Well, I guess our big news is regarding the "Granders" -- one here & one on the way. Cindy and Israel welcomed number seven, a boy, Boaz Joshua, on Thanksgiving day. Earlier, Steve and Jenny had told us about their impending new arrival -- a little girl in February.

As usual, this Christmas epistle is meant to both inform . . . and amuse.

So. You remember that recent big State Dinner for the Indian President? Well, Mary & I opted not to go. (We’re not vegan, you know.)

Travel-wise, just a few trips. Visited Cindy & Israel in Maricopa, Arizona, last March and again in December to help with the new baby. Got back to Cape Cod in July, spending a week with Mary’s sister Rita. And had visits with Steve & Jenny & their kids both here & in Poquoson, Virginia, where they live.

Picture ID's:
      Grampa with Faith Song-2, Noah-11, Maggie-10 in Feb., SarEl-8, Yonah-6
           & Tal-3 1/2.
     Mary with Bo -- 2 weeks old.
     Steve & Jenny's -- Sarah-10 & Andrew-14

I’m still involved in soccer as League Director for the Springfield club’s U-19 girls group. We compete with clubs from Vienna, Braddock Road, Burke and Stafford in the appropriately named High School Girls House Soccer League. And I’m pleased to report that a Springfield team emerged as champions both last spring and this fall.

"Eureeka!" That’s what the Italian wife said to her husband when he came back from the garlic festival.

Cats: They can be seen -- but not herded! (Our Suzi is still the same reclusive, recalcitrant cat.)

I’m still into gardening -- had a good season, especially the beans -- and Mary is still involved with volunteer work with ECHO (Ecumenical Community Helping Others) & is active in "the 49ers," a church group. This summer & fall we went to a strength & balance class; then got into a line dancing bit followed by a Tai-Chi class -- all with "wellness" information intertwined. Very interesting.

Robert Frost revisited: "I took the road less traveled -- and darned if there wasn’t a Starbucks there, too!"

As you know, Obama wants everyone to "go green." Well, we're doing our part. I’m pleased to report that we are no longer using our corporate jet; in fact, when we visited our grandkids in Arizona, we flew coach! (And we didn’t even get any bailout funds.)

Of course, some license plates of note: OVR WLMD; RGNTINA; SAY1 4ME; NVRTHLS; UN-N4MD; NLITEND; 91ONE; WITSEND; EATNAIR; 1DERBUG (a VW); DBL TRBL; IMSPCIL; EGL EYES; WHYSPRR; 3 GOTGME; PSBLTY; MPSIBL & finally, B4I4GET.

How do you assess/measure speed? How about: "Faster than a soccer mom at an Italian shoe sale!"

And remember, the last needle off the Christmas tree . . . . is usually picked up by Easter! With that, we'll wish you the very best for 2010. - Larry & Mary