How Firm A Foundation

1/31/2016, the last day of January 2016.  The 31st day of 2016 was spent at sports again as things were reshuffled and our schedules were hither and yon.  So, for the first time in a long time I missed the Annual Meeting at Church.  Since I am no longer the Treasurer, they actually did not need me there, so I just missed out on hearing the presentations and voting on issues.  I did hear that the budget we worked on (I am still on the Administrative Team for the Church) passed and, for that, I am grateful.  I always feel lucky to have been involved for so many years in the finances of the Church.  There were some lean years, yes, but there were far more prosperous ones when the giving of my fellow congregants and our partners and friends buoyed the accounts to be "in the black".  The budget provides a foundation upon which the Church's administrative and facility activities sit.  And I find spiritual fulfillment in that these activities provide a foundation for the ministries of the Church. So, I picked this as the hymn of the day because of my foundational thoughts today but also because, as one of the YouTube commenters stated, another message of this hymn is that God is always our foundation and never will forsake us.  That's a message that's always good to hear and consider!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0Xvr8maR34

Basketball

I spent the 30th day watching a LOT of basketball.  Because 1/30/16 started with Colls Rec Basketball.  And, then, after a brief interlude to complete some Church reports, it continued with a Travel League Basketball game and ended with a trip to the Palestra to cheer the Penn Women's Basketball team beat Brown to start 3-0 in Ivy Play for the first time in over a decade.  Baseball remains my favorite sport, but I really enjoy watching Anna, Alexa, and Penn play basketball.  I mean, running the clock makes it even more fun as well, but the strategy and fundamentals and talking with my girls about both, makes it a really fun time.  So, in recognition of the main activity of today, here is today's song of the day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_shxzlTRK44

Fight On Pennsylvania

I was exhausted after the workday on 1/29/16, but my plans had me returning to campus on the 29th day of 2016.  It was because the Collingswood Girls Rec Basketball teams were scheduled to play on the Palestra court after the Penn Women's game vs. Yale.  So we went, and Penn won, and, we had a great time.  We sat behind Mo'ne Davis in the stands (cool!!), the teams had a great time with their postgame court time, and I sat in a different place for a Women's game than I had ever sat.  It was strange not sitting adjacent to the Band.  But it gave me a new appreciation for them and I had a lot of fun singing along to all of the fight songs....the other parents admitted to not knowing their college fight songs, but I know Penn's (30 years in the Band and watching the Penn Glee Club will do that to you I guess).  So for today, also on the day where the latest Penn Band recording went live with digital music on many platforms, it makes me pick today's song.  FIGHT ON!  GO QUAKERS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxI5RSTi3yY

We Are Family

I had the day off from work on the 28th day of 2016.  1/28/16 was spent on dissertation work, the PTA Book Fair (man, I love books and being in a Library for 4 hours), and Alexa's School Basketball game.  And then, as a nuclear family, we went out to dinner to celebrate a busy January, anticipated good report cards (tomorrow), and because we had Gift Cards!  And we had a great time.  We ate, we talked, and we laughed (sometimes, until we cried!)  It was a great cap to a crazy month (January) and I am so blessed to have my wonderful family.  So, tonight, this is an appropriate enough song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMVe_HcyP9Y

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

So much going on during the 27th day of 2016.  1/27/16 was a busy day at work, a busy day after work with basketball, and piano, and gymnastics, and homework.  And, at Penn State, it is the 21st birthday of my niece Ashley.  She has been an excellent babysitter and mentor to my girls and I like the trail, at Colls and in Oaklyn, that she has blazed for them.  And, during a conversation with co-workers as well as while watching Rec basketball, I realized how lucky I have been to have these amazing daughters and all the people (Ashley and others) who have been mentors and have blazed trails for them.  As I always advised, as they were leaving the car for school every AM, "Be Good, and Have Fun!"  So 21st birthdays are fun, Rec basketball is fun, girls just wanna have fun.  Right? And, thus, today's song was determined!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIb6AZdTr-A

What a Wonderful World

It was the 26th day of 1944 when my amazing mom was born.  And, even though it is the 27th day in Japan (where she is now), I will take this time, because it is still 1/26/16 here, to wish my mom a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!  You do not need to know much about me to know that I think my mom is great!  (P.S., my dad is great too, but today is mom's day!)  I am thankful, each day, that I have a mom as great as she (is)!  I love how she loves nature and she has imbued that love of nature onto me (and my kids as well).  I love that she enjoys her grandkids so much (and they, her!)  I love that she is so kind and caring and cooks great food for us whenever she comes to visit.  And I am glad that she joined Facebook, so she could stay in touch with us and her grandkids while they are on the West Coast, and we have thusly been connected even more than we would if we were dependent on the phone, written letter, and occasional visits.  Mom, I hope you had a great day in Japan on your birthday and we will continue to celebrate here on the East Coast, where it will remain your birthday for four hours longer.  And, for the song of the day, here is the song to which we danced our mother-son dance at my wedding.  LOVE YOU MOM, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5TwT69i1lU

And So It Goes

The 25th day of 2016 included another melancholy morning.  I spent part of the morning of 1/25/16 at the viewing for the husband of a colleague from the Nursing School, a former co-worker in the OAA there.  And I got dressed in the AM making sure I was wearing purple, to support the daughter of a friend's friend, a beautiful young lady who is facing a relapse of her cancer.  And, once again, I was in the car listening to the Billy Joel channel and this song came on the radio.  Once again, it's not the lyrics that makes this song the day's choice, but it is a beautiful song with melancholy tones...and that is how I felt this morning, so this is the perfect choice for today.  All in all, the day ended up as a pretty good one at work, but I could not forget to continue to think about and pray for the affected families today.  Those who have lost someone precious to them, and those who are fighting cancer or supporting someone who is.  Prayers, Melody, Billy Joel, today's song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHO6a2H-pqY

Let Us Break Bread Together

Now, it is really difficult to pick a Hymn of the Week on a day you are snowed in and do not attend Church.  The 24th day of 2015 was a recovery day from the Blizzard of 2016 ad we spent most of 1/24/2016 holed up in our house again.  We did venture out so the kids could go sledding, start to build a fort in the front yard, and also so that we could have a nice Sunday family dinner.  Dining together, as a family, is a nice tradition we have forged in the past few years.  And I really enjoy the conversations and the memories that are created around this table as we break bread.  So, as I came home and Googled the hymns appropriate for the scripture readings of today and found "Let Us Break Bread Together."  I actually love this song, we sang it in the Penn Glee Club as well, so, as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be our Song of the Day and Hymn of the Week.  Hope you enjoy this version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFQqOWh2aOY

A Marshmallow World

Snowmaggedon 2016 - 1/23/16 - the 6th largest storm in the Philadelphia area and we spent the 23rd day of 2016 in Chez Sherr.  We got to sleep in, we watched a lot of snow coverage on the news (hey, did anything else happen in the world in the last 2 days??), played the Wii, and watched DVRed shows.  Other than clearing the snow, it was a relaxing day.  One of my FB friends put it quite well, blizzards are a blessing from above because they make us stop (and we did have all events from last night and today (not an insignificant number) cancelled) and, in not being able to do much, take stock of what really matters.  We were warm, we were dry, we had hot chocolate when the snow clearers came back inside, we were together as a family.  We had all we really needed (even milk for cereal and bread for grilled cheese sandwiches)!!  And looking outside, it WAS a marshmallow world out there.  So, even though this song is often categorized as a Christmas Season song (and I have rules about these songs and when they can be listened to), I think it is AOK for it to be the song of the day. With all the white stuff outside AND the marshmallows in all the FB hot chocolate pictures I saw today, I think it is quite appropriate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ujM9wreqGQ

If You Leave

Well, the evening of the 22nd day of 2016 changed a great deal from planning to implementation. You see, on 1/22/16, we went from having three separate events to having nothing to do and, frankly, being "stuck" at home.  The snow caused things to be cancelled and rescheduled and kept us inside. But we took advantage of the night at home with a Family Movie Night!  Two classic movies that the kids had never seen.  Pretty in Pink and Mrs. Doubtfire.  I have to admit, I have to get used to movies that are "appropriate" for my kids but are filled with language, well, that I hope they do not use.  But these are truly classic movies that they needed to see.  And, as the prom scene unfolded in Pretty in Pink, one of my favorite songs from the 80's came on the TV.....here it is from the oft forgotten band, OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark).  It's a classic.  The lyrics here do not speak to my mood tonight, but the song is wonderful nonetheless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPmTGFg06zA

To Make You Feel My Love

So, as the 21st day of 2016 comes to a close, I am feeling a little melancholy.  This is because, on 1/21/16, my cousin Becky LaVietes has passed away.  Honestly, I do not think I had seen Becky much in the past two decades (maybe even not since my wedding 16.5 years ago), but we have been pretty disconnected in our adult years.  I regret this.  Maybe if I had reached out to her more, or more effectively, she would have known better how much we cared for her.  But, then again, she was suffering from some mental health issues, so maybe there was nothing I could have done to mitigate the feelings of loneliness and isolation that it seemed she was feeling.  It is a sad day for my family, especially those on the West Coast and those in her immediate family.  But, we are all saddened across the country (and, since people are travelling, across the globe) tonight and I will, with my song, focus on another Billy Joel song.  It is a love song, really, but this is more about familial love, not romantic love.  I really would have done anything to make Becky know that she was in my heart and in my thoughts.....but I am left to wonder, did she feel my love?  I guess it's never the wrong time to make sure those who you love know it.  I will try to be better at this...starting now!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEQGKY92KI4

She's Got a Way

So, on 1/20/2016, I drove to a from work listening to the Billy Joel channel on satellite radio.  I am not sure why (or for how long) they are featuring this channel, but since Billy is one of my favorites I sure do enjoy when they do!  The 20th day of 2016 was no exception.  And one of my favorite of his songs came on this morning, and put me in a really good mood for the day! The song's lyrics have been characterized, even by Billy himself, as corny.  But, he said in an interview, ""I thought it was cornball for years. I had trouble singing it at first. Then I got into it and decided everybody has a corny side, I suppose"  And I CERTAINLY have a corny side, and I love Billy Joel, and I love corny love songs....so I guess this is why I liked hearing it this morning.  And I hope you like hearing it now!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0iOEOtSyB0

Peaceful Easy Feeling

I drove to work on 1/19/16 and, as often I do, I had 80s on the radio.  On the 19th day of 2016, the focus of the channel was often on Glenn Frey's legacy, as he passed away yesterday.  We seem to be losing a lot of musical icons from my childhood these days.  I think it may be a simple fact of getting older (both me AND the folks I grew up listening to).  I love this song of the day, it features Frey on lead vocals and some amazing Eagles harmonies.  And the theme, having a peaceful, easy feeling, is a theme I can also get behind.  Finding peace among the chaos of the World's events is something I strive for, and this song helps me get there.  Hope it adds peace to your lives as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwqHarJnQP8

I Have a Dream

The day that honors Martin Luther King, Jr. is always a day off for me and the girls.  But this year, on the 18th day of 2016, we sadly had no arrangements to do any service.  Frankly, we spent 1/18/16 inside, trying to stay warm.  And I did continue to reflect where I left off yesterday, thinking about all of the injustices in the world and how Martin would want us all to continue his fight.  As for a song, I used the Pete Seeger one yesterday, so, for today, I am going to stick with the Dream theme. Actually, last night, I had a lot of strange dreams, but I attribute that more to needing sleep badly (and maybe what I ate <ha ha>) than to the dream themes of the past two days.  When I think of the word dream, I think of this song, from one of my favorite groups - ABBA.  It's a great tune, and a great song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad9U3h2UmcA

We Shall Overcome

Today was the 17th day of 2016 and 1/17/16 started off very emotionally at Church this morning. The Hymn of the week is We Shall Overcome.  I am so glad I attend a church where this song is in the hymnal!  And the version of this song is important to me as well.  It is Pete Seeger, in concert. Pete Seeger reminds me of my parents and growing up in their house.  Music was an important part of my upbringing and not just the notes and how they sounded, but also the words that were sung and the meaning behind them.  On this important weekend when we celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., I think the words of Pastor Caine this important were really important to hear.  We do not have a holiday in honor and memory of MLK because his vision (his dream, if you will) has been achieved, but because he has started us on the way, and we have SO MUCH MORE TO DO! And anyone who watches the news, or peruses the Internet, listens to the radio, or reads the newspapers can see all of the places where work needs to be done: the racial divide (especially in regard to the justice system), economic equality, terrorism and persecution at home and abroad, the need more a more equitable means of educating all. just to name a few.  But, just as Martin and Pete believed, I DO believe that we WILL overcome (some day!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJUkOLGLgwg

Penn Band Extravaganza(!) Day: Colonel Bogey March

On the 16th day of 2016, my daughter spent more time on Penn's Campus than I did.  Why? You ask. Because 1/16/16 was the 13th annual Penn Band Extravaganza(!) Day on campus.  Alexa, two of her classmates, her friends (the Greenbergs) from North Jersey, and a bunch of other High School students (and Penn Bandos) spent the day rehearsing and put on an amazing concert.  They were joined by members of the 78th Army Band who not only rehearsed with the kids, and conducted clinics, but also put on a great part of the concert of their own.  It was an amazing day for the kids and an amazing concert for us as well.  Always in awe of what Dr. Gupta can put together with his own army of assistants (from the Penn Band as well).  Now, I LOVE marches, so I decided I wanted to use a song from this concert as my song of the day.  And so, the Colonel Bogey March wins! Alexa and her friends cannot wait for February 20th when the Honor Band will get back together again!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuVYS4uw0as

Don't Worry, Be Happy

On the 15th Day of 2016, I had some worries, I am not going to lie.  1/15/16 was a day filled with meetings, and I was not sure I was properly prepared for all of them.  I also got stuck in traffic on the way to work (and one of those meetings) and stuck on 76 for more than 40 minutes when the roadway was closed for the Vice Presidential motorcade.  But, I ended up being on time for my first morning meeting and I was prepared enough for all of them.  And the kids ended up getting picked up by Sarah, since I was stuck on 76.  Meaning, all that worry was for naught.  And many times, that is true.  It would be foolish to suggest that we should never worry, but, for today, I should have followed Bobby McFerrin's advice in today's song of the day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU

If I Had a Million Dollars

I woke up on the 14th day of 2016, the end of the 2nd week of the year, and, like millions other people, I was not the winner of the record-setting Powerball.  Yes, on 1/14/16 I was no richer (monetarily) than I was the night before.  But, I have to admit, I played with my office-mates for the last three drawings.  Mainly, I do not want all my colleagues to win and leave me alone in the office. But, I have to admit, I thought about what would happen if I did win a portion of the jackpot.  After the tithe to Church and the paying off of any debts, what WOULD I do?  And, from the looks of my Facebook feed, I was not the only one considering this.  It was interesting and fun to observe people's posts and the comments to see what priorities people have and where they would put their resources and what it might be saying about their priorities in life.  It made me consider Matthew 6:21, actually, one of the Bible verses that many people know:

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

I would like to think that I would be blessed (and not cursed) if I won the lottery.  I hope that I would use the money for good and not be corrupted by outside influences or overwhelmed by people asking me for money (it is hard for me to say no to people...)  It makes me think I am actually lucky not to have won, but man, if I had a million dollars......hey, I know a song about that!
(P.S. pardon the bad video quality of this YouTube clip, but there are not a lot of better ones for this song....)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4L3ls_6UYg

Manic Monday

On the 13th day of 2016, there was a shuffling of days at the University of Pennsylvania.  On 1/13/16, because of the upcoming Monday off (for MLK Day of Service), the class schedule on campus was for Monday...even though it is a Wednesday.  What does that mean for me, not involved in nitty gritty class details at this time?  Well, it means that we had Monday Band activities on a Wednesday, when my kids have THEIR myriad of activities and, to make it crazier, Sarah was working late at Temple Student Health this evening.  As always, thank God for my villagers (tonight's shoutouts go to Emely and Jackie!) and the lack of traffic on the way home from campus. Everyone got to where they needed to be by the time they needed to be there (even I did!).  WHEW! And, since it was manic at time due to the Monday Schedule on a Wednesday, I feel that this song is appropriate, and less predictable since it appears today instead of a random Monday (that is likely also to be manic, just another one....)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsmVgoXDq2w

Cold As Ice

So I was still in the 70s/80s mood from yesterday's Bowie news and, on the 12th day of 2016 I listed to a lot of 70s on 7 and 80s on 8 on Sirius/XM.  And there were great songs playing on the radio on these channels today: Chicago, James Taylor, Bonnie Tyler, Olivia Newton-John, Elton John, and many, many more.  And then, I got home after a long day of productive meetings and watching Middle School basketball and realized - MAN, it got cold.  Cold, combined with my 70s/80s vibe, made me think of this song.  And. although Foreigner may be singing about an ex, tonight, my dedication for this song goes out to Mother Nature!  Stay warm all, and goodnight!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgo_wNeBypA

Let's Dance

So we woke up on 1/11/16 to some sad news.  David Bowie died last night at the young age of 69. He was (he IS) an icon in the music world.  And thus, I spent most of the 11th day of 2016 sitting at my desk, at work, listening to Bowie music on the computer.  So many great songs.  So many collaborations.  So versatile in styles.  But, my favorite of all time is still Let's Dance.  Others (Modern Love, Changes, Major Tom) all great in their own rights, but Let's Dance just is a great song, that always makes me smile.  So, here's a toast to David Bowie, who has brought many smiles to peoples' faces through the years and, if my FB News Feed is any indication, affected people from many, many generations!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4d7Wp9kKjA

How Can I Keep from Singing?

I awoke on the 10th day of 2016 and, honestly, even though it was a Sunday, I wanted to sleep in (and, yes, skip Church).  But, it was important for me to be at Church, on time, on 1/10/16 because I was needed in the bass section of the Old First Choir.  Music was one of the first things that drew into enjoying church services and it is a prevailing reason for my continued enjoyment (and today, attendance).  Today was the first service under our new Artist in Residence (who is directing our Choir).  Holly has really made me think differently about my own singing, making me listen more and, thus, enabling me to blend better.  Our singing of Jeffrey Honore's arrangement of How Can I Keep From Singing really moved me today.  Sometimes, when we are singing in the choir, I get goosebumps and I feel that this is the Spirit touching me and I feel close to God at this time.  I appreciated that moment this morning and it cemented my choice for the Hymn of the Day, not Honore's arrangement, but performed by Enya.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do (yes, I know, this is 2 Enyas in three days), and it's a great question.  How CAN I keep from singing?  The answer is, I cannot.  Sing on!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RHt3ElEvHQ

Sir Duke

We have had the 9th day of 2016 circled on our calendar for YEARS.  Because we knew 1/9/16 was going to be the Bar Mitzvah of Brandon Greenberg.  So we traveled to Northern NJ for the second weekend in a row and, once again, the Greenbergs were amazing hosts and a great time was had by all!  It is great to see our kids and our friends' kids growing up and turning out to be awesome kids! And tonight was all about Brandon.  So, for the song of the day, here is his event's theme song (the theme of the event was music and the entire Greenberg ensemble played this song in a music video to get us excited about this event (as if we needed prodding)) - Stevie Wonder's SIR DUKE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sIjSNTS7Fs

Only Time

The 8th day of 2016 was the end of a long week.  1/8/16 was another day of meetings, and I was driving to work, kind of tired this morning.  And then this song came on the radio.  I know it's kinda New Age and ethereal, but I really do like Enya.  It is relaxing to me, and I needed it this morning. And this song reminds me of when Sarah and I were first dating, because she and I both liked it for studying music.  Not all songs have to speak to my day via lyrics, as Alexa stated, these lyrics are kind of sad.  I am NOT sad tonight, it's been a good week, but it's almost always a good time to relax...and listen to some Enya!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upkYQqbrjSc

Blinded Me with SCIENCE

I cannot believe that I never knew that the 7th day of the year is also the birthday of one of my most favorite professors on Penn's campus: Dr. Connie Scanga!  1/7/2016 was when Facebook let me know of this fact.  And, even though I did not see Dr. Scanga today (I was not even on campus), I smiled all day knowing that I was going to pick this song as my song of the day.  It melds yesterday's "blinded" theme with the genre of Dr. Scanga's classes: SCIENCE.  I love watching Dr. Scanga teach because it is always evident how much she cares about the subject (Anatomy and Physiology) and also how much she cares about students.  She also has the most recognizable laugh on campus.  So, with song, I wish Connie a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  And, since I cannot find the official Thomas Dolby video, this montage from Weird Science (awesome movie, dontcha think) will have to do!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsTks_xljk0

Blinded by the Light

So the Christmas Season came to end yesterday so, as every 6th day of the year is, 1/6/2016 was Epiphany.  And, as it was 1/6/16 is was a numerically nice day as well.  Dressed in my Light Bulb tie (so I could see the light as the Wise Men did on Epiphany) I had a great day at work (a lot of meetings, but they were productive) and then spent the late afternoon/evening watching Middle School basketball (which is always a good time as well!)  I am taking the suggestion of my office mate for my Song of the Day.  Blinded by the Light, sung by Manfred Mann's Earth Band.  I did not know it was the only #1 Hot 100 Hit by Bruce Springsteen as a Song Writer.  I also did not know that the band set a Hot 100 record for the longest time between #1 hits (Mann also hit #1 with "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" in 1964).  That's another great song, maybe for another day but, for tonight, I will focus on the Light of Epiphany and the Light of Manfred Mann.  The video is a little trippier than I would like, personally, but the song is, without dispute, one of the great ones!  Hope your days were as BRIGHT as mine!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GCr1eTbxbw

Mr. Snow Miser

1/5/16 and the first work week of the new year moves on....Day #5 of 2016.  And the Twelfth Day of Christmas so the Christmas ties and music go away until after Thanksgiving 2016...I'll miss them.  I do plan on staying in the giving mood as much as I can, that is what I also miss from the Christmas season, the joyful sense of giving that people have.  Today was VERY cold.  Coldest day of the year since March 2015.  That had me thinking of one of my favorite Christmas movies, and this song from it.  We did not have any precipitation today (thank goodness) and the cold is supposed to be gone by the weekend when the water (rain) returns (also thank goodness), but I DO like this song.  STAY WARM EVERYONE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPrbccEdI5o

Heigh Ho!

Day #4 of 2016 and 1/4/2016 was the 11th day of Christmas AND the first day back to work in the New Year.  And, a year ago on the first Monday of 2015, we were on the way to Walt Disney World. But, this year, no such luck.  Sigh.  So I guess this song is the most fitting song for how I am feeling today.  But, as with yesterday's song, I learned something today!  The song's lyrics are "it's HOME from work we go" NOT "it's OFF to work I go."  So I was humming the wrong lyrics this morning instead of singing the right lyrics this evening.  But, I do (usually) enjoy going to work and today I did!  Hope you all started the work year just as well as I did!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI0x0KYChq4

We Three Kings

So, 2016's theme is a song a day.  And, I have decided, Sundays will be the Hymn of the Week.  It should be fitting, right?  And I DO love hymns!!!  Day #3 of 2016, and it was the celebration of Epiphany at Church today!  1/3/16 and we prayed about the Three Kings (of Orient Are)....so you know what the song will be.  But, when doing research on this song, I realized it is based on Matthew 2 which contains my favorite scripture passage of all time, Matthew 2:12,
"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route."

I am not sure why I like this passage so much, I think it's because it is a plot adjustment (kind of when Bobby's shooting in Dallas was just a dream!).  But it's still Christmas, so a story about gifts given to the Baby Jesus is a nice way to start the day!  And, we should ask ourselves, "what gifts can we give in our daily lives to God, Jesus, each other, etc."  I know I try to give my gifts of kindness, concern, helpfulness, positiveness, etc.  Back to work tomorrow, and I will get back to working on it!

Happy 10th day of Christmas, may your Lords be leaping!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8mjRxkMBkE

New York, New York

It was the 2nd day of 2016 and 1/2/16 found the Sherr Family in an unfamiliar city......We did, however, get to knock some things of the family must-do list, New York Style.  It was the 9th day of Christmas, so it was fitting that we each had 9 ladies dancing as we watched the Rockettes (yes, there were 36) in their Christmas Spectacular.  And it WAS spectacular!  We also got to see Grand Central Terminal, the 9-11 Memorial, and the other holiday sights of New York, NY.  And, although NY is a bit overwhelming to me at times, it was certainly an amazing trip and a lot of wonderful things were seen and experienced.  And, of course, the time spent with great friends, and together as a family, and a good meal in Little Italy....how could anything go wrong.  SO, of course, the song choice for today was an easy decision......gotta love Frank!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUrUfJW1JGk