Christmas

This Christmas was a hard one as we said goodbye to Duke, our dear dog of 11 years. He was affectionately known as Poopy Duke. For the first time in a while, it was pretty tough getting into the Christmas spirit. We didn't put up too many decorations and we didn't really purchase any gifts until Friday, the 23rd. Yet and still, it was lovely to be home with my family. My parents and I embarked on watching all VI episodes of Star Wars. Unfortunately, we left the universe in statis, with the Empire in control since we didn't watch the last episode. We also didn't engage in our tradition of watching all 3 The Lord of the Rings movies (extended versions of course). We did however partake in a bountiful Christmas dinner cooked by yours truly on Saturday night. Mom conveniently hurt her back Saturday morning and was not able to do much but pull out cookbooks, dictate recipes and offer moral support. I didn't mind at all - now I have all the secret recipes! Dad helped by cooking the mashed potatoes, and my brother David, hmm, well, he ate!

Sunday morning we went to church where I was happy to sing 3 songs - Joy to the World, O Come all ye Faithful and the Christmas standard, O Holy Night. Afterwards we went home to eat again and open presents. My big gift was tires for my car (so appreciated) and David's was a new laptop! Mom enjoyed receiving lots of bath soaps and salts and Dad got cologne, T-Shirts and a pretty nice gift card.

During my time at home, I was able to sleep a bunch, enjoy the fireplace and attend quite a few Zumba classes! I also met up with some dear high school friends and saw the Gabe Zimmerman Memorial Bench that was placed at our high school, University High. Gabe was an aide to Tucson Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and was shot and killed last year on January 8th at a community event.

Right before I left we played a ridiculous game called Quelf. It forced us to be silly and zany (as if we needed help with that) and gave us lots of good laughs! It was a lovely way to end the visit home.