I had been dreading Christmas day. I was missing my son and other daughter, both of whom live a ways away. I knew Morgan would be fun, but it didn't feel as though my heart were in it.

Well I was in for a surprise! It turned out to be a very lovely day. None of the grandkids woke us up too early, my brother came over for breakfast for which I made a coffee cake on the spur of the moment. I'd gotten a recipe off the Internet that morning and it turned out to be absolutely delicious. Then my brother went home for a while, until we met him at Morgan's house around noon. My daughter and son-in-law had everything ready for a nice Christmas dinner. I like the way they work together in the kitchen; it reminds me of how Roger and I do the same for holiday dinners…it's almost like a symphony.

Santa brought Morgan and new bicycle and he had various other things. Not too much though. This year his parents really wanted to focus on him giving gifts as much as receiving. So they gave him a budget and took him shopping. He was very careful in what he purchased and gave very thoughtful gifts. After we finished eating, we opened up our packages. He was quite excited at the one Papa carried in. After he opened it, it was about the only thing he did for the rest of the day from what I hear. It was a "Rock Band" drum set, which is four electronic drum pads with real drum sticks. A person can buy DVDs to go with it of their favourite bands and, through a serious of very colorful prompts, learn the basics of drumming and then drum with the band on their favourite songs. Not quite our cup of tea, but a very good way for him to have fun, work on hand/eye coordination, and develop an even better sense of rhythm. His folks bought him the software for his first band. They chose AC/DC. Oh joy, hard rock. LOL the kid is good though. Within two hours after we left, he called me to let me know he had aced one of the songs already, rated 100% because he'd hit each beat perfectly. That was impressive, as we all had tried our hand at it and it was not easy. So, while I will still push the folk music, etc., it looks as though we may have a budding rock musician!

I made the best pumpkin pies I've tasted in years. Took one to the kids and kept one here, besides the two we overnighted to our son. He was most appreciative and, thankfully, was invited over to a friend's house for Christmas dinner.

Our daughter and grandkids back east had a very nice day also. Her boys are 13 and still are so excited they wake her up of 4 AM to open packages! They were very happy with their music keyboard.

Yesterday was a quiet day for Roger and me. We did a few household chores and I took out the pile of bills I've been stacking away, went through them all, and made plans for payouts, Wednesday, when we get our Social Security check.

Roger has gone to work this morning, but is going to try to take Wednesday and Thursday off; he already has Friday and Monday, so that would take care of some vacation days he will lose, otherwise.

SRS, thank you for asking. I've done bits of qi gong in the past couple of days, as I sat watching videos, or waiting for Roger in the car. The terrible painful sciatica has let loose and it is much easier to do anything now. I have a hand therapy session on Friday which will be helpful. I did gain about 2 pounds from extra special treats over the past week, but I have no doubt they will drop off quickly as I get back to my regular eating habits.

It's been very cold with bright, bright sunshine here. Christmas wasn't at all what I expected. It was much, much better. SRS, your call was timely and much appreciated. The terrible funk I was in for a few days seems to have flown the coop.

I did have a very special "healing" between a dear friend and myself, but I'll save that for the wonderful news thread.

Andrea, I'm off to look at your pictures now. Congratulations on making it through all the rubbish, foibles, and red tape!

kat