You gave it as a gift of ‘good luck’ some eight, or so, years ago. Though not very creative, it’s name is “Ficus Benjamin” (and last year I added his close relative, “Ficus Benjamina,” to my collection.)

I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time now. While my beliefs are not as literal as your own, I regularly attend mass at St. Agnes-by-the-Lake Episcopal Church. The combination of open-mindedness and tradition speaks to me and I’ve made some very dear friends over the years.

I wish you and your family a warm and meaningful holiday season and I thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas. We can never be reminded too often to practice daily gratitude and to reach out in kindness to others; we never know how much difference the simplest of gestures might make in another’s life.

Peace…