Christmas in Sunday and if all goes well I will be in East Amherst at my daughter's and son-in-law's home. It will be filled with joy. My grandson is coming with Suzanne and baby Avery, 1-years old. They live in Denver so it will be my first meeting with my great-granddaughter.

My granddaughter Lauren and her hubby Brian are arriving from Indianapolis. I haven't seen them in more than a year. Lauren loves to bake cookies and has at least 8 different kinds planned. Her mom did dozens and I have a cookie tin filled. Wow!

I am so excited.

It makes me think back to when my four children, Carol, Donna, Paul and Dan were growing up. My husband and I waited until they finally went to sleep, which was not early on Christmas night, mind you, before we'd start to put doll carriages, bikes, and so forth together. We just about put our heads on our pillows and they were up ready to see if Santa arrived.

My mom and dad were always at the door to watch them open gifts. Our tree always looked nice even if there was a few empty spots here and there.

Most of the ornaments were homemade in school and always looked just right. In fact, I still have most of them. At least the ones that didn't fall about with age.

I think just about everyone has there favorite family memories. And, no matter how old I get they'll always be with me.

So, at this time I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanza.

Love to all.

I can't help myself it is in my blood, I guess. The other night, my husband, Augie, and I attended the Saratoga History Museum's holiday party. It was nice to see old friends and get their well-wishers on my retirement.

It was also nice to see many who do not always attend fund-raising parties, but there were also many that do and give back to the community.

One in particular is Marylou Whitney, who was there with her affable and "funny" husband, John Hendrickson, and their other good friends, Maureen and Ed Lewi (who were honorary chairs of the event), Linda and Mike Toohey and Michele and Ron Riggi.

But I just had to let people know that the most generous woman in Saratoga and elsewhere gave a donation of $10,000 as she left the party.

Is there anyone out there that can top that? She is so loved by everyone, as well she should be.

Marylou stay the same as you always have been over the years, not because of your generosity, but because of your warmth to everyone.

We love you!

I read some of the comments in last Sunday's paper following the writeup about be me ending a 25-year career as society writer. Some were very nice, others not so.

I don't recall ever putting someone down with a snide remark. Unfortunately, someone thought I did and for that I am sorry.

As far as me mentioning the people on North Broadway or anyone else that gave hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, to organizations in need they deserved to be mentioned. It is unfortunate that their are some out there who are envious of those who get written up in a column for being generous.

At no time, and I mean no time, did I intentionally snub someone. If I did please let me know who you are. I am not a miracle worker and do not know every person in our city or those who visit and give so much of their money to our worthy causes.

So, I will accept the slap on the wrist, if I ignored anyone. As I said in the video Sunday, I try to treat everyone the same. However, some do deserve more ink than others for all they do in the community. It's sad when people do not read between the lines what has been said about the givers. There are many of us who are not as wealthy as the ones that give. But God bless them for doing so.

It's too late now, but anyone who came up to me at an event and gave me their name they were put in the writeup not ignored. I am not trying to defend myself, just explain it isn't as easy as it seems.

Why not come forward and try your hand at being a society columnist. You may find out what a joy it was and how it all works.