Happy Holidays!

[KurtB]

Happy Holidays to everyone, and let's say a prayer for all of our servicemen, wherever they are!
Kurt

 

[Odie]

Thank you, and Merry Christmas to all.......

May we not forget what origins Christmas has, as well.....

otis of cologne

 

[Truffuls]

Hey, right back @chya! *<:-D

Here's wishing all your projects turn out just as you want; warps if you want 'em, perfect if not. And, around every corner a trunk of your favorite wood.

Thanx to those who responded to my request for wood resources in Leesburg, FL. Still haven't found anyone willing to give me an hour or two with their lathe/tools so my dad won't get to see me do any turning. I'm hoping he'll be around and lucid enough for me to show him next time I come (if gas prices continue to be good enough to drive).

 

[john lucas]

THanks to everyone for a wonderful year of woodturning. I definitely will be thinking of the servicemen and women. My cousin is in Afganistan and it will be our first Christmas without him. I pray for all of them and hope everyone has a safe happy holiday.

 

[Mike Maffitt]

Merry Christmas to all. Jesus was a carpenter, he would be proud. Happy turning in 2009.

 

[Bruce Wallace]

Happy Holidays to everyone, may all stay well for each and everyone. As for our friends and family that serve, I was send the following poem:

The Night Before Christmas

T'was the night before Christmas,
He lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house,
Made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney,
With presents to give,
And to see just who,
In this home did live.

I looked all about,
A strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents,
Not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantle,
Just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures,
Of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,
Awards of all kinds,
A sober thought,
Came through my mind.

For this house was different,
It was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier,
Once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,
Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor,
In this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle,
The room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured,
A NATO soldier.

Was this the hero,
Of whom I'd just read?,
Curled up on a poncho,
The floor for a bed?

I realized the families,
That I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers,
Who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world,
The children would play,
And grownups would celebrate,
A bright Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom,
Each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers,
Like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder,
How many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve,
In a land far from home.

The very thought brought
A tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees,
And started to cry.

The soldier awakened,
And I heard a rough voice,
'Santa, don't cry.
This life is my choice.

I fight for freedom,
I don't ask for more,
My life is my God,
My country, my corps.'

The soldier rolled over,
And drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it,
I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,
So silent and still,
And we both shivered,
From the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave,
On that cold, dark night,
This guardian of honor,
So willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,
With a voice, soft and pure,
Whispered, 'Carry on Santa,
It's Christmas Day, all is secure.'

One look at my watch,
And I knew he was right,
'Merry Christmas my friend,
And to all a good night.'

 

[Jake Debski]

Everything said above, and especially Odie's, remember the reason for the season.