As I write this, the news is filled with headlines of people stranded in Colorado snowstorms at this oh so crucial time to be home. So much snow there -- yet none here. I have no doubt but that there are millions of New Englanders who are wishing we had even a tiny fraction of that snow. These would be skiers, innkeepers, and those whose livelihoods depend on both. There are also those of us for whom Christmas is just always more special when there is snow on the ground -- those of us who love thinking of a big sleigh, reindeer, and miracles.

I'm currently rereading Three Wishes, so indulge me there.

Actually, I'll be working this morning, then shutting down the computer for the long weekend, and wow, am I ready for a little down time. We're spending part of the holiday at the lake, which those of you who've followed my work already know something about. It'll be cold up there. It may be white in spots. The lake may even have a skim coat of ice, though from what I hear, the last month has been warm. Even the loons are confused by the weather; I'm told some are still there, though they would normally have already migrated to their wintering waters well before now. Global warming? For another blog.

What'll we do at the lake? We'll walk. We'll sit by a fire and read. We'll visit our favorite places to eat and drop in to wish our favorite friends and shopkeepers a happy holiday. We'll let our minds rest for just that little while. Then we'll be back. I do work between Christmas and New Years, but at a slower pace.

This, I think, is what I wish for all of us for the holidays. Our lives are too rushed; we move too fast. High speed Internet? Bah humbug! Let's slow down and look around and see the good things that we have -- including time with people we care about this holiday season.

I care about you all. Please know that I'll be thinking of you during my slow-down time. As we head into a brand spanking new year, I wish you good health and much happiness. Make those resolutions, and let them count!