'TIS THE SEASON...

'Tis the season to be jolly, and all those good things of the Yuletide. We are preparing for the invasion of family: three of our four children with two spouses and four of six grandchildren. Needless to say, we have a houseful plus a condo full!

It is frantic but fun. Our three daughters take over the cooking and planning, taking pressure off my wife, who deserves a break after fifty-eight years of family Christmases. Actually, my daughters have been doing so the last few years, but now my wife welcomes the help and to have other people in charge. And this year we have a new family member: my eldest granddaughter's new husband, Tim, who will be a welcome addition.

We cram a lot into the days they are here. Naturally, the girls want to soak up the sun and get in a lot of beachtime. Our condo is right on the beach of the Gulf of Mexico only 120 feet from the water. The grandaughters spent their holidays here and have grown up with the kids of other condo owners, so it's old home week. The boys, son-in-laws and grandsons, love to go to a sports bar called the "Lazy Flamingo", noted for their Mesquite-grilled grouper sandwiches,. to-die-for seasoned French Fries, raw or fried oysters,spicy Conch Chowder and a plethora of beers.

We also go out for dinner a few times. We usually go out on a pontoon boat where we tour the waterways and islands around us. The sons-in-law have developed a tradition of doing a Seafood Feast Night where they purchase a wide variety of oysters, clams and other seafood goodies, including sometimes the product of successful deep sea fishing, which they prepare and serve.

As I say, it's frantic but fun---and what a holiday season should be---a chance for family to mingle and share the good times.

And that's what I wish all of you. Laissez les bons temps rouler,as they say in Louisiana. Happy holidays with good times, and let's hope a better New Year for the world.