From the Editor
Linda Harris

The delay in getting the December newsletter to the website lies with me. I found that the end of the month came too quickly after Thanksgiving. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday and your Christmas celebration is filled with happiness and good health.

I asked our OWSD board members what they enjoy most about the Christmas holiday season and if they were wishing for a special gift related to their outdoor pursuits. I’ll share the responses I received. As the song says, “May your dreams come true.”

I enjoy many things about Christmas including the holiday parades, Christmas lights and music, parties, and all the good things to eat. I rejoice in the birth of Jesus and cherish the special time with family and friends.

OWSD President May Schaefer wrote, “I love Christmas for what it really is--Christ's birthday: a celebration of the life of a man who gave his life for me so I will have eternal life and for the forgiveness that I ask for each and every day for the thoughts and actions that I may have that are unchristian. As far as the holiday itself, I love the baking and the time spent with family playing cards, board games and especially watching movies like a Wonderful Life every year with family.”

Director Colleen Lewis said her favorite part of the season is to go out and cut their Christmas tree in the Black Hills. She has picked out this year’s “perfect” tree near her home.

OWSD Treasurer Bonnie Struble says she enjoys getting together with family for the Holidays. “I also enjoy getting some time off from the shop when we are closed for the Holidays.”

“I enjoy the decorating and family time that comes with the Holidays,” Director Judy Austad wrote. “We have four small little indoor trees that my daughter and I decorate in silver and red ornaments and one seven foot tree indoors that we put all of our family ornaments on. In the past, my son and I have put lights on our evergreens outside. When we first moved to Dells it took three strings of lights to decorate each tree. Two years ago it took six or seven strings each. This year when my son and I went to decorate the trees they where so tall that even my extension pole would not reach the top. We'll have to come up with another decorating scheme next year.”

I’m pretty sure your OWSD board members have all been good, so maybe our wishes will come true. I (Linda) would like a new bicycle rack for my Honda CRV. “On my gift wish list,” said May, “are a new pair of snowshoes, my hunting license for 2006, and a kayak trip in July with Caleb and OWSD. We shall see what I get.” Bonnie wrote, “I could use some new camo hunting clothes. I will have to be there so I can try them on first to make sure they fit.” Director Vicki Rath said, “I want a really cool kayaking vest like Chris McCart. She's the kayaking guru in my book and I want to be just like her!!!” Colleen told me she just wants snow so she can go snowshoeing. And from Judy, “Getting my kayak last April pretty much covers my gift getting for the next several Holidays. Maybe I'll find a small dry bag or a foxy pair of socks under the tree.”

Merry Christmas!