I wanted to post this post yesterday, but I couldn't get my modem to connect.

Merry Christmas to all.

Thank you all for the gifts we have given each other. Gifts of information, gifts of encouragement, gifts of tools and materials, gifts of inspiration, gifts of setting new and higher standards for all to envy or reach for, gifts of concern and caring when a community member risks his own life to rescue others in the Trade Center rubble, gifts of concern when my kid was premature (she's doing wonderfully now--Thanks!), the gift of this great forum without which this community wouldn't exist.

The gift of friendship--those we've known for years, but only see once a year; those we know by name and personality only, but finally get to meet in person at a Rendezvous; and those we still don't know in person, but we'd loan our brand new boat to if they would come visit us to go paddling. Nick has been generous enough to give us this opportunity to meet; you've all been as genuine in person as you are on the blue screen. Thank you. The first time I met someone in real life--Pete Rudie almost 4 years ago--we joked that it was good that neither of us were an axe murderer. I've now met dozens of you--of us--and not one person has shown the remotest interest in axes. Block planes, jack planes, drawknifes, spokeshaves, crooked knives, Japanese saws, rasps, ROS'es, power planers, routers, table saws, jigsaws....but not one ever raised in anger or aggression. Except against cedar and redwood.

The reason for this season is the gift of a person who lived many years ago, and lots of people still strive to live in his image. I cherish this season for the gifts of people. Not gifts from people, but simply for people being who they are, and for their willingness to share of themselves.

Bless you all and Merry Christmas,

Shawn