For Release December 19, 2000

All I Want For Christmas Is.....

AGRI-VIEWS
by Chuck Otte, Geary County Extension Agent

I decided a few years ago that I must be reaching middle age when my expectations for Christmas started to change. I’m sure it was a subtle change but all of a sudden, one year, I realized that I was spending very little time thinking about what I wanted and concentrating much more on what other people should receive.

Knowing that a few of you may just now be getting started on your holiday shopping, let me give you a few suggestions. Being a typical human male, I can relate for the need to have gadgets. Anyone who spends much time in the outdoors really should have a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The prices have really dropped, and with the elimination of the distortion factor (selective availability) the reliability and accuracy of GPS units is much better.

A new computer monitor is always nice. For those of us rapidly drawing nigh to, or past, the bifocal age, the extra size screen is a big improvement. Seventeen and nineteen inch monitors have come way down in price, so they are no longer reserved for the professional in the print shop. Some of the new laser and ink jet printers are very affordable, fast and produce outstanding printed pages.

Some people may find this next part surprising, considering how much of a technology fan I am, but I really like books. I like all sorts of books, but especially nature books and field guides. Just in time for the holidays, there is a brand new book available at your local Extension Office. Insects in Kansas is an updated version of the classic State Board of Agriculture publication. Originally released in 1943 and revised in 1962, the way overdue 2000 version is truly state of the art. The 500+ page book contains over 900 color photos of the most common or striking insects in Kansas. It is spiral bound so you can open it to any page and it will stay open. At $25 this book is a bargain. There’s also several new bird field guides that are top notch. Call me for details on these.

But as for me, I don’t really need too much. You see, I’ve already gotten so very much in my life. What more could I want than a great job in a great area, a wonderful wife and supportive family members. Oh, I could ask for new binoculars and a few more days to spend birdwatching, Or I could ask for a faster computer with more of this and more of that. But next week I’d just want something faster. I’ve learned that technology will always be one step ahead of where you already are. I would also like to get on Who Want’s To Be A Millionaire.

It looks like I may finally get the white Christmas I want every year. I can stay warm and cozy at home since I’m not going anywhere for the holidays. I know I’ll get more good food than I should really eat. So what more could I want?

Okay, the things I really want are some of those things that nobody can give me. Less hunger and less violence. The old peace on earth, good will towards your fellow earthlings would be nice, but I’m not that naive. Humans seem to find it easier to be violent than peaceful. It doesn’t seem to make sense, but much of life doesn’t.

There is one little thing that each and everyone of you could give me for Christmas. It may sound like a lot, but it’s really a simple little thing. I want each of you to have a safe and memorable holiday season. Don’t drink and drive. Be mindful of the weather and don’t take chances. Christmas is a time for families to come together, but not over tragedy, so please be very careful in the coming long holiday weekend. Merry Christmas everyone!

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