12/23/05 Christmas

Christmas 2005 Wow! It's Christmas time already. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be back right after this with some Christmas thoughts. I'm sure you've already heard someone say, "I can't believe it's Christmas so soon again." But it is, and I believe most of the Northwest looks more like Christmas than it did at this time last yearmost places have a lot more snow. Now if we just get some more we'll have a good start toward one of the best presents livestock producers could receivea good grass year. I know it's not all about presents, but I do think it is a time of gifts. The gifts of family and friends, of animals and a way of life you have chosen to live are all to be cherished. I hope you get the chance to take some time and visit with family and those special friends and if you do, leave the issues, markets, and concerns somewhere else and just enjoy conversations of memories, fun and just being together. Feeding your animals Christmas morning always seems a little different although you've fed them every morning all year. This morning seems a little brighter and has a sharper focusmaybe you're a little more appreciative of these animals you've chosen to care for and that have been entrusted to you. It's always easier to give the horses a little extra grain, a touch more hay to the cows, and probably a bit more cat food to the barn cats. So I'll say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I know it's not politically correct, but I'm not putting anyone down I'm just inviting everyone to be happy at a time of the year I believe in. I'm Jeff Keane.