Seems like one should have something important to say to post on a public forum, but it may also be important just to post, even if it is unimportant.

Our holiday concert has gotten to be a real fest. Though no one was counting, it seems that about 1000 people came to be a part of either the 7 o'clock or the 8 o'clock hour. It was a good show. The groups performed nearly up to their potential. I'd have to say the high spots were "God Bless the Master of This House" by Treble Choir, "Silent Night" with Johanna and Varsity Glee Club, "In dulci jubilo" (Praetorius, double choir piece) by Chamber Choir, also Byran's conducting debut with "Carol of the Bells" with Chamber, and everyone's favorite, the Stroope "There Is No Rose" by Singers. They say you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. I'm glad that I have learned to make a silk purse out of silk, over the years. Altogether things went 2 hours and 15 minutes and I was really tired afterward.

Today is Christmas tree day. We must start dressing the house for the upcoming parties and festivities. It is Sissy's birthday too and we've added another house to her Dickens Village, which is actually growing into a town I'd say. There are currently three neighborhoods. Another semester is ended. Another half year gone past. Second semester is pressing me with details. Selections for 7 groups. Details of the choral workshop. National ACDA convention looming ahead of us. Then on to Spring Concert and "the candle flickers . . ." It is difficult to think about who the seniors are next year. I'm not ready to let them go.

And when they are all gone, six or seven more years of them, all gone. What will I do then? Sit down? Lay down my baton? But it is a magic wand. Gandalf still held his staff as he went to the grey havens. RS clenched his baton to the grave.