A Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree

My wife, the incredibly talented lyric soprano Ruth Ann Cunningham, and I set out on a search for a Christmas Tree last week for the annual PEO Chapter R Christmas party.  Not just any Christmas Tree.  A Christmas Tree in the spirit of the one Charlie Brown found in the classic Christmas TV special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas."  Our search took us to a Family Dollar store, where we found a rather humble four foot artificial Christmas Tree, which was purchased.  Today, I went to a Walgreens on 2nd Avenue and 70th Street to rent a movie from Redbox.  Since the kiosk was in the store's vestibule, I had no need to go inside.  Yet, something told me to do so.  Once I went inside the door, a startling sight presented itself.  There, in all their glory, were boxes of marvelous artificial tree named A Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree, scraggly branches of sparse needles, a single red ornament ball and all.  Unable to supress my shock, I broke out in maniacal laughter and promptly purchased this wonderful expression of the true spirit of Christmas for the incredible price of $9.99 (Herman Cain would be proud, according to The Capitol Steps).  I brought this wonderful tree home and Ruth Ann and my stupendously intelligent daughter Erin both expressed amazement and joy at this tree, which represents all that is right and true about this holiday that not only celebrates the birth of a great religious figure, but a spirit that is also expessed joyously in the story of "Yes, Virginia."  Our Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree is proudly standing on a shelf above the computer I am writing this tale.  Long may it do so, bringing joy to us and to the world.  May it know the peace and fellowship that Jesus taught us, not the rancor, violence and personal agendas that fundamentalism in any guise would have us believe. 

Huge day in sports

Today is a huge sports day for me.  I have been invited to the Christmas at Fenway event today in Boston, so I'm presently on Amtrak's red eye to Back Bay.  Meanwhile, at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace resumes its march to the Premiership against the hated Brighton & Hove Seaweed.  We need to stuff that bunch so they understand that they are not in our class.  Meanwhile, at Fenway, it's time to find out what lessons were learned in our annus horribilous 2012.  I also hope to get a press notice concerning the death of Carl Beane so that I have more ammo with my mother-in law.  She thinks that after a broken right hip and a diagnosis of atrial fibrilation she will drive her car again.  Carl Beane was killed this year when he had a heart attack while driving.  Maybe that will make an impression on her.  The fact that that overgrown boat she calls a car needs to be junked is ywt another matter.  I never had an automatic that has clutch problems.  This one does and the cost to repair it is more than the car is worth.  Back to the Red Sox, wouldn't it be great if they announced the re-signing of one K. Youkilis, first baseman extrodiaire.  That would bring a whole lot of Christmascheer to Red Sox Nation.  Dawn is breaking as we approach Providence, RI.  Perhaps it symbolizes a new dawn for the Red Sox and the beginning of yet another march to a World Series title.  Worst, to first, that's the Red Sox way.