Santa

Christmas was, again, wonderful, and full of time with families, good food, and good presents. Big wins are the Wii Santa brought us, a Flip video camera from the in-laws, and a nice assortment of smaller awesome objects (lots of textured tights, Christmas wine glasses, wine to put in the glasses, CDs, clothes, gift cards, and lots I'm forgetting at the moment).

Christmas Eve was up at John's aunt and uncle's, and is always a relaxed and good time. We then went to midnight mass in town, and though we were sleepy, the church looked beautiful--poinsettias everywhere you looked, four trees on the alter, and huge swags hanging on each pillar. I wish I had my camera. It was pretty breathtaking. We then walked home at 1AM, and promptly passed out, leaving the trees on to guide Santa.

Christmas Day was at my parents' and Boxing Day we went to Casa Branin. And thus began our phase of vacation in which we were snowed in. Some 12 inches, loads of wind, and a day without plowing later, cabin fever was setting in, even with all our cool new toys. It wasn't until today we were able to get out and about in the world. We had a nice breakfast date at Panera, then set out for some shopping for the weekend, which we will spend at my friend's. Happy to ring in another new year surrounded by people I love. And what a year 2011 will be.

2011 was run in in Maryand at my friend's apartment. It was a nice road trip with John, and it was great to see Dana for the first time since the summer, and to see her new home and get a little tour. Sadly, the weather didn't cooperate with our original plans, and we had to stick indoors most of the time, but that was okay, too.

So happy January, all, and happy 2011.

More to come.