A short while ago you all help me. Tonight I want to tell you the fruits of that, and thank you again.

My utilities have stayed on, I have food, and soon I may have a paycheck (screw up on my family medical leave act, but seems like all should be well soon!)

BUT - that is not the big thing. No - this is:

My wife and neighbor are troop leaders for a small daisy troop. 13 girls, most too poor to even afford their dues.

Tonight they came to our house for a Christmas party. There are 13 wrapped presents my wife and neighbor got them, tea sets. There are stockings with their names on them - filled with candy and Christmas pencils. There are surprise toys. Pizza, and cupcakes, and punch.

But even that is not the best. The best is:

Tonight those little girls went out into the cold and sang Christmas carols to our neighbors. People around here who have lost loved ones in the last few years, lonely older people, some spending their first Christmas alone.

The smiles were worth it all to them.

I stood on my front porch waiting on the pizza as I watched them go door to door. And I thought of you all.

We may fight over everything from politics to smoking, from climbing mt hood to general news, but when it comes down to it - you get things done when the chips are down.

Tonight, in part because of your help, joy was felt in the heart of 13 little girls and a bunch of neighbors.

Thanks DU. Merry Christmas, and a big Happy Holidays to you and yours.