MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, and all the rest!

Whatever you are celebrating this time of year, I wish you peace, happiness, and prosperity for 2009!

It's snowing here again today, though it is supposed to turn to freezing rain over night and then plain old rain tomorrow. Yuck. I would much rather have snow this time of year.

George and Barb dropped by yesterday for a quick visit before they left town for Barb's mom's place. Don and Marlene are dropping by shortly to share some cheer, as has become our tradition for a number of years now. I have a raspberry pie cooling on the counter in anticipation of their visit.

Later on, we'll head over to Brad's dad's, where the rest of his family has gathered, for a lobster and seafood supper. I am taking a chocolate hazelnut tart I made yesterday. After that, we always drop by the home of another friend who lives alone and have a glass and exchange small gifts with her. Then it's back home to open our own gifts and relax by the tree and fireplace.

Tomorrow, we go to Brad's sister's place for the Big Meal. We are taking a cheese tray, pickles, and other odds and ends. I used to take a raspberry pie there, too, especially for Brad's nephew, but he has since stopped eating wheat, so I will save the rest of the pie I made today for us and for other people who stop by. I'll probably take a piece to my mother, who we will visit on Boxing Day.

To all our friends, old and new, have a wonderful, peace-filled Christmas!

Cheers!