Brother,

You know, it seems like just a few short months ago, we were talking about the sunshine and hot weather, and remarking on how much we were going to enjoy the summer months. Well, unbelievably, they are gone now. We are now facing a new season that will bring us cold weather, ice, snow, Holidays, and a changing of the guard.

We can all look back on this past year, and reflect on some of the moments we have shared together. If you think about it, a lot of your time was spent with your family and friends. Hopefully, your year was filled with joyful events, and memorable moments that you will cherish for a lifetime.

I have similar thoughts about the past year. I can honestly tell you, when I look back at what happened and what we did together, I would not change a thing! This truly was one of the best years I have had recently. It was not just because of the functions I attended or the parties I enjoyed, but the people I met have expanded my "Inner circle of friends" to the point where the circle has exploded and I cannot see the other side. I consider myself lucky to have so many friends who I can rely on for a laugh, and a smile.

What really makes me think, though, is the fact that this is just the "Tip of the Iceberg". There are SO many more things I want to do, and SO many more new experiences I want to try, and it Boggles my mind. There just is not enough time in one year to explore the entire horizon!

Well, lucky for us this is not the end. The month of December closes the book on some things, but then begins a new chapter for all of us in one way or another. Much like the new fallen snow marks the end of summertime fun and green leaves on trees, it also encourages us to run outside into the crisp, clean air, bundled in our warm winter coats to make Angels in the back yard while the children sledride past and throw snowballs at us. They do this, of course, because they know we will retaliate. When that happens, the first Family snowball fight of the season begins, then LOOK OUT! It’s everyone for themselves!

Spending this "Quality time" with your family is one of the key ingredients to a happy household. It also gives the children an opportunity to interact with adults, and in the same respect, it allows the adults to act like children (Which is what we would like to do all the time). The Stated Meeting on December 11 will provide a little bit of this for all of us.

We will share a meal with our family and friends, watch a play with a Christmas theme, and meet Santa Claus on his preliminary trip from the North Pole. I can’t think of a better way for you to spend a few hours with your family, to bring in the new season. Please join us once again to celebrate this occasion, and support the Officers of the Lodge who plan these events for all of us to enjoy.

See you there,