Happy holidays, merry Christmas and best for 09

I'm dreaming of a desert Christmas.

TUCSON -- I may be away from my blog some days until Jan 5, enjoying family time, trains and the great outdoors.

Be sure to check back in 2009 for resumed daily coverage. I'll start reporting from the State Capitol in Phoenix on Jan 12 as a new Arizona State Representative.

Here is a John Denver Christmas song I've liked since I was a young child, posted as inspired by AzBlueMeanie. When I was little, my dad used to play us a Christmas record with this on it. I'm no big ranching fan, but as an ecologist who has spent a lot of time in the remote beautiful wide open west alone and with friends and family, I enjoy this song and find it moving during the holidays.