MikeL

The snow birds have already flown south, James. The relatively few still in Boston have had their wings clipped.

Hmmm...the example for "than" could mean you are better at holding liquor than you are at holding a panda bear.

I would spend as much time as I could visiting with friends all around the world. I've already started that. I would also make new friends. Actually, I've been doing that for the last 3 3/4 years since I joined GA. All the arrangements have been made...the will, finances for my wife, and funeral plans. I don't know how much time I have left. I would guess it will be more than six months. I've already outlived my doctor's projection by almost eight years. I know the cause of death; I just don't know when. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy life all I can.

Dom, it's good to know you are still with us and getting plenty of exercise. Here's hoping you have the best year ever.

Cray isn't sufficiently blas

Jack Scribe has released Chapter 10 of Shifting Sands..."Comparing Notes".

Very good picture, Lacey. How could we forget you?

Thanks for sharing your story, Tim. I hope it will help other young people swear off addictive substances including alcohol and tobacco.

Happy (4th?) Birthday, Jack!

Merry Christmas to all. I hope you have a great holiday with family and friends.

Rent-A-Ruminant LLC. LOL

Merry Christmas! Caption: An awkward moment at the Congress of Elves

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Do cliffhangers sometimes come in boxes?

I agree with Enric. Trevor and Dirk are having a communication problem...I think.

Chapter 9 is great, Jack. It's good to see a new relationship between Spike and Cray. I wonder how Henry will take the news. And it's good to see Oleg involved in the cloak and dagger side of this story.

Here's a good idea I may use in the next few years: THE CHILDREN AND CHRISTMAS A man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Christmas and says,"I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough." "Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams. "We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the father says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her." Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this." She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at her father, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up. The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "they're coming for Christmas and paying their own way." Merry Christmas, everyone.

Thanks for the artwork, Lacey. Are you trying to keep Chris and Boo out of your room? You need to share your treat at Christmastime.

Thanks, Sam. It's good to know I've been able to make a connection in this way.

You might contact your fellow author, Camilo, who is on a high school swim team.

You might get some insights from a story titled Brae at http://www.screeve.org/fiction/kconnors/brae/brae.shtml This is a college swim team story, but might be helpful. Happy writing.

Grump (Hoskins) is saying I grew up in the good old days. I never realized that before.

Passing was 76 in the Tennessee private school where my wife taught.

Thanks for your comments, Nephy. As for maturing as a writer, it will have to be quick given my age. I'll probably have to rely on some spectacular inspiration instead.