And shopping for Christmas began in earnest out of desperation today...Teenagers are not voicing wants and needs and that throws Santa Claus into one heck of a pickle. I began my search on King Street in Boone as I prefer the local flavor and can find there the funky fun stuff not found on most main streets. Scored baubles, but that's all. It is official, this is the latest I have ever been in preparing for the Yuletide. I bear an enormous guilt...I just shake my head and say, "I'm doing the best I can, man."