Merry Christmas!!

Hard to believe that snow is still on the ground from last week's storms. But it is a white Christmas. I cannot recall many white Christmases over the years in Virginia.

I want to extend a very heartfelt holiday greeting to the founders of the GCF who were side-by-side with me this past year. I very much respect your character, values, and courage in founding a new fellowship for Goochland. I know that you have been and will be blessed for taking such a bold step of faith rather than sitting back and accepting things as they were.

I want to mention my wonderful work colleague, Nancy, who never ceases to amaze me with her enthusiasm and zest for life. She is a rare individual who is always looking for new experiences in life. This Christmas, she took a "Christmas Train" from Richmond to NC and garnered some wonderful experiences. See link above on David Baldacci's "Christmas Train" (click on Merry Christmas, above).

I need to mention another extraordinary woman: my wife. It was she who promised her dying father that she would not put her mother in a nursing home. Not only has she kept that promise but has taken sole responsibility for mother's health, welfare, and business affairs often putting her self and needs second. I greatly admire and respect her strong spirit of commitment.

Finally, I ask that we all pray for the Zbinden family during this holiday time with Karen's health much a concern.

I am very much richer and a better person for knowing all of you -- blessings to you and your families!