Merry Christmas to all.

Merry Christmas to all, and to the birdies, too. The photo is of my new bird feeder stand, one of two now attached to our deck. The first feeder has been so busy, a second was necessary.

This support is made from 4 sections of 1/2 in. black iron pipe, in varying lengths,   three 45 degree connectors, 3 blocks of 5/4 treated wood, six screws and a screw hook. It was fun to make and there was nothing like it in the store that I might have purchased in its place.

Our daughter Lucy is home from New York for the holiday, so we are settled in for some old-fashioned fun. Gifts are under the tree and ready to be opened in the morning. We are preparing food for tonight and tomorrow.

The real blessings are not economic in nature, but have to do with time shared creatively with those you love. Holidays are like that for those who are lucky to have invested their lives in cultivation of the most important relationships.

Joy to all this holiday season.

Make, fix and create.