Ahh.

After the holidays ‒ with all their logistical complications and seasonal angst ‒ it’s particularly sweet to arrive at the one destination we each know better than any other ‒ home.

Many of our readers, friends and correspondents have traveled great distances for the holidays, lived out of suitcases, supped with relatives, kissed the kiddies, held steady through the annual tirade of He Who Cannot Hold His Liquor, negotiated the traffic at terminals or turnpikes, been too cold or too warm for at least a day, praised burnt dinner rolls and quirky gifts with equal enthusiasm, exchanged knowing looks with those we love best, and finally, with a great sigh of relief, returned to our own front door, were greeted by our own pile of mail, and collapsed on our own couch with complete satisfaction at having arrived at exactly the right place.

It’s a good year to appreciate the joy of coming home, and to count our good fortune in a year when it’s difficult not to think of the great number of people who no longer have those homes to which they once returned, or the other many blessings of better times.

I’m delighted to have 2009 behind us and look forward to this brand new 2010 when, through the positive efforts of each of us in our own right places, we might collectively forge a Happy New Year all around us.

All the best for 2010.

Peg Prideaux, CTC
010510