Rock Sound, Eleuthera, The Bahamas

From the deep past, a Mozarabic prayer first uttered 1400 years ago:
     "Oh Thou, who art ever the same,
     Grant us so to pass through
     the coming year with faithful hearts,
     that we may be able in all things
     to please Thy loving eyes." [2014]

San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Thanking my barbers for 2016: First, the Mexican stylist who lowered my ears in Lower California. Then, left to right: White Rock, SC; Seoul, Korea; San Francisco's Nob Hill; Lake Anne in Reston, VA; Jackson, OH; San Dimas, CA; Kampung Glam in Singapore; Bangkok, Thailand; Roswell, NM; 15th St. in Washington, DC. Haircuts are such place-perfect souvenirs! [2016]

Beatty, Nevada, USA

The cock crows at sunrise, but he has no direction in life. His world: the barnyard. His course: without bearing. His aim: to live another day like yesterday. His New Year's resolutions: none. [2016]

Lake Tahoe, California, USA

In the Middle Latitudes, the winds are supposed to blow from the west. So, thank goodness this weather vane confirms the canon. Will your winds confirm the canon in the year ahead or will they push you in a different direction? [2006]

Adairsville, Georgia, USA

A glance at the most prominent weather vane in town might suggest a railroad heritage. At first, Adairsville was an Indian-cum-settler village on the frontier; then, it served as the Granary of Georgia; after that, carpets and textiles took over the economy; now, it is classified as one of Atlanta's exurbs. Four directions over less than two centuries. [2013]

Anaheim, California, USA

Twas the day after Christmas, outside Disneyland, the homeless were sleeping. I don't understand how all the gift-giving, by-passed this man. [2016]

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, USA

Who wrote the lyrics to Away in a Manger? Its origins are mired in mystery, but we do know that the third verse was added later, first appearing in the 1890s:
      ♫ Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
     Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
     Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
     And take us to heaven to live with thee there. ♫
Merry Christmas! [2006]