A Great (Early) Family Christmas

I should have written this last night but the early family Christmas in Seattle lasted until the cell phones gave out around 12:30 my time here in Washington, DC. Listening to the chatter of family at (our) Christmastime via phone is not quite like being there, but will suffice under the circumstances. Caroline and Marc traveled from Oregon for the weekend, and Laura and Hank escaped from work long enough to join Barbara and Peggy at a very darkened Three Tree. Why Marc would have had his headlamp with him is a good question, but it helped having it while opening presents. The continuous chatter around several candles and the fireplace sounded great. As always, we took turns opening gifts, Elsie and I included with packages delivered by the FedEx sleigh. We even had to put a stop the action while I took Elsie outside to bark at some deer.

We have had an early family Christmas for a couple of years now in order to get everyone together with their work and travel schedules. It is a far cry from our 10-day journey to Hare 6 at SunRiver, but everyone makes the day and night very special. Laura and Hank went, of course, to Hunters Tree Farm to select and decorate the tree for Three Trees living room. One thing is for rock-solid certain . . . I know that Laura and Caroline have learned the importance of all of the traditions and importance of a true family Christmas Holiday. "Barb, we did good!"

This year's family celebration had a different twist, with Lentil in the oven. The child is already spoiled at the ripe old age of -5 months old! Oh, what next years Holiday season will be like! Can't wait to see Peggy jogging with the new stroller, occupied . . . and maybe some electricity!

It was a great family night with more coming tonight, possibly for more sandwiches. What disappointment you must have had "saving" the mint tarts with the freezer warming up. Such sacrifice. The cell phone will be charged up again for tonight, even though you won't be able to read this until the power returns.

The gifts you sent to me last night are wonderful and appreciated. The presents I opened up were also perfect. Thank-you for everything and, as I read early this morning . . . “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL (THANKS FOR) A GOOD NIGHT!”