Some sure signs of spring are finally showing up here in the Ozarks - the tiniest little tulip leaves pushing their way through the ground in my garden; I actually left the house this weekend without a heavy winter coat; and Silver Dollar City opens for Family Spring Break Days in just 10 days!

The tinkle of steel drums, the toe-tapping melodies of the fiddle and banjo, a sprinkle of magic, voices raised in sounds of praise, hand-crafted heirlooms and the twinkle of lights all mingle on the streets of Silver Dollar City to make up the six fantastic festivals presented each season.

Well, it's a balmy 24 degrees in my neck of the woods today, the warmest it has been in about a week!  Though it is a lovely winter wonderland outside with a blanket of snow covering the ground and plenty of snow angels in my backyard these frigid temps have me dreaming of only one thing - the smell of funnel cakes on a hot summer's day. 

Wow, 2009 was quite the year.  It began with incredible uncertainty and continued as one of the most difficult years Americans have faced in recent history.  But, we have made it through the year and I believe it means something that so many have been tried and tested and yet have persevered into the stage of recovery.  

Nothing conjures up more memories of holiday magic and imagination for me than the image of Santa Claus.  The Night Before Christmas has always been one of my favorite holiday stories with the vivid descriptions of Santa spreading joy and good cheer.