Richard, I have been outside - and you are right. It is an amazingly beautiful, clear, crisp So. Calif. day. It rained all day yesterday and hard. Last night as my brother's family packed up to go home - we could see stars in the sky. When you live in the heart of Los Angeles with smog and all of the lights - you usually don't get to see that many.

Christmas Day was just perfect. As in many a family, you cannot always say that - sometimes there are just "bumps" in the day that you wish hadn't happened. Yesterday there were none!

My little niece loved her train. I had put it up in my little den and closed the doors. She couldn't get in and we told her there was a surprise behind the door. Finally we let her in and she just sat there and watched it and watched it - very quietly - when it had gone around the track once, I showed her how to start it up again. Good thing I had AAA batteries on hand - we already went through the first set that came with the train.

My older niece refined the train, adding all of the goodies that I had skipped after putting it together.....and everything works.

My sister in law completely cleaned my kitchen - putting everything away. Boy, this morning I was ready to kiss her all over again!

So it was a HAPPY DAY - the way I always dream that they should be and I am very grateful.

Yesterday I had eggnog - nary a drop of alcohol in it.........

So today - well, I don't think I can handle one of those nipple things quite so early - maybe a good, strong Bloody Mary....sounds perfect.

More family arriving today........my older brother from Brazil. Let the partying begin.......again.

Oh and Richard, please give everyone a round of drinks - on me!

Which reminds me, as bookkeeper of the bar, I will give everyone their tabs at the end of the year. I know that you need to take an inventory and then re-stock the bar.