12/22/06 Christmas 2006

Christmas 2006 Here in the Northwestern part of United States, we have snow, increased mail and colored lights at night. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll check the calendar and get right back to you. I knew I was right  Christmas is getting really close, but I had to make sure since it seems like it was just here instead of a year ago. Now I'll be thinking about the Christmas cards and letters that will be coming and how I enjoy hearing from people I don't take the time to keep in contact with throughout the year. Of course, I especially like the western cards with scenes of cowboys bringing the last cattle into feed or just riding in out of the cold to put up their horses in a warm barn and head for the house with the warm light showing through the window. I like all the increased mail and yearly letter updates, but I imagine most letter carriers are not thrilled with the situation. I'll bet their chiropractors know they will be seeing them right after Christmas. You know, ranch animals probably don't know Christmas from New Year's Day, and maybe it's just in my mind, but it almost seems like they do. I know it's easier and more enjoyable to feed those animals on Christmas day. I do hope each of you have special times and traditions that you look forward to in this reflective season. Sometimes that tradition might just be a quiet time for you. I know I'm very lucky since that quiet time is easier to find out on the ranch or with the animals. I'm Jeff Keane. Have a Merry Christmas!