TRADITION

Twas the day before Christmas and all through the house it was so noisy that I had to escape to my "Den" and post some thing or other.

Do not misunderstand the noise is welcomed although sadly less this year. For forty or more years children, spouses, grandchildren and for the past 8 years great grandchildren have been congregating for a few days in our small house for a few days this time of the year. It was not because for us it was a religious holiday but the one time when nearly every family member could get together as a Family. Siblings even spoke to each other without any of the petty jealousies that are normal in all families.

The real joy of this time of the year was that Helen and I despite ourselves must have been good parents since all looked forward to the opportunity to come HOME. Home being our house at the time not where they were raised.

We all know that travel this time of the year can become difficult because of weather conditions and this year is no exception. The wise ones do not attempt to fly if they can help it. But Amtrack can be an adventure every year with late overcrowded trains. Even the trip from DC to Metropark can be the "train from hell". My daughter yesterday had reservations on what was the first train out of Washington, the previous three having been cancelled. As in the usual good public information mode for which the travel industry is noted, no information was offered. Pam's train ran only 20 minutes late until it reached Philadelphia where it stayed. Passengers were told that there was some electrical problem in the tunnel under the Hudson. She was fortunate for the train was able to proceed after an hour.

Like all families we have a tradition that whenever certain members get together for the past forty years there is an ongoing card game, "Oh Hell". When played by five or six" killer" card players it is quite competitive. No money is involved just bragging rights and not having to keep score.

I am sure that most pf you know at least a variation of the game. Briefly if five are playing every one is dealt 10 cards the first hand, and one less each subsequent hand. A card is turned up as the trump suit and clockwise from the dealer each player bids the number of tricks he/she expects to take. If made you get 10 points plus the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end wins. The two goals are of course making your bid and giving the shaft to one of your opponents. It is a simple game that takes some degree of card sense. The name is obvious if you don't make your hand.

In the spirit of the season, I shall refrain for days making any comments about how many of the 100 Senators have any idea what is in their version of the Health Care Bill passed to day. We hope that some of the news media will put a team reading all 2000plus pages and expose all the pork and delayed implementation that is making this unacceptable legislation a farce. We need a good plan and their is faint hope that the politicians will come up with one in three weeks when they reconvene.

Also under goodwill to man, I will postpone my comments on JG's today's post.

To one and all, Peace and Goodwill to all on Earth and enjoy a happy pleasant Holiday.