Merry Christmas, if late as usual!

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I had meant to post a Christmas themed something a few days before Christmas itself, however, life tended toward way to busy.

My lady friend was probably going to be visiting, I had gifts to buy, food to arrange, a vehicle and place to clean, and a few other odds and ends. I thought I had it pretty well in line. Thinking and reality sometimes diverge at the most inconvenient of moments. Some tasks which I had thought would take an hour, or even a half an hour optimally, ended up taking 3 or more. Tasks I had thought done came undone. Gifts I thought would have taken but a visit to one store... *sigh* Some gifts have yet to be located!

On the good side, I was thanked by the Queen of Darkness, for such a wonderful time. She did not thank me once, she thanked me in and throughout and even after the visit. I remembered her favorite foods and her requested foods, I took her comfort and interests to heart, I ensured she had what she needed and some of what she wanted, my gifts were appropriate and appreciated (save one, but uhrm, I came out ahead on that one and it is bound to happen). That in spite of us having vigorous disagreements about the same old things. Though I think I "expanded" her mind on these things too. She was getting upset, as she usually does, so I suggested she attempt to not take the debates personally. I have no difficulty with becoming passionate, I do that myself. But I do not need her to agree with me, nor do I care what she believes if I will not tolerate her version of intolerance without a struggle. I think she is actually thinking about my techniques of dealing with such hardy arguments. I fling and forget, give or take, there are no wounds to heal at the conclusion. She seems to get in fits. Good thing SHE does not have high blood pressure. Ha!

And more, I did successfully get her out to "cross-country" ski. I use quotation marks because our cross-country journey was more like hiking, mountain hiking at that. Our trip took us over 4 1/2 hours, but closer to 5 hours, to complete. Half of it was up a mountain, the rest was downhill skiing, neither is quite what I think of when I hear "cross-country" skiing. I swear, she really does want to see me dead. I found first a second wind, then a third, and the last quarter of the trip up the mountain I was going on faith alone. Downhill, I knew, if I could survive it, would be much quicker, a good deal easier, and much more dangerous regarding broken limbs, body, and such.

I did amazingly well as inactive as I have been since my friend is not so interested in getting out in the winter weather. I would guess we did about 4 or 5 miles up and in, and then back that same amount. Quite an amazing deed, for my condition. I fell less than she did. I fell about 7 times. The last one was fancy though. It was on one of the steepest of the downhill sections and near the end of the downhill part. I meant to do it because I was pretty sure I could not make the slight curve of the path ahead and did not wish to go off the path into a tree or rock. I hit very hard, at about 20 miles per hour if I had to guess. I landed on my side as I had intended, bounced into the air several times, and rolled while bouncing so that my skis did what I call helicopters. Meh, I was built well. I am, so far, only muscle sore in the legs from the exhertion, no bruises and the elbow I thought might just be tenderized is quite fine instead. The fall(s) did not damage my corporeal goods.

I really was correct about my bear like nature. I did not wear a hat or other ear coverings. The weather was sunny (and actually shining for the top 1/3 of the run) but below freezing. No frostbite. I think I will do more skiing, now that I know where to rent (and only about $12 for a day), where to go to ski, and have learned a bit, once I recover a bit that is. I will not go quite so far though. I would like to practice that bottom third, where the steepest run is. Both for getting up it and for learning to do the downhill part. I figure, if I do that section, if I am tired I can go home, have lunch, and maybe hit it later. If I am not tiring, I can hit it two or three times. I get the most demanding section right there near the bottom. Plus, if I really break something, I have an easier time getting help from other skiers and from medical. Though too, my pride will often be bruised more than anything else.

No camera went with, quite by memory failure. It turns out that was a good thing. The camera would most likely be no more. As I learn, and become sure of myself, I will bring it along at some point. I know, promises promises. And, true, it may end up being broken, but understand that it is in my list, just like the skiing. We will see. I have asked one of my newer friends if he would like to go. It would be good to have someone to go with from time to time. Though, as I have learned in the past, it is best not to rely on friends.

Nothing religious this Christmas, other than loving people who do not necessarily love me. She really does detest me, you know. She does not understand that I am offering her a chance to love someone between her neighbor and her enemy. If she can see her way to it, she has more of a chance at life. I, too, get the idea that my former neighbor really does not like me at times. He was from a rough crew, he was always trouble I think, and he does not understand or appreciate my lawful, religious, respectful nature. If he likes me, he likes me situationally, partially, something. But inside, too, I sense a deep scorn or resentment. He does not like rules, much like my lady friend. Never mind, that is not the point.

I do, sometimes, feel quite alone. No, not lonely, though from time to time there is that. Simply, I feel as if there is no one on the same page. Conservatives who hate cops (I understand some skepticism, but damn it, not hate), or Christians who believe the Church (the fundamental guidance, not necessarily one particular priest/preacher/minister or congregation) is a bit dated or not really a factor in their lives, and such are supposed to be mine so are very frustrating. Liberals do not really get me upset, I understand they are completely blind. It is rare to find someone with a simple honest view of the world and themselves in it. Most seem to want to do only what they wish to do, and often that is to make themselves feel good, never mind the rules, laws, traditions, or such. I believe in these things, these rules and such, so long as they are just and right and follow God's wishes. I understand too, that as broken as I am, I can still lead. As such, I choose to lead in the right direction as far as I am able. If I am leading an army or just myself, it is a lonely place.

Well, it was a good Christmas. A familiar face, a few gifts out the door and in, and a new sport started. I hope your Christmas was something you can enjoy for the year and which will make up for all the advertisements in poor taste, silly songs, and "ho, ho, ho"'s you have had to endure. I suppose I am a bit of a grinch, that way, but are you not? :p Yes, a little family if only on the phone, some familiar faces, a few gifts, and just maybe a good bit of thought about what Christmas really is, the beginning of the potential of heaven on earth and, truly, good will to all mankind. And further, a little look at what heaven might look like, if all goes relatively smoothly. Merry (late) Christmas. And, a Happy (early) New Year!