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Optimism rises in ephemeral clouds of hope as the spirit endures. This is the second holiday season we've experienced during the ongoing pandemic, but the situation isn't as scary as last year before the vaccines were approved. Although different strains of COVID-19 continue to arise, I stay vigilant and follow recommended health guidelines. That's how I deal with that type of stress-doing what I think is best under the conditions I've been given.
I dealt with some priorities in Texas during Thanksgiving and the weekend that followed it. It was the first time in 28 years that I was on a Texas ranch during Thanksgiving. How I have missed those holidays from my earlier years! My nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and other family members had fun shooting at orange pumpkins arranged as targets on the flat range.
A full creek on the ranch bubbled and flowed. During the afternoon its limestone bottom allowed the water to take on a very pale green hue. The creek was beautiful. Nature bestows a peaceful atmosphere for those who notice.
Family members lit colorful green, red, yellow, and blue fireworks that boomed, hissed, or sizzled in the inky evening sky. Coyotes howled nearby at night. A dog on another ranch barked each time a firework exploded.
Nature, family, and friends allowed for contentment and tranquility at Thanksgiving this year. Christmas holidays are rapidly approaching.
May you observe the same type of peace and happiness during the upcoming Christmas holidays. I am thankful we can be around more people this year. Last year was filled with disappointment. We had to cancel a Texas Christmas scheduled in Houston in 2020.
Enjoy this year's Christmas. Make up for what couldn't happen last year. Avoid unnecessary stress or political arguments. Just enjoy each other. Pet your cat, dog, or horse. Smile at your family. Sing a Christmas carol. Window shop. Bake cookies or holiday fare.
That's my recommendation. That's my opinion. Grab your partner or a family member and hold tight. Brighter days are on the horizon.