Author’s note: The idea of the happy recap is borrowed from Bob Murphy (1924-2004), the revered and beloved radio and TV announcer for the NY Mets from 1962-2003. Murphy always assured you that, win, lose, or draw, there was always another game tomorrow.)

‘Tis the season of shopping and all through the valley
Everybody was eager, preparing to rally
For the bargains were tempting from here and from there
Seemed the sale signs were screaming from everywhere.

New York’s winemakers were nervous all summer.  Grapes need hot, dry weather to reach full maturity.

Lots of people drink coffee or tea on a daily basis. It wakes them up, relaxes them, or they simply like the taste of it.

The holidays are a time for family, celebration, joy, and giving. They can also be a time of loneliness, financial strain, sadness, and an endless list of activity.

The holidays are a special and busy time of year!  The shopping, holiday parties, baking, cooking, wrapping and decorating can wear you down at times and if you’re like me and have a desire to make every year better then the next, then it can be downright exhausting! 

A camel crossing sign looms ahead through the bus window. Bedouins herd their goats. Yes, she has some tough neighbors. Syria sits to her north; Iraq is to her east.