> > > I just read a post where it was stated that depression is common this time of year. I suppose it's the holidays. Anyway, here I sit with a rotten cold and a fever blister. My nose is stopped up and breathing through my mouth leaves it dry. Outside a front is passing through with heavy rain and thunderstorms. The prediction is for much colder weather and snow with winds up to 60 mph after midnight. I also have a hangnail on my pinkie. I know that in the morning there will be dead limbs all over the yard because of the wind, and my back will get sore from picking them up. My kids and grandkids are so busy with Christmas, they haven't been to see us much lately. So, am I depressed? Absolutely not. I like snow, I like yard work, I know the cold and the hangnail will go away, I don't want the younguns to come around and catch the cold. The storms will pass within a few hours and in the meantime, I have my computer and my fireplace, and my wife is in the kitchen making good things to eat. Why should I be depressed?
> > > Howard
> >
> > It seems to me that depression is pretty common throughout the year. Unfortunately, I once lost a sister due to depression, and another one still suffers from it to this day. You see, we seven children all suffered from parental abuse, and grew up in separate homes throughout Tennessee. I must give the late Richard Marius credit for all he did to get us some help at a critical time in our lives. Now that all of us are grown up, we are not a close knit family and that's sad. But I have so much to be thankful for. I have reasonably good health and do what I can to help other people. On Friday I went to visit a senior citizen community and we all sang carols. Just a little something to bring a little happiness and laughter to their lives. It was a lot of fun. I'm also thankful for all the nice people I have met through RinkWorks. You truly are my family. I wish for all of you a most blessed Christmas and a prosperous new year!
> >
> > Calvin Lane
>
> Calvin,
> Just for an minute there I got the feeling that I know you. It could be because I have taught several kids named Calvin and dozens named Lane. ButI can't remember one with both of those names.
> At least not yet. I live in Tennessee, about two or three miles from where Richard Marius grew up. I am also thankful for the chance to know all these people on RinkWorks. They have to be special to have put up with me for two years!
>
> Like you, I have come through some good times and bad times. The bad times somehow make the good times seem even better. I hope your good times will continue. I've noticed that families that are not so close, sometimes draw closer as they get older.
> Howard

Thanks for your reply. I once lived on a big farm about half a mile from Dixie Lee Highway on Hwy 70. This was in the middle 50's I think. I went to high school at Harrison-Chilhowee Academy all four years except for my first semester of my freshman year when I went to Carter. Being somewhat of a slow learner, I never got a college education. This surprises me, though, since I have been able to teach myself Spanish and learned to play the piano quite well. My youngest sister sister was a slow learner as well, and I taught her to read and write. Now she can fill a spiral notebook in no time flat. But I feel I have truly used the talents the good Lord gave me and I try to help those less fortunate than I am. I will never be able to travel like you, but I love to read and am still learning more Spanish as well. I did go to Cuba once in 1955 just after high school graduation. Maybe I will get to go again sometime, hopefully. --Calvin