That Time of the Year

The end of each year is always adorned with pine needles, ornaments, mangers, colored lights, gift cards, a chubby guy in a red suit, and (at least every 4th year) presidential candidates making claims they can't prove, promises they won't keep, and assertions they often try to take back later. (insert sigh here)

I ran across this quote by Eugene McCarthy. Now, no matter what you think of his politics and/or rep, I think he hits pretty close on this one:

Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game, and dumb enough to think it's important.

We really enjoyed Mom's stay with us, but she flew home to Arkansas this morning. When I talked with her this evening, we found out her trip was a bit harried, complete with substitute plane and unscheduled plane change. They got in about an hour and a half late, but she said the Southwest people were nice every step of the way. Also, after Louise picked her up they went to New China to eat... one of Mom's favorites.

Maybe she'll decide to move out here, and then she won't have to negotiate those flights to see us. One can only hope, right!?! :-)

Oh... one more thing that I'm sure will make reading this post totally worth it (insert drum roll here)... Jen called to tell us that Claire is rolling over from tummy to back by herself!!!