Beauty and the Beast

We were shocked and very saddened, along with the rest of Americans, by the senseless loss of life at a Connecticut elementary school today. Our hearts go out to the parents and loved ones, and we can't help thinking the unthinkable--what if it had been our children, our loved ones. What can have motivated the shooter to cause such overwhelming grief to people who had done him no harm?

We got most of our Christmas cards out today--but we send only a limited number. Most of our Christmas greetings are via the Internet or the telephone these days.

This evening we attended a high school musical with a group of our friends. Sharyland High School choir and drama students presented Disney's Beauty and the Beast. No photos or recordings were allowed during the production (lest the long arm of the Mouse reach down and impose a fine on the school), so we can't show you how impressive the set and costumes were.

We were very impressed by the talent and energy of the students--sixty-six were involved, and many of them were actually on stage at the same time. It was rousing entertainment, and we were very glad we had chosen to attend.

NOTE: Mr. Watkins followed up on this post, offering some photos from a tech performance, so here's a photo of the cast:

Afterward we went to the DQ and visited with our friends. Everyone agreed that the performance was really great.

We got an email from Carol saying that Dick's hernia surgery had gone well. We're hoping his recovery will be quick.

We spent some time today looking at WWT Newsletters checking for info on New Zealand. Several people mentioned the Lonely Planet guides, and Ken ordered one--which arrived immediately in Kindle format.