An accomplished diplomat who can virtually do no wrong, you sometimes know it is best to rely on the council of others while holding the reins. There are some words which I have known since I was a schoolboy. “With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censored, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably.” These words were uttered by Judge Aaron Satie — as a wisdom, and warning. The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we're all damaged.

What a great start to a weekend. Had some friends over last night for dinner and a movie. It was so nice! I forgot how nice it was to have people over! This morning, got up to feed the cats an hour late, then back to bed and slept in til' noon. Gotta love that. We'll probably just vegetate this afternoon, and tonight I want to go looking at Christmas lights. I have a love/hate relationship with Christmas, or as I call it now, Giftmas. I'm hanging on to the traditions of my family, when I don't really have a…