It was such a lovely day.

The clock showed 7 AM. Surely, not. One hour past my routine of waking up. The dogs allowed me to sleep in additional hour! Merry Christmas, Dad!

I fed the dogs, ate my omelette, and returned to bed for two more hours. By 10:30 AM I was in the kitchen to make my Jell-O (box) cheesecake, and drizzled lemon icing over prebaked sourdough and sugar cookies. And that was the extent of my holiday baking – nothing was actually baked but it sure looked dazzling when I entered Laura‘s house for for our Christmas Eve dinner.

2 PM was Christmas Eve dinner with Mama Kay’s crew, my much loved bonus family. The food was delicious, and the company and conversations were delightful.

It’s nearing 8:30 PM and I am filling the pull of the body setting in. Rain is expected in the next few days and the burning sensations in my body, especially my hands, are spreading. I will take some ibuprofen before bed and a comfortable sleep.

As I write, I am listening to documentaries on Leonard Bernstein. I saw MAESTRO last night and was enchanted with Bernstein’s non-career story. The movie, which I am still striving to complete a blog post, was remarkable. I am still struggling to wrap my mind around the extraordinary life of the man.

I anticipate a quiet day tomorrow, and I am pleased with that. In the morning, and now what has been a tradition, I shall open and read through all my Christmas cards and letters received this year.

Merry Christmas!