Hello and Christmas greetings from down under!
It is nearly 8.00am 25th Dec as I hit the keyboard.
A lot of years under my belt.   Am I allowed to reminisce.   60 years ago :-
Mid Nov I turned 21 and a girlfriend informed me our friendship was over - she was going to France teaching.
My Dad - who had had a stroke at Easter time 1965, had another stroke, and died 21st Dec.
We buried him on a 40 deg C. day, 24th Dec 1965.

So .... not a great Christmas season 1965!

Since then - married a wonderful wife [still married to same one!], three children, all happy in their respective lives. We'll see them and most of their next generation tomorrow, oncluding our great-granddaughter, 9 months old.
Farmed, expanded and survived 54 years - always involved in church and community - even a 9 yr stint in local Government.
Many great experiences of living and farming -  I'm blessed!
Thankful for my friends [local and on this wonderful forum  NAT !] 

Cheers - and I hope I can continue sharing my world with you all!