It hardly seems possible that another Christmas has come and gone. I think it comes quicker than it goes, but then that is just my opinion.

We were sitting for the last time around the Christmas tree which was about to be disassembled and I happen to say, “I can’t believe Christmas is over. Where does the time go?”

To that, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage looked at me and said, “The older you get, the faster time goes.”

I remember as if it was yesterday when without thinking, which is usually dangerous for me, I once responded, “You must know.”

I got the “stare” that encouraged me not to respond in that vein ever again.

New Year's Day was filled with lots of excitement, plenty of grandchildren running around and enough food on the table to eliminate world hunger. Actually, it did eliminate my ravishing hunger, at least for the day.

Both the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and Yours Truly simultaneously signed a deep sigh. My wife sat in her chair thinking and I, reclining in my chair musing. Believe me, we both had a lot to think about and muse over.

The difference between thinking and musing is quite profound. Thinking requires a lot of hard work while musing is closely related to amusing, although I am not quite sure about the connection. All I know is it takes less energy to muse than it does to think and I'm all for saving energy.

I had just gotten into a rather delightful muse when my wife made a very startling announcement.

It has been a quiet week in the parsonage, notwithstanding the lack of cooperation from Mr. Weatherman.

As the thermometer dipped, I ducked inside and sought the warmth of my easy chair. Since coming to Florida, my blood must have thinned to anemic levels. I know cold is cold -- but I have been freezing my dignity off.

It has been so cold my teeth have been chattering so much the good Mistress of the Parsonage made me take them out of the glass next to our bed.

It has been so cold my shivers have been wearing sweaters.

It has been so cold my unborn great-great-grandchildren have begun to shiver.

"Don't get yourself down," my wife said, "it'll all be over in a week or two."