Well, happy New Year (again) Kiddos.

Oma is here and it has been good to have her. It is also really nice to not have a TV blaring in the background all the time. Sharleen and Lani have been playing many more games than they would like to.

Oma wants to get herself baptized and this has been a bit more of a challenge. The tourism isn't here, so the Yardenit isn't necessarily open. We did finally get the list of local priests today. One was already on a list I got from Hagi Amitzur.

And then there is the idea of me doing it. I am a Universal Life Church Minister. But somehow that doesn't fit my belief structure. Does it matter if the person dipping is having his spiritual needs met. I don't think I'd go there.

I did some cleaning out back. I now have next to me the rope that carried the rungs that made the ladder that provided the access to Yakov's bed. I tried a rung over my knee and it broke pretty easily; so I salvaged the rope and your momma washed it along with our Sukkah mascot. I also have the wood that I was going to make more wooden swords or knives with. Alas, I only made Yakov's. I might still make one for myself if the wood still holds up (not much does in these conditions). I'd like to do some training on avoiding knives and guns and a wooden knife like object might be nice.

The lawnmower has spark, but does not start. I don't know if the answer is fresh gas, or a carburetor cleaning.

I am sad I spend so much time in synagogue without my family. I couldn't get Uri out for one shofar blowing, but he did impress when he knew which reading was what day. I am still sad.

I checked for something in Manu's room, and realised his TV is good enough for my bigger monitor desire, at least for now.

He had some art there, and that stupid gold deer we brought from the states. I just wanted to smash it all. I didn't.

I had what should have been a really nice moment. Someone shared that I impacted him a few years ago. He was slouching or slumping or just not alive as he could be, and I apparently said something, probably something in the way of gratitude, or that the world is really great and stuff, and he said it changed how he is with the world. So he thanked me.

And there are thoughts I won't share here.

May your path through the holidays be meaningful.

It is bed time now.

I lost a case (as in my client left me): he came back.

I lost another: an era is complete.

It is too late…again.