Happy Christmas Eve!  The last two days have been a bit of a whirlwind so I haven't written a lick on the novel.  We went to Kevin and Steve's house night before last where we enjoyed a yummy, satisfying spaghetti dinner in their newly remodelled home.  Their elderly cat, Dusty, was a key participant in the evening with lovely poses before the fire, refined begging at dinner time and sufferance of our obeisance in the form of petting.

After dinner, we watched one of Dan's and my all-time favorite Christmas movies, Love Actually.  Then we were tucked into their extremely comfortable guest quarters on the third floor where we had a great night's sleep.

After a "lie-in" in the morning, we had a breakfast of Kevin's special cheesy eggs and then hit the road for Fuquay-Varina--home of Dan's brother, Ken and Ken's wife (my good friend) Cindy.  There we offered more adoration to cat-beings Max and the ever-elusive Fanny.  We took a tour of Ken's office and campus at Campbell University (in the rain--badly needed here in drought-bound North Carolina) and continued on to Coats, where Cindy has her studio.  We got to see a few pieces in progress and were very impressed with the work space she's created for herself.

Then we went back home for unwrapping of presents, extensive conversation regarding movies, books (The Ender and Shadow series by my former professor, Orson Scott Card), and playing Spades.  Cindy and I were roundly trounced by Ken and Dan the first game.  After a break for dinner, we took them on again and, although it wasn't quite as ugly, it was a beating of sorts.  It's tough realizing that you're the worst card-player in a particular group (although I do take some comfort in the fact that Ken is simply the best card player I know, Cindy's married to him and Dan grew up with him).  So I've been doing a bit of ego nursing and am glad to have a husband who tolerates a grumpy wife.

Earlier in the trip he proclaimed that he is "Happy" and I am "Grumpy."  I never suspected he might actually be right!

As to the International Heifer, one of my fine friends has given me a wonderful gift this year--the purchase of

2 colonies of bees

3 clutches of chicks

Trees (quantity unknown!)

1 Flock of Hope (chicks, geese, ducks)  

via Heifer International.  I've always wanted to give one of their gifts and Erik's gone and beaten me to the punch.  It makes me feel good to know that these gifts will be enriching lives and the earth this coming year.   I hope this blog finds everyone enjoying a cozy, refershing and love-filled Christmas eve with family.  We'll be enjoying ham and trimmings along with board games, holiday songs and (I am sure) lots of laughter.  I'm not sure about cards.

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