Well as we southern hemisphere types prepare for a 35C Christmas (what’s that in stone-age measures? – over 100F), I’m reflecting on how much I’ve learned and how some of my attitudes have changed in just a few months. If I had bought books or gone on courses to learn the stuff which I’ve picked up on this board from so many experienced shooters and hunters, it would have cost an unaffordable small fortune. As it is, I can put the money I’ve saved toward a 45/70 and Dillon 550.
So many of you share freely and uncondescendingly your years and years of experience and wisdom with noddies like me. I’m very grateful.
I’d better be a good boy and leave the PC alone for the next few days, while I do my family duty. We’re going to my sister-in-law’s for what was meant to be an intimate, quiet family time. She’s just this morning announced that she’s invited a Sudanese refugee family of mother and 8 children to join us. God bless her. The mother speaks the odd word of English, children zilch, my army Arabic is 30 years old and anyway, “Where have you buried the mortars?” won’t set the atmosphere which we strive for. My sister-in-law has been advised, “No alcohol or ham and don’t let your brother-in-law take the children shooting, they’ve been rescued from a civil-war-zone.” Good Aussie red, free-range Darling Downs ham and .22CBs had featured prominently in my pre-Christmas planning.
The angels’ message was “Peace on Earth”, not just peace to the coalition of the willing or peace to the rich north. The Prince of Peace was born among us because God so loved the world, not just the top left or bottom right of it on maps. It’s perverse, but as our communications become more and more sophisticated, that message is still clouded. May it shine with great clarity this Christmas, and like the star, lead us to Jesus.

Richard,
God bless your family at this Christmas time, for you truly have the spirit of Christmas! Thank God for women like your sister-in- law.
Merry Christmas to all!
Bryan

And a Blessed Christmas to you, Richard, and all of the Shooters Forum members and administrators.

Yes, there's a wealth of information on this board which has given me much food for thought. The many varied points of view are always good for indepth discussions.

Your SIL is to be commended for her caring attitude. You will have a great time relearning your Arabic while playing with the kids. No, the 22CB's probably wouldn't be too appropiate!

As far as your 100 deg Christmas, there's probably a slew of folks back East being hit by the 3rd big snow storm this season that would gladly change places with you! :D

Merry Christmas to you as well! Since you can't have the traditional Christmas ham, what do you use instead? Kangaroo? Or does it become a vegetarian feast? I also hope the air conditioner is working well. We woke up to -4 stoneage this morning. :D

Happy Holidays Richard!

Plenty warm still in Texas. No snow here.

Always interesting to hear from the Land Down Under.

Merry Christmas to all from Alaska. It's been snowing hard here for the last week or so. Not too cold, mid 20 stonehenges here. Lots of new powder for skiing, snowshoeing and snowmachines.

May all of your holidays be blessed with family and good health.