My husband and I are so fortunate to be healthy. It's number one on my long gratitude list.

But, a couple of weeks ago, I did a slow somersault off my horse and cracked a rib. Then a week later, I had to rush Chuck to the emergency room with a ruptured appendix. After a couple of nights in the hospital, he came home to recuperate successfully. The funny part was listening to us moan whenever we hugged or coughed or sneezed. We felt 110 years old!

With both of us back to full strength, I'm reminded to send out loving, healing thoughts to friends, families and acquaintances who have more serious health issues. I hope that you and yours are happy and well for the holidays and have many reasons to be thankful during the season ahead!

Aveda Holiday Gift Sets appeal to colleagues and team members. Family and friends. Men and women. Everyone you want to thank. Every heart you want to warm.

Priced at holiday season savings - the only time of year when Aveda discounts its products - and beautifully presented in recyclable, reusable containers - this year's limited edition sets feature favorite items for everyone. Here are three examples:

"Head for Smooth" - Smooth Infusion Shampoo and Conditioner, Light Elements Smoothing Fluid and an organic cotton headband are a $79 value, priced at $60.

"Grooming Essentials" - Men Pure-formance Shampoo, Conditioner, Grooming Cream, and Hair and Body Bar in an abaca fiber travel kit are a $105 value, priced at $75.

"Refreshment at Hand" - Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash and Body Lotion in a counter caddy are a $48 value, priced at $38.

True to its philosophy of caring for the environment, Aveda has created the gift sets to include hand-made paper produced by indigenous families in the Himalayas. Collecting renewably-sourced wood from forests and supplying these beautiful papers to Aveda enables the families to work together, earn a living, reverse deforestation and have a positive effect on global climate.

Winners Announced!

Congratulations to Rev. Brother John Gaudreau of Evergreen CO, Mark J. Bilak of Kintnersville PA, and Teri Miller also of Evergreen. Their beautiful images of autumn in the TallGrass Valley were selected by professional photographer, David Smith, owner of Evergreen's Timberline Gallery, as the top three entries in the TallGrass Valley Photo Contest.

We are delighted to be able to feature the photos on the TallGrass web site. Click on the Photo Contest button on our home page to view the winning images.

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest for sharing with us their love of the beauty of our valley.