Onward we go to the next thing. Life is a series of challenges. From the chill of change when we left our mother’s warm womb until the light at the end of the tunnel. We do not know what is coming next. A bit exciting I think. There is always something to get out of bed for. Amid the change, we are surrounded by unparalleled beauty.

A smile from a stranger. The warm hand of a friend. The fact we are Temporary on this planet. The hope for eternity.

Where could we go for a more exciting ride? Life is a roller coaster. Daily, we are called on to react to what is next. Some days are quiet, and others are full of excitement. I was remembering our lovely Maine Holiday last month. What fun to be with dear friends. I have visited Maine so often that I feel like a Mainer.

We are off to Paducah, Kentucky for Black Friday. A new restaurant and a new experience for the day after Thanksgiving. The Kentucky Oaks Mall is still vibrant. Paducah residents love their Mall. MJ and I visited Elizabeth many years ago at a Candle store in the Mall. She got us hooked on the artist Tom Clark’s Gnome sculptures. When Elizabeth explained the story of each piece they came alive and spoke to us. It is fun being friends with a Gnome. They are delightful and inquisitive. They do not eat much. Gnomes bring the hidden side of Earth alive.

The Art Colony is in Lowertown Paducah. We have spent many hours enjoying fine art in its confines. The Fine Art that Lowertown has to offer is as good as any we have seen. The coffee at the coffee shop is to die for.

Santa Claus has many elves who help him with Christmas. He relies on them heavily. At this writing they are busily crafting toys for good girls and boys…and all are good in Santa’s Book.

‘Bring me some more cherry wood please,’ Horatio said. ‘I am making a rocking chair of Susie and she like Cherry,’ Horatio informed all listening. ‘Susie lost her mother this year who often rocked her in a big Cherry Rocking Chair…Susie would like to have a Rocker just like it only her size,’ Horatio smiled.

‘Jose has asked for warm clothes and a new pair of shoes,’ Liz said. ‘His Mom has been sick she worries about Jose having no coat and holes in his shoes,’ Liz continued. ‘Jose’s Dad was killed in El Salvador before they immigrated to the United States,’ Liz explained with a tear.

‘Billy B wants a Bozo The Clown punching bag some Rock-Em-Sock-Em-Robots and a Big Swinger Camera,’ Mabel noted. ‘His Mom and Dad divorced and money is tight,’ they eat commodity cheese and drink powdered milk,’ Mable continued.

‘Hit the deck, rubberneck; it’s Christmas,’ Neva J proclaimed with a wide grin. It looks like Santa has come. Would you like a glass of real milk?’ Neva J asked with joy.