Saturday before Christmas

On the upside, I do not have to go to the mall. Perhaps to some, the mad holiday rush at the stores is exciting. To me, it's horrifying. I like to avoid it.

And here's another upside: my travels allowed me to finish up present shopping. Perhaps the only time I find shopping enjoyable, even thrilling is when I'm exploring a distant city. I love entering stores with the bonjours and buon giornos that are required. I love saying -- that's for my daughter. I love that I have to try on nothing -- just eye my selected item critically and then say -- yes! Perfect! I'll take it. I did all that. No more shopping for me. Yay.

But as one daughter texted that she was done with her holiday preparation and the other was rolling up her sleeves to finish hers, it struck me that I am resting on my laurels too quickly. I have things to do!

But first thing's first. I need to spend some quiet time with Ed. We had just such a morning today and I am so happy for it.

I do the cheeper release (Scotch stays out all of three minutes then hurries to the barn where at least the below freezing wind doesn't reach her blotchy countenance).

The sun comes out. It's going to be a cold but pretty day.






And very late, Ed and I sit down to a lovely, sunny breakfast.





And then I shout for the world to hear: I am going to get organized! Make lists! Barrel forth!

The shout made me feel better, but I accomplished very little. Getting organized, it turns out, takes a very long time when you have a growing family and a double holiday coming up and where you rather brashly volunteered to host everyone for a post Christmas, Snowdrop early birthday celebration. My Parma pasta making skills will surely come in handy.

And when I finally spread out the paper, tape and the other accoutrements of gift wrapping, I note that it is time for me to leave it all and go visit Snowdrop.

Well, that's a nice diversion, even if it does mean that my daughters are more on top of this holiday than I am.

Hi Snowdrop!






Play with the nesting dolls? Okay!






She seems so grown!






And as of today, she walks like a solid long-distance trekker.






She studies every challenge and works toward understanding its resolution.






And when her mommy brings out gifts that belong underneath the tree, she is thrilled with getting involved in ribbon straightening.






These are presents? I like it!






(Virgil likes it too.)






I give this holiday a thumbs up!






Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree...






I drive home as the moon climbs to a beautiful December high.






And I drag Ed out for a walk, even though the sun has hidden behind the farmette.





This is what a beautiful day looks like.