As I watch the first snowflakes fall outside my window, I am gifted the first gift of the season. And it's a most treasured one. And too, I am reminded of the scene in one of my favorite Christmas movies, "The Polar Express." The scene shows Santa Claus giving the first gift of Christmas to Hero Boy (Chris), who believes more and more in the spirit of the season, as he holds close one of the bells from Santa's sleigh. And that's how I felt on Monday when I received a rev

It's Thanksgiving. It's a chilly 35 degrees outside. It's sunny -- both in my heart and in this colorful Appalachian region. And, I'm thankful for all of it. And while family is not close in distance and with a growing estrangement of some, I am still thankful. Thankful knowing that family is happy and healthy and prosperous. Thankful that my personal blessings are too numerous to count. Thankful that John enjoys his work, even with all its internal and external challe