The Christmas card read: "God bless you, my dear friend Ted. Love from the farm. The Battersbys."

In my 90-odd years I have been fortunate to have made many friends. Now that the Hooterville Lady calls me "dear friend," I have another friend to cherish and appreciate.

In an attached letter, Joanne tells of how the Battersbys are now goat farmers. A while ago she decided "no more goats" -- but now she owns 12.

What I get a kick out of is the great names Joanne gives her goats. She says in her letter:

"We purchased with friend Evely a new buck goat named Buster Baxter (say that three times). We then welcomed Festiva and her twins Raven and Rosie.

"We then purchased Fashion and April. As if that wasn't enough, we bought Diva and Princess!"

Joanne goes on to write: "With the arrival of Dylan's (her son) newest pets Ramonia and Charlotta (rabbits) plus a donkey named Diego, now I feed, clean and argue with a stubborn donkey. I marvel at the stubbornness of a donkey and yet laugh at his hee-haw and the running sideways."

My friend adds: "I now pray for each of you: May this Christmas give you all you've ever wished for. May 2008 bring you God's many blessings. Stop, be still and listen, for they are all around you each and every day.

"From this country farmhouse to you ... Love and hugs, The Battersbys Bunch two-legged and four!"

Merry Christmas and Happy 2008, Joanne. And thank you, dear friend.

Ted Wilcox is a lifetime Hamiltonian with a passion for sports, community and, most of all, family.