Body Some old people can still think fast An elderly man in Louisiana owned a large farm for several years. He had a huge pond in the back, and it was properly shaped for swimming, so he fixed it up nice with picnic tables, horseshoe courts and some apple and peach trees.

Body Our new year is finally here. So is winter. One thing I did first this year was call my sister Sue. She is now in an assisted living home up in Edmond and I was happy to find she received a new phone for Christmas. It is easier to use, so she thinks. I hope she is right.

Body I know Christmas has come and gone but looking through my files, I was reminded of his little ditty (so many of my columns originate in this manner).

Body Okay, let’s just accept it. Christmastime is a confusing mixture of Bible stories, family traditions, myths, and fun Santa Claus tales.

Body Jim Priest is CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma and can be reached at jpriest@okgoodwill.org. DON’T DROP THE BALL I don’t know if you wonder about things like this, but I do.

Body Every year around Christmas, Americans stop to pay homage to what is perhaps our most beloved motion picture, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The 1946 film may flicker in black and white, but it still manages to feel fresh in affirming the human spirit as we head into each new year.

Body The other day I was sitting in my chair overseeing my domain which consists of my television. I was watching football or golf or Gunsmoke or something when Gayla came into the room and announced she was going to The WalMarts. She said I should go with her.

Body For many folks, it’s that dreaded time again. The Christmas holiday dinner with the extended family.

Body Hewasgettingoldandpaunchy And his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past. Of a war that he once fought in And the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, every one.

Body We live in an age that is obsessed with things. We fill our homes with the latest gadgets and fashions and then, when we run out of space, rent a storage unit.