A White Christmas in Manton

This year Manton truly resembles a Hallmark Christmas card. The ground and the roofs of homes are white with the sparkling crystalline blanket of new snow, with more on the way. The continuing cold temps have kept the roads icy and the woods white. Time for some fresh eggnog... pass the brandy please! To all those residents who have taken the time and trouble to climb ladders and put lights along the eves: THANK YOU. The relection of the lights on the frontyard snow is breath-taking. And I also appreciate the manger scene in front of the old fire station, a reminder of the origin of Christmas and the hope brought into the world with each new baby. The holidays are a joyful time of family reunions and parties with friends. Gratitude is the state of mind and attitude of heart we renew this time of year. The winter solstice has just passed, so in these dark stormy days we can at least cling to the notion that the days are starting to get longer once again. But for now, the snow is so very welcome. We need every bit of the moisture we can get in this third drought year, so the song in my mind is "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow." All is quiet in the vineyards now, so picturesque, the endless rows of pruned vines in white winter rest. As we take time out from our busy lives to be together, let us give thanks for all our blessings and remember to do somthing for those less fortunate who really need our support this year more than ever. After all, the old saying goes "it is more blessed to give than receive." More satisfying too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!