed grateful and happy. And there is still yet another family gathering on Saturday at my eldest sister's home in Rancho Palos Verdes. Thank you, dearest Lord for a most wonderful memorable Christmas.