Education has always been a source of pleasure in my life. Learning is fun. Always considered “different” by my birth family because of this, and not in a nice way, I carried on regardless with my education. My career was funded solely by scholarships for excellence. Relatives disapproved of my achievements; after the death of my grandmother encouragement was not a part of my family experience. In pursuing the career I most loved, I faced fearsome opposition, not indifference, in my personal life.

Things did not work out for me as I had hoped. Lack of a support network was a major issue, one for which no resolution was found and ultimately could not be overcome by hard work and determination.

My affection for education has not been diminished by my unfortunate experiences.

It was my wish to contribute to an education registered savings plan, as a Christmas gift for my grandbabies. I suggested to my my daughter that she and her husband setup such a fund, to which I could contribute. They did not receive the suggestion with enthusiasm and have not setup the fund.

My motivation is purely to instill a value for and give support towards higher education.

I am sending the grandbabies books for Christmas, and will continue to do so annually.

The universe has a way of "opening a window when a door has closed", as my old friend Anita used to say. Last week I received an invitation from my former department at the university, to attend a departmental anniversary celebration held in conjunction with a retirement dinner for two professors with whom I studied. With that invitation came a timely opportunity. I have made a small contribution to a scholarship fund at the university, founded in the name of a dear friend, a prolific and respected scholar. Someone who values education will benefit from my meager gift, as I once benefited from the gifts of strangers. If my financial situation ever rises above the poverty level, I will contribute to this scholarship again.

The weather remains unseasonably warm. We have had a few small flurries of snow that melted on contact with the earth. The temperature is a bit colder today, but this morning the sun shone bright and warm through the windows. This is a very pleasant atmosphere in which to work on my many projects.

The LP conversion from analog to digital is slow going. The lyrics for the songs on the album “Recollections” by Judy Collins were scattered across the Internet, as various artists wrote the songs. The lyrics to one song, Winter Sky, written by Billy Edd Wheeler, remain undiscovered. Perhaps I will burn the CD without the lyrics to this song, and trust that they can be transcribed from the performance if need arises.

My recent visit to the family history library was mildly disappointing. Their Internet connection was down and computer access to databases was unavailable. The microfilms were available though, as were hard copy books, all of which were put to very good use. I will have to call before my next visit to ensure that their equipment is up and running. My visits to the center are not spontaneous, as Attila must arrange his day so that I have the car, the noon meal must be planned and prepared for both of us and the drive is substantial.

The latest loaf of sourdough bread is a success on all counts but one. Attila has come to the conclusions that he does not favour the flavour of grain, which is predominant in this bread. Funny old world, I love the taste of this bread. What I find fascinating is that Attila loves acidic foods, hot peppers, olives and all manner of fermented, strong tasting delicacies; few of which appeal to me. I love the taste of vegetables, bread, fruit, sweets and all manner of “bland” natural flavours; few of which delight Attila. “Chalk and cheese”, that is what the Brits say and I think it suits this situation well.

Our families are flung far and wide. When it comes to giving gifts, the shipping usually costs more than the gift. It is very difficult to shop for gifts that must be received far away. This has been accomplished though, in plenty of time for delivery before Christmas. For our American relatives to the south we have purchased gifts on the Internet through Amazon. For family in Canada we have setup an account at chapters/indigo and purchased gifts over the Internet to be delivered to their homes. With one exception, as Terra and Lares have invited us to spend Christmas Eve and Day with them at their home, we can carry our gift in with us.

We are very excited to be visiting the newlyweds for Christmas. Terra plans on consulting with Attila as she plans Christmas dinner, so that I will be able to enjoy the feast without fear. We have our fingers crossed that the weather will behave well and that our plans will work out!