So, here I am with possibly the best gift I could ever get from my family. I’ve been grounded down to nothing but salt and light and looking up all the time was straining my neck. Then, I remembered that hope springs eternal. The sun will rise another day. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel…be it an oncoming train or a ray of sunlight…there’s gonna be a light. Anyway- back to the gift. I am so grateful to them, I may climb a ladder and put up a sign saying so. Hmmm, not sure that’s a great idea…How about a simple thank you note?

Remember when I said I was going to get the family to watch Sound of Music? Well, that project is being delayed while I attempt to place a microchip behind their ears so as to get them to listen to me…I will keep you updated. In the meantime, I can just sing doe, a deer, a female deer, ray- a drop of golden sun…as I celebrate my wonderful gift.

The Academy was given tickets to the Syracuse vs BC basketball game from the Amazing Auntie Andrea and the Generous Uncle Joe.

Hey bro, why is that a great gift? Those teams are mid at best. Well, the Orange supporters and the BC supporters were pretty balanced in numbers at the game. (Don’t know about you but I like being balanced and following the middle way.) In fact, there were times I thought we were watching the game from the old Carrier Dome from the sound of the chants.

But the lesson I got, and the powerful strength I received from spending some quality time with people I love, watching something I love, in a place I know and love was powerful. A nice bow on the present was an Orange win to the disappointment of the BC masses. But as a proud PC guy- that was ok by me. By the way, someone should ask them to turn their thermostat down from 90 degrees in that building. Granted, it was 30 below zero outside…but c’mon man, moderation is appreciated.

I hope everyone can get some time with people they love doing the things they love, together. Together. It means something. And it helps you get through the times when the world is throwing snowballs, curveballs, and coughing up fur balls to make life challenging. So, as the Academy rolls on with a fire roaring inside- hug someone one! And say Thanks for Coming!