It’s finally Christmas time – we’re decorating the house now, putting up the tree and “decking the halls” with all the ribbons and evergreen garlands we’ve collected over the years; and all to our favorite Christmas music. (Which by the way, Carol of the Bells by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is just about the best to me. I’ve played THAT one on repeat probably too many times. ;) ) There’s something extra-special about this time of year. The cold, the excitement, and the fun of giving gifts to loved ones just can’t be beat. This year we’re going to have a…

Breathes there the man with soul so dead // Who never to himself hath said, // This is my own, my native land! // Whose heart hath ne’er within him burned, // As home his footsteps he hath turned // From wandering on a foreign strand? // If such there breathe, go, mark him well; // For him no minstrel raptures swell; // High though his titles, proud his name, // Boundless his wealth as wish can claim, // Despite those titles, power, and pelf, // The wretch, concentred all in self, // Living, shall forfeit fair renown, // And,…