Thanksgiving is over, so it is now permissible in all 50 states to play Christmas music, although being capable of singing out loud may be left to carolers, says a loyal reader of Port Townsend Observation Deck News Around Town.

T-SHIRT SAYING OF THE WEEK: “Whatever. You usually do what you want to do.”

POLICE LOG ITEM OF THE WEEK: A man who stood in a parking space at the Port Townsend Safeway, apparently attempting to “save” the spot, was struck by a vehicle pulling into the stall. An argument ensued, and police were called. The "standing man" faces disorderly conduct charges, and a charge for having an open beer, and the vehicle driver faces potential fourth-degree assault charges, according to police. Defense attorneys could ask a judge to consider extenuating circumstances. It was the day before Thanksgiving when there were long lines of customers inside the grocery, and a premium on parking spaces. Still, not a kind way to kick off the holiday season.

UNIFORM NEWS: The wrestling program at Port Townsend High School has had its largest turnout in years – about 28 boys and girls. It’s not like the program returns a lot of seniors or people with state tourney experience; it is a well-coached, supportive team environment. Perhaps a state rule change has made a difference? The traditional one-piece singlet uniform is no longer required. “I suspect this may help drive up [participation],” said Scott Wilson, PTHS athletic director, “since so many have said in the past that there was ‘no way’ they would wear a singlet.”

‘YOU KNOW’ NEWS: You know it’s not a good thing for someone getting out of rehab to find their family and friends continuing the behavior that led to treatment in the first place. You know you are married to a thoughtful person when she records four football games while you are out hunting, and keeps the win/loss results secret for a week while you catch up on the DVR.

ADVICE OF THE WEEK: “You’ve got to live in the moment,” says a Port Townsend man who has vast experience in that regard. “The way things are going, it’s easy to say you want to escape somewhere else. But where would you go that’s any better? Best you can do is enjoy the sunrise and put one foot in front of the other, and live in the moment.”

CONNECTION NEWS: A Port Townsend woman wakes up one morning and decides to telephone a woman in Germany who, 20 years ago, was a foreign exchange student here. The pair had not communicated in two years, but a mother-daughter bond remains. When the German woman answers the call and hears the voice, she exclaims, “USA mom!” After opening greetings, the PT woman says, “I don’t know why, but I just woke up and knew I had to call you.” The German woman says, “Well, yesterday I was reading some of your letters.” Further proof that two people need not be related, or even be on the same continent, to experience a special connection.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “That’s the nice thing about being a volunteer,” says a Port Townsend man who helps guide two nonprofit entities, “you only do what you feel like doing and if it’s not fun, it gets pushed further down the list.”

(Volunteers make the world go round, says Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader editor Patrick J. Sullivan.)