Just wanted to say a quick thanks to those of you who read this “pathetic” blog. I greatly appreciate the encouragement from so many of you when I see you out and about here in town. I also appreciate all of you who take the time to not only read, but to respond. Even those of you who disagree with me. Heck…ESPECIALLY those of you who disagree with me. That’s what makes things interesting.

Anyway, not that anyone cares, but in the coming year I hope to write about more diverse topics, like I did earlier this year as well as have some regular entries by several other people including some of the regulars who post comments here. I really would like to cover a broader array of people and events from the River Region, so if you have any ideas you’d like to share with me about how we can broaden and improve our little place in the blogosphere just let me know. I’d love to hear from you.

Just FYI…
Since the inception of this blog back in April, there have been a little more than 40,000 page views with readers hailing from Arkansas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Washington, Texas, California, Tennessee and of course, good ol’ Alabama among others. Thanks to all of you for making this so much fun! Please keep reading and responding!

Hope 2010 holds many blessings in store for all of you!

Luke 2

 ¹And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
 ²(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
 ³And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
 ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
 ⁵To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
 ⁶And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
 ⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
 ⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
 ⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
 ¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
 ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
 ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
 ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
 ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
 ¹⁵And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
 ¹⁶And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
 ¹⁷And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
 ¹⁸And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
 ¹⁹But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
 ²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Today’s Wetumpka Herald has an excellent account of the latest Wetumpka City Council meeting and how the council eliminated Christmas bonuses for city employees this year. Click here to read David Goodwin’s story.

The Montgomery Advertiser also has a story today on the meeting that focuses on the controversy surrounding the laying of sod at the new ballpark and whether or not Carter Sod Farms can be paid for all of the sod that was laid. Click the link below for that story.

Council Eliminates Christmas Bonuses

Wetumpka Council Discusses How to Resolve Sod Issue