I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! First time back in a couple of weeks, and things seem really quiet.

My Christmas was good, just different this year. We normally get together with my wife's family a few days before Christmas, and there are usually about 25-30 of us. This year, due to a stomach bug that's been running rampant in the area, there were only 8 of us. We had a good time, but it was much quieter. We went to my parents' house about 300 miles east of us, and one of my sisters got hit with the same type of bug. My other sister and her family ended up going home early, so our numbers were down there, too. Fortunately everyone in my immediate family has stayed healthy!

All in all, I'm very grateful for the family I did get to spend time with over the past week or so. But I have to admit.....I'm ready for Christmas 2018 already!