A New Year in a Free Country

Waving his small arms, Michael Pederson, excitedly explained the Christmas party that he was invited to at T&R Trucking.

Michael told about how his friend "Rocky" Thompson, owner of T&R Trucking, and his family, had a Christmas party for T&R employees at the Cottonwood Inn. It is an annual affair.

Michael got to play "tag" and other games with all the kids. Thank you, "Rocky" Thompson for your kindness and goodwill.

Well, it is official, now, chronologically, Dec. 21, marks the first day of Winter. But then you already figured it out that it was winter and has been for a few weeks, what with the blowing snow and such. Oh, well only 6 more months to Summer!

We, here in St. Marie, have not heard any word on the official opening of the coffee shop and CO-Op that was to have opened on Dec. 1. Thanks for the calls reminding us to ask, so here it is!

Also, a reminder came in that 'tis the season for water main breaks and we would like to remind readers of the damage caused by vehicles being driven and parked on the lawns. One water board member tells us that this is a primary cause of the breakage.

By the time this week's paper comes out, Christmas will be over and we are looking at a new year coming.

Hopefully, you have been able to spend that special time with family and dear friends.

It can also be a very lonely time for some that do not have family close by or friends that can make it over to visit.

This has always been a time of year that I enjoy and end up making goodies for some and know that if it brings a smile to their face for just a moment, then it warms our hearts.

We just received a Christmas letter from dear friends we have known in Hawaii for at least 35 years and hope that they are doing better after a few weeks ago, a huge storm battered their sailboat in the harbor and did damage to sails and dink.

That is the one thing that always worried us, since storms come up quickly and can do so much damage.

Battered Bastards of Bastogne

Dec. 22, 1944 was the date, that General Anthony McAuliffe, surrounded at Bastogne, Belgium, was met with a white flag carried by a German soldier asking for McAuliffe to surrender.

When the officer handed McAuliffe's answer to the German officer waiting just outside the American perimeter of defense, the latter asked: "Is your commander's reply favorable? If it is, I am empowered to continue negotiations of terms."

My commander's reply is 'Nuts,'" the American responded.

"What does that mean?" asked the German.

"It means go to hell," replied the American.

That the German understood. He saluted and marched off.

And that is why the U.S.A. is still a free country.

The thing about history is you don't have to make anything up. The story has already happened!