reality check

Dang! It's two days after a beautiful white Christmas, and the harsh reality of winter is setting in.

The temperature's hovering around 45 degrees and side streets which were practically impassable three days ago have transformed into a nasty slushy mess. The freeways are clear, but are now studded with giant potholes, littered with broken tire chains and lined with dirty, coal-colored snowbanks. Ick.

The snow-bound masses are inundating the malls looking for post-holiday bargains, attempting to cure a case of cabin fever with a spending spree. Or maybe it's a heroic attempt to bolster our faltering economy...

I could go on and on in this vein, but that wouldn't do a thing to prolong the Christmas magic. I'd much rather snuggle into a cozy chair with an Irish Coffee and a cat on my lap and watch Miracle on 34th Street. Before settling in, I thought I'd share a few highlights of the season at Camp Cactus.

We had family and friends over on Christmas Eve for a traditional potluck buffet.
There was eating, and drinking and laughing

reindeer antlers and Santa hats,

moments of wonder,

tree decorating,

explaining just who's portrait is on the star at the top of the tree, (Joe Cocker)
some more drinking, wishes made on a yule log and after that,

some family portraits,

followed by a nap before gift wrapping at midnight.