January 2 Is Official Federal New Year Holiday … Government Offices Closed, Schools Open, Bowl Games

Don’t expect to see the mail today. Or to do any banking transactions. If you’re out of booze, too bad — Virginia’s ABC stores are closed as are federal, state, and local government offices. And the financial markets are closed as well.

Since New Year’s Day fell on Sunday, the official observation is today, Monday, January 2, 2017.

That is, unless you are a public school teacher. Many school systems in Virginia are open today, either fully operational with students, or as in the case of Staunton, Waynesboro, and Staunton, a teacher work day. Their Christmas-winter break is over.

What those teachers and students will miss today is the annual Rose Parade from Pasadena, California, at 11:00 a.m. eastern time.

The parade will be followed with a day of college football on ESPN beginning with the Cotton Bowl at 1:00 from Arlington, Texas, between Western Michigan and Wisconsin; the Rose Bowl at 5:00 from Pasadena between USC and Penn State; and the Sugar Bowl at 8:30 from New Orleans between Auburn and Oklahoma.

Enjoy your holiday! Tomorrow the real world waits.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from LynnRMitchell.com

The reason for the season….

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.” Luke 2:8-20

The true meaning of Christmas … a time for the Christian world to pause and celebrate the birth of the son of God.

As 2016 comes to a close, I are thankful for a successful year and especially for my readers who contribute and share the posts published at LynnRMitchell.com.

It is a time to remember those who have special meaning in our lives. I am writing full-time and photo editor for BearingDrift.com, and still writing and posting pictures at LynnRMitchell.com. The past year was busy.

February marked 10 years since I began writing in Virginia’s conservative blogosphere. January marks one year since I returned to Bearing Drift and that group of excellent political writers, strategists, and number crunchers.

Here’s to a great 2017 and another 10 years observing, writing, and taking pictures of politics and more. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from LynnRMitchell.com

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The reason for the season….

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.” Luke 2:8-20

The true meaning of Christmas … a time for the Christian world to pause and celebrate the birth of the son of God.

As 2015 comes to a close, we are thankful for a successful year and especially for our readers who contribute and share the posts we publish at LynnRMitchell.com.

It is a time to remember those who have special meaning in our lives. We are grateful to our core group of contributors – Kurt, David, and Daniel — working together as each brings a unique perspective that is shared in our writings. We are also grateful to our 46 guest posters who have contributed over the past one-and-a-half years … and the list continues to grow.

The New Year will usher in changes to LynnRMitchell.com. We were sad to lose David when he relocated to Florida mid-way through the year. Recently, I was invited to rejoin Bearing Drift after a 2.5-year absence, and have accepted, along with Kurt who will also be joining the Bearing Drift group of writers. LynnRMitchell.com will continue with posts as well as guest posters.

February will mark 10 years since I became a contributor to Virginia’s conservative blogosphere. Here’s to a great 2016, and the next 10 years.