
Jimmy Buffet's music has had a preferred spot on my playlists for most of my adult life. Just yesterday, "This Friday's Song" was "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" to accompany our Labor Day weekend trip to Amelia Island. It was so sad to see the news this morning that this unique artist and remarkable man passed away last night.

We are celebrating our fifth Christmas in Tallahassee this year. This year, I must have been an especially good boy because "Santa" made me a mincemeat pie. From our family to yours, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year!

This morning, NASA launched a rocket to the moon for the first time in fifty years. If you were not able to watch the launch, take a minute to watch. If it doesn't fill you with awe and pride, I would be surprised. Congratulations to the entire team at NASA and all of their commercial partners on a successful first launch of this exciting next step to enable human exploration of the moon and Mars. Remember... Always look up!

Today will be the twenty-sixth time since 1972 I have voted in a Congressional election. This year we will vote to select a local representative to the US House of Representatives and one of the US Senators from Florida. The 26th amendment that gave US citizens the right to vote at 18 was passed in July 1971. Many people fought hard to extend this right and I have always felt it was my duty to exercise that right thoughtfully and responsibly.

We got the very sad news that my cousin Ian lost his valiant battle against cancer on Friday. Ian was one of those rare "old" souls who brought out the best in everyone around him. It was truly a blessing to be his friend and to be family.

Had a very relaxed three day weekend to celebrate "another trip around the sun." Wanted to say thank you to everyone who took the time to wish me a happy birthday I really appreciate it.

I am celebrating my birthday this weekend and this rocking country tune not only brought back memories of my younger days in Texas, but says a lot about knowing that the simple things that bring you joy are what you should focus on.

Teresa and I celebrated our eleventh wedding anniversary this past Saturday. I had booked us a table at one of our local favorites, Mimi's Table. Just a quick post to thank everyone who made it such a special night for us.

One of those memorable moments in life happened for the Fleming family this week. Our son Ryan received his diploma from Florida State University. Congratulations Ryan. TeTe and I love you very much and are so proud of you!

Small changes can make a difference. I continued my daily reading streak and I exceeded my goal to read at least three books a month in 2021 with 44 books.

One of the annual traditions we have as a family is a "Fresh Start" with matching tee shirts for the three of us to wear New Year's Day.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous new year. In the midst of all the turmoil and angst so prevalent today, please take some time to remember why we celebrate the first Noel and, like Charles Dickens' Scrooge, let each of us always "keep Christmas well."