Sax a Claus:

Here's something that just caught my attention in Downtown Troy on Christmas Eve, that I thought was fabulous. My family and I attended 4 p.m. mass at St. Anthony's church. Father Mario Julian said a beautiful mass, which was attended by more people than I've ever seen at the church. We had parked about a block and a half away, up by the Atrium, so we had the chance to enjoy a walk through downtown, on a beautiful evening.
All of a sudden, we were pleasantly surprised to see Santa Claus walking down the street, playing Christmas music on his saxophone. We stopped, and were treated to a private concert on 4th Street. the entire experience made me close my eye's and remember the hustle and bustle of Troy's downtown during a different era, when events like this were common during the holiday season. The musical Santa goes by the moniker, Sax a Claus. I know it was just a little thing, but, it was just one of those special events that makes the holiday's so unique, and memorable.
Sax a Claus was just walking in and out of different bars, shops and restaurants, playing for the delighted patrons. He wasn't being payed by anyone, nor was he accepting tips for his time and effort. I asked him why he was out there and he replied, "I was blessed with talent, and I think during Christmas time, it's my obligation to share that talent to help brighten people's lives, and maybe enhance someones holiday season."

People like Sax a Claus, give you hope that there are still people out there who care, and perform acts of kindness, just to help make others happy. If everyone did just one thing to help another human being, our city would be a much happier, and healthier place.
My thanks to Sax a Claus for a job well done.

Ho Ho Ho:

The holiday season always seems to bring out the best in folks. Walking through the streets of Troy, I've found that most people's moods seem to get better, with many wearing a smile, and in a good mood.
It doesn't matter what kind of trash life has been loading on your shoulders throughout the year, the Christmas season makes everyone more pleasant.
So no matter what you celebrate this time of the year, whether it be Christmas, Hanuka, Kwanzaa, or Festivus, make the best of it and be nice to someone. It doesn't have to be anything special, maybe just a smile, a friendly greeting, or a kind word.
All to often we forget that just one act of kindness to our fellow man, can sometimes make a world of difference in someones life. So to all of you reading this, Merry Christmas and a happy, and safe holiday.

Day of Infamy Not to be Forgotten:

This morning I decided to ask the first three people I ran into if they knew what today was. The first two replied with today's date, and the third asked me if it was my birthday. For those who do not know, today is, "a day that will live in infamy," Pearl Harbor day.
On December 7, 1941, the Pearl Harbor Navel Base in Hawaii was invaded by Japanese forces, killing thousands of American soldiers. It's a shame that this sad event which rallied a nation, receives very little mention in today's media.

If you see a veteran today in your travels, especially one who served in WWII, stop, shake their hand, and say thank you for your sacrifice. We enjoy the freedoms we have in our country, primarily due to the sacrifices these men and women made back then. God Bless them & God Bless America.