Holiday traditions, nostalgic travels and hope for a happy new year

While strolling I wondered whatever happened to Oron Dukes.

Happy birthday to Pam Schultz, Ladonna Bollinger, Shirley Griffin, Michelle Holder, Stan Shields, Jerry Nunnally, Leslie Acey, Theresa Pepple, Wendy Hanselman, Jeanette Spies, Dylan Pobst, Tracy Kirchdoerfer, Richard Britain, James Dohogne, Thelma Stone, Mike Sadler, Kellie Lynn, Tom Essner, Bill Beard, Katie Ralph, Kori Brown, Colby Devenport, Joshua Eifert, Mary Ann Hagan, Boyce Boese, Chris Whitaker, Virginia Seyer, Gabe Walter and Norma Graviett.

Happy anniversary to Freddie and Pam Harrell, Dustin and Kimberlie Nothdurft, John and Oliver Gramlisch and Bob and Glenda Dacus.

It has been 38 years since we had a full moon on Christmas Day, making it even more glorious. The spirit of Christmas still lingers as people bid farewell to loved ones who traveled near and far for the holidays. We will soon be taking down our decorations and putting ornaments back in their boxes, pausing to reflect as we hold those special ones. Our favorite Christmas music will be placed in the back for another year. How many of you are familiar with "Mary, Did You Know?" We first heard it on "The Voice" when this year's winner, Jordan Smith of Kentucky, sang it so beautifully. The Christmas song was recorded by Clay Aiken; music and words by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene.

Nontraditional tradition

The traditional Christmas dinner has been served, but did you know Kentucky Fried Chicken and cake are on the menu in Japan? Although Dec. 25 isn't an official holiday there, the demand for KFC is so high that some pre-order their bucket of chicken in October or risk standing in long lines. The tradition started in the early 1970s when a non-Japanese customer bought fried chicken at a Tokyo KFC as a turkey substitute. It has been a hit with families ever since. Only 1 percent of people in Japan are Christian, but that hasn't stopped the country from developing Christian traditions.

Poultry purchase

Richard and I were in Shawnee, Oklahoma, recently to attend the Poultry and Pigeon Show. Competition was stiff and our Indian Fantails didn't win, but we did have a great time. We sold two birds and bought two Mookees. They have white heads, brown bodies or red, as known in the trade, and are a little larger than a dove. I refer to them as Mookie and Pookie, names not on Richard's top 10. Richard traveled from Waco, Texas, in his youth to spend many a summer in Shawnee visiting his grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins. The homes are still there, so he was able to point out the sights as we drove through the neighborhood. We stayed at the Grand Casino Hotel and, I must say, the machines at the Isle Casino in Cape are much friendlier and more fun!

Preserving pride without prejudice

When I mentioned last week that the full moon of December was called "Twelfth Moon" by the American Indians, it was of particular interest to read in the local paper, The Oklahoman, that the high school in McCloud voted to keep Redskins as their school mascot, adding that it is a source of pride. Many a case has been made about changing mascots, ending traditions, destroying historical statues and landmarks much too hastily and, oftentimes, under the pressure of outsiders who have personal agendas. The preoccupation with being politically correct has jeopardized those very things that are vital to understanding the history of our nation. Spokesperson Mosiah Bluecloud of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma headquartered in McCloud, said the term "Redskins" isn't a derogatory word to their people. He adds that the colonizers did not give them the name "redskin" -- Indians did in reference to painting themselves with red paint. It is important to know facts rather than knee-jerk reactions and protests. As Tom Selleck's "Blue Bloods" character, New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, stated, "Only a fool seeks peace by inciting violence."

Thoughts and wishes

Remember to tell those special people in your life that you love them -- those three words mean so very much.

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We wish you all a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

We are especially thinking of those of you who are missing loved ones this holiday season. Our thoughts and prayers are also with our homebound, those in hospitals and nursing homes and those undergoing cancer treatments.

Please email your news and comments to darbuck2@airmail.net or leave a message at (573) 887-6430 or (214) 207-7839.

And then ...

Then there was the baby Jesus who would become our lord and savior.