As I throw another log on the virtual fire and light the virtual Christmas tree, I want to take a moment to thank all the readers of Pumper for your comments and correspondence during the past year. Your continued interest in the magazine and in reading this blog is greatly appreciated.

As 2010 was winding down, many contractors told me they were surprisingly busy responding to customer calls at a traditionally slower time of the year. I hope this is an indicator that 2011 will be a prosperous year for all of your businesses.

As we close in on this holiday weekend, I leave you with five wishes for you during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day:

5. That a boat anchor fruitcake isn’t among the gifts under your Christmas tree.

4. That your valves don’t freeze and your hoses stay clog-free.

3. That you join me, Dierks Bentley and several thousand of your closest pumping friends at the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International March 2-5.

2. That none of your college football bowl games are interrupted by an emergency call.

1. That you give plenty of hugs to your family, a pat on the back to your hardworking employees and enough customers call to fill out the work schedule for January.