I am filled with Christmas cheer (wine) and roast beast. The roast was reminiscent of the one the Flintstones eat. All these tantalizing treasures that surround us at the holidays seem to taste all the better when surrounded by family... and washing them down with a yummy pinot never hurts.

At the last minute we found out that our 85 year old neighbour was alone this evening; her husband went to Cuba. (at Christmas !?) We forced her to come for dinner. I think she enjoyed herself. She is a really sweet lady. She spent 5 years in a concentration camp. 5 years. What an incredible life. What a journey. I am so glad she was here.

The kids were wide eyed and slightly high on sugar this evening. Babs finally fell asleep after having snuck into my bed. There she was nestled in all of the pillows with her blankie wrapped about her and her bunny snuggled in beside her. I scooped her up and returned her to her bed. I almost crawled in beside her... but I had to help Santa put out the goods. Roo was asleep with a Santa hat firmly on his head with his long eyelashes gently sweeping down over his cheeks - his - almost no longer chubby - cheeks that get less baby and more little man by the day.

The evening is winding down and I am soon off to tuck myself into bed. Merry Christmas everyone! I hope Santa is good to all of you and that all of your Yuletide dreams come true.