Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!
It's Christmas Day, and I'm on leave
back home in Arizona. Ain’t life grand? I’ve been here for just over a
week now, and the contrast with military life has been nice. Especially
the not getting up at 4:30 part. 
I’ve especially enjoyed seeing my nearly 2-year-old nephew Adam. The
last time I saw him he only spouted gibberish and couldn’t walk a step,
but now he knows his alphabet and chases the cats all over the house.
His fascination with life could make even the grumpiest Scrooge smile.
I sure have missed him in the time I’ve been away.
It’s only two days from now that I’ll start the drive back to
Virginia, and I’m not looking forward to leaving. I’ve had too much fun
here with my family and friends (although my bank account may argue
with me on that one… 
)
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see everyone I would have liked to see while here, but I’ve done pretty well. If I missed you, send me a note - I may not have known how to contact you. In any case, I hope you’re well and happy. I sure am.