Had a good holiday here

As Eric so eloquently stated "it's time for gifts and pie" here in the CP household. Solstice was observed on Friday with a fitting ritual in the dining room. Pine boughs were tied together and candles were lit. Sunday was spent relaxing by the warm glow of a plasma TV in a bar watching the Packers help my Cowboys stay at home during the playoffs. Celebration was subdued as self-preservation is a strong instinct this far north.

Monday followed the ritual of the first family Christmas. 9 years ago it was realized that we'd only been married two weeks and neither had done any shopping for each other. So with an hour before closing we shopped at the equivalent of a Walgreens. As it should be, it wasn't about the gift it was about the fun. This year ago we hit Farm & Fleet and Walgreens. I love F&F, if they don't have it, you don't need it. From waffle irons to snow tires and everything in between, F&F has it all.

That night was spent with my Dad and Judy. Cold cuts, chili and home made eggnog were the menu. Seph was the only one getting gifts... a strobe light and theater lessons/classes. The strobe stays at Dads. Seph will fit right into the theater classes.

Yesterday was a day spent relaxing after opening gifts. Sephie made out pretty well. A keyboard (piano lessons start in January), lots of books and clothes. Oh, and an iDog. The iDog works quite well with the iPod Shuffle I got. A more useful book to me was a great gift, Bike & Brew America. I'll have to research a sequel for the author.

The Christmas tree is coming down today. Even with my Dad house sitting, mostly for the cats, we'll feel better knowing the cats won't knock the tree over and burn the house down. 'Cuz I'm sure we'll leave the iron on...