Thursday, December 25, 2008

A Christmas Day In The Life

Today has been one of those Christmas days we probably won't remember at all, so here is a quick sketch of this uneventful day.

We got out for a couple of hours in the afternoon and went for a walk around a park in Laguna Beach, where I took a quick sprint down to the beach and tide pools. Debby recalled the last time we were there was New Year's Day 2008, just a year ago. When we returned, I managed another photo of the finches on the feeder. Debby e-mailed it to her office manager (in her prior life), and they decided I should print out an 8x10 print for the school office, to show all who participated that the feeder is being well-used. Other than that, Debby and I have been home listening to Christmas music and sitting by the fire.

I spent some time acquainting myself with my new chop saw. I was surprised that it needs some calibration and adjustments before it is usable, including truing the miter scale indicator, squaring the fence, and truing the laser. But I am satisfied that it is a lot of saw for the money.

We opened presents in the morning after eating a new tasty frittata recipe that Debby concocted. Then I made a rice pudding that we snacked on before our outing. In the evening, I managed to barbecue a steak in the rain, which we consumed with some roasted rosemary potatoes and a nice Cabernet (rosemary fresh from the garden).

We heard on the evening news that the Governor of Washington had declared a state of emergency. Seattle is not equipped to handle heavy snowfall such as they have been receiving. Our four grandchildren and their families have just moved there and have been pretty much housebound. I fantasize a few days of snowbound bliss, with good company, plenty of wood for the fireplace, enough food on hand, and a well-stocked wine cellar. I would tell the good folk in Seattle to relax and enjoy. But I am sure their reality does not match my fantasy in even the slightest detail. SoCal, in spite of its shortcomings, is still the easy life.

So long, Christmas 2008. It has been a day for reflection, quiet togetherness, and appreciation.

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