I have largely recovered from Christmas and its before-and-aftermaths.    As my old daddy used to say, I’ve had about as much fun as I can stand.

Every guest room was full, and the kitchen was Grand Central Station, in micro.  I ate and I drank–there was a lot to celebrate–but now I’m back, with some relief, on the D.I.E.T.  and walking Bernice at least once a day.  She lives for those walks. 

For me, by contrast, New Year’s is a very quiet and introspective time.  I set goals and intentions, light candles, and reflect on my long, long gratitude list.  I

Today is my niece’s birthday.  Have a happy one, sweetie.

Jeremy and Wendy are gearing up to head back to L.A. today–I will miss them very much but, may I say, our Christmas was truly a Norman Rockwell event.  Jeremy’s folks, Pat and Sheri Crouch, were visiting from Port Orchard, WA, as were Wendy’s dad and stepmother, Rick and Kathy Miller, who hail from Montana.  My mom, Hazel Bleecker Lael, of Choteau, Montana fame, rounded out the mottley crew.  There was a lot of laughter, a lot of food, a lot of memories flying back and forth.

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