Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

     No, it's not! It's Arizona...the last couple of days have seen some rain and wind and colder temperatures (for here that is), but it's still paradise-like conditions as we welcome Christmas Day and wind down the end of 2016.  What a year it has been.  A nation divided over an election?  There is still bitterness out there over the election of Donald Trump.  As someone who thinks about things outside the box... (not the ordinary things most people will think about) I must say I am proud that so many people became more involved in the political process...(seriously, scarily flawed that it is and has been for a very long time), but I scratch my beautifully shaved head (Christmas "do" thanks to Harry's Shave Club--shameless plug) that the fight was over a choice of candidates that are seriously and scarily flawed.  A nation that has seen the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and numerous others, lead us into becoming the greatest nation on earth, has been reduced to choosing between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton?  What the hell, America!  The political system is broken, badly, and voting along party lines is an excuse for not having the ability to decide for oneself or worse, not caring enough to research the candidates and issues and making an informed decision.  The choice has been made for the next four years.  Let's do what Americans have done in the past and what we do best in times of turmoil...join together and work together to make the best of a not so great situation.  Screw the Republican Party and screw the Democratic Party.  They are only out for themselves and keeping the corrupt, overpaid jobs that they have held forever.  Let's stop the "poor me" victim mentality and attack the root of the problem...political parties and the mainstream media driving a wedge between us to keep change from actually happening.  Let's work together to increase voter awareness and voter turn-out and investigate voter fraud and hold the political machines responsible for the mess they created.  Term limits for government, end the lifetime salaries and benefits and redirect the money to DOMESTIC programs.  Cut international aid to countries who hate us and redirect the money to DOMESTIC programs.  Tighten regulations on free money and toss the scammers onto the street and redirect that money to Social Security (where people actually worked for it).

     I have now stepped down from my soapbox to bring the real message I want to send.  Merry Christmas (yes, I said it!), Happy Hanukkah (however you spell it) and Season's Greetings to all in the blog universe.  My love and prayers go out for all to have a safe, wonderful holiday season.  May those who are travelling have safe and delay-free trips to loved ones.  Please remember those who are working these days...(myself included) but especially our men and women in the Armed Forces who can't be with their families this Christmas.  Please remember the reason for the season and put Christ and God back into our everyday lives.  As a recovering alcoholic, this season holds great and awful memories for me. Remember the expression "There but for the Grace of God, go I" and be glad for the gifts you receive everyday...Waking up, getting out of bed, your health, your job, and your ability to afford to celebrate the Christmas Season.  Remember those who don't have the simple pleasures we take for granted...hot water, a roof over our heads, money in our pockets. Let's make 2017 a year for healing...let's right the ship and make it the best year ever.  My prayers are for you to have continued success and a happy and healthy and blessings filled New Year.  God Bless Us All!