It is a cold and dreary day on this Thursday, my column writing day. It is not very conducive for thinking of happy happenings, but, knowing that by this time next week the Howard County Senior Singing Idol will have been chosen and someone will be happy and proud, that is one positive thought. I also understand that there are some beautiful voices out there in the contestant world, just waiting to participate in the contest.

And, of course, it will be done in the Ten Oaks Ballroom with a delicious Thanksgiving celebration. Each year the county's Office on Aging staff and volunteers do such a terrific job with the food and entertainment for us seniors -- with Puttin' On the Ritz as the caterer. (Most of us dive right into the delicious piece of carrot cake that is sitting at each dinner place, when we arrive.) If we forget to thank you all, please forgive us. (This is when I miss Vivian Reid, the original Office on Aging administrator. I love remembering the story of her and Ellicott City Senior Center Director Carla Buehler looking for the spot for the first Ellicott City Senior Center.)

With Thanksgiving coming up, people are thinking of cooking and eating, but we look out across the leaves and pine needles and are just grateful that my daughter got the mulch put down and as much pruning done as she has been able to do. We certainly earn the title Pine Needle Place each year. I never realized how slick a layer of pine needles are, until we moved to this property.

This year especially, we just hope and pray that everyone has a place, a home, for them to get to and snuggle into and to be glad they are as fortunate as they are. Again, I realize I am so very fortunate with my health benefits, and all, and though I worry about my children and the future. I know we are all so fortunate to be here in this country.

I must stress to the government retirees to check their health benefits and to not forget that the "Open Season", Nov. 15- Dec. 31, is upon us. It's the only time each year that you may enroll or make changes in your health plan, and, if you have any questions, Jeanette Krapcho and crew are available to respond, meeting personally, at the Bain Center or by appointment at one of the other centers, or via phone at 410-313-7391.

Have you re-registered at the senior center for 2008? It is really important, for those statistics are used in budgeting.

Upcoming events

Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show bus trip, Dec. 4, depart 8:30 a.m., return 5:30 p.m. Cost - $39 (includes bus fare and entrance to show), lunch on your own.

ECSC MOVIES: Friday Flicks - Friday, Nov. 21, 1 p.m., "Nim's Island", reserve at the front desk (410-313-1400), suggested donation $1.

December ECSC Schedule: Christmas Party and Cookie Sale, Dec. 9; Bushy Park Elementary Chorus, Dec. 11; Holiday Birthday & Bingo, Dec. 16; Hanukkah Celebration, Dec. 22; and New Year's Eve Luncheon, Dec. 31.

Have you brought in your contributions to the Ellicott City Senior Center Christmas Project in support of VA hospitals in the area? Socks! Socks! Socks! Let's make the white sock tree the largest ever!

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