You’re like me, Liz. It’s hard not to spend, come Christmas. You want to make those you love happy. I simply can’t afford to do it this year (or last). Was just listening to that blowhard Rush Limbaugh on the radio snickering about, “What great fun it’s going to be to see how these Democrats react when they find out who’ve they’ve elected.” What a joke Limbaugh is. Millions of Americans are out of work and suffering, and millions more have no health care, are worried about losing their homes, America’s reputation internationally is in the toilet, the automotive, steel and other manufacturing industries are on life-support…and we’re supposed to worry about what Obama might do? What an absolute, 100%, Grade-A idiot Limbaugh is. I want to be there on Judgment Day when that disgraceful, hypocritical clown comes up before God. That felt good to say all that.

Liz, I can sympathize. Not too much to give up this year. Giving up driving to the store every time I need something. Nothing is more than two miles away. Except for the time it takes me to hobble there and back, I can do it with a little help from Tylenol and a small wheeled cart. For holidays last year I made special cookies — at least as special as I could make them — for all the kids and grandkids. Labor of love. This year it’s whatever I can create from the bits and pieces around the house. Done this before. It’ll work out okay, just need to be open to the possibilities … always surprises them (and me, too) in the end.

Liz, Great meeting you tonight at the citibank event. You’re very honest and funny…maybe I’ll give your books out for Christmas. Dana