I love to talk to friends which is why I write. As this progresses, I hope not to pontificate or make spurious calls to action. If I do, forgive me I am in a cross between a horribly sober analysis of where we are and yet an undying optimistic view of the future. I hope neither gets in the way of Ted‘s Head.

I have taken to walking about this wonderful metropolis, two or three times a week. I am talking about serious road time of 7-8 miles at a clip. It is fascinating to wade into neighborhoods and commercial districts of all description.

Of course I say hello and wave to any and all. I have taken great note of Christmas decorations of all description. Some people are off the charts, but rather than gauche it is a testament of who we are. You can change ethnic and economic gears in a matter of one or two blocks. Do your thing.

More importantly it goes beyond the big and fancy to the simple and understated. To each person or family it is their idea of heaven. Whether it is a Denver Square, rambling mansion, townhouse or apartment, it is truly that person’s castle.

We have hundred of “bungalows” in Denver. They are built of brick or stone and range in size from 850-1300 square feet. They consist of two bedrooms and a bath on the first floor and a bed and bath in the basement. Enterprising couples pop the top to get more space and this all occupies a footprint lot of 8,000 square feet.

Doesn’t sound like much but families with 3-4 kids somehow have made it a place to grow up. Many of the neighborhoods are young couples starting out and empty nesters moving back into the city. Singles, gays, straights, lawyers, professors. It’s where we live.

In New York there were occasional glances in the elevator but please don’t talk to me. Never on the street. Avoid eye contact. Here everybody talks. On our Victorian built in1895, there is a wonderful front porch that is a little chilly this time of year. Some of you have been here and know its charm. Whether it is the morning paper and coffee or the requisite cigar and glass of red in the evening, it is a gathering place of sorts.

People stop and chat or at least say hello. Our cement goose is the talk of the town. We may make the focal point of our caroling this year. What is it? Six geese a laying. Well we only have one. No matter it will be a wonderful night on Christmas Eve.

As you all gather in places far and wide, we will be thinking of you. My good friend Steve will be saying his last Christmas mass at St Ignatius as he seeks new challenges in San Francisco next year. My widower friend and Navy buddy, Rick will be spending his first Christmas with his new wife, Donna Jean. My buddy Peter will be alone. We have all had transitions both good and bad.

I will think of nothing but the good in the week ahead. A young woman was hit by a car last week here in Denver. She was 34 weeks pregnant. All that was left was her broken body, dead baby and tire tracks on her stomach. The driver took off. How dare I think that I would ever have a problem in my life.

Kathy and I love you all in very special ways. We thank you for all the goodness you have brought to our lives. We are blessed. All of us.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Ted The Great