No, Mr. Herman. It doesn't; there isn't.

Photos above: Form C 1986 Turkey Contest; photographer Brook Connor, STA 1987)

Paul Herman (former Head of the Lower School) was wont to ask around festive and inspiring occasions, "Does it get any better than this?", or "Is there any place else you'd rather be?". ?If he were here the next few days (and weeks), he might find the need to pose these questions more than once.

Today, all final rehearsals for tomorrow's concerts occurred, Varsity Basketball scrimmaged Thurgood Marshall away (hopefully a "W"), the Choristers had a recital, and the inter-squad Blue/Gold Swim meet is probably just wrapping up. ?This evening, the Gov Club is getting ready to start -- the Electoral College the subject. ?

Tomorrow, there are three Fall Music Festival Concerts and a Christmas House Tour meeting (the event is just 15 days away -- December 6 & 7). ?Both the Lower and Upper Schools will enjoy the traditional, phenomenal Thanksgiving Lunch. ?NCS will celebrate Grandparents' Day in the Lower School and continue their Season of Sharing festivities. ?

Saturday at noon, Varsity Football plays Maret in the DCSAA semifinal -- a home game. ?Varsity and JV basketball scrimmage Archbishop Spalding (Varsity, noon; JV, 2 pm). ?

Sunday there is a big Flag Football event on Steuart Field, and the Girls Cathedral Choir will handle the 11:15 AM and 4 PM Cathedral services, giving the boys the weekend off. ?

These are very busy weeks, particularly with the calendar adjustments, leading to the end of the second quarter for the Lower School on the day we leave for Winter Break. ?And though the semester doesn't officially end for the Upper School until January 9, semester exams will have squeezed every ounce of studying out of the Forms III through VI boys by December 20. ?

Looking back at the Form C Turkey Contest photos, reminds me again of Paul Herman at this time of year, even though he was no longer a Form C teacher when these were taken. ?Near the end of Thanksgiving Lunch, Paul would often walk around the Refectory, shaking every faculty member's hand, wishing them a good holiday, and thanking, both individually and as a group, our dedicated and talented kitchen staff. ?They had begun preparing the feast we'd all enjoyed in the very early morning hours. ?Paul would enumerate the pounds of turkey roasted and numbers of pies baked for us and end the meal with this special blessing he loved.

As you venture off to your various holiday celebrations, travels, and traditions, may the answers to Mr. Herman's questions be a resounding "no" whatever you do and wherever you go, and may his blessing follow you on that journey in these busy, blessed weeks to come.