Merry in Montreal

Neither blog-writing nor blog-reading is a particularly appropriate occupation for Christmas day.  On the other hand I can think of no better time to to publish a manifesto of universal good will to all readers, whether intentional readers or accidental ones,  of "Gladly Lerne, Gladly Teche."  Snow is everywhere here in Montreal, and it is not of the Jingle Bells variety.  Last night on my way to church I relived an experience nearly forgotten since I lived in Wisconsin six decades ago.  When you step out into a certain degree of cold you can feel on your second or third intake of breath a strange sensation as the hairs on the insides of your nostrils stiffen and freeze.  There is also a distinctive sound to the scrunch of the snow beneath your foot.  Under these circumstances such a casually uttered cliche as "warm-hearted" becomes vivid with meaning.  So I send you my warm-hearted greetings and my hopes for peace and wisdom in our lives.