Insurance test, then off I went!

 

The brussels sprouts were already in the oven when it dawned on me that according to the Osterholm protocol, I should take a Covid test.  So, I did.  It was, as expected, negative.

I was Grandpa Ken style early, starting in time to deal with potentially bad streets.  Grandpa Ken always used to leave enough time to change a flat tire on the way!

First to arrive, I got out to take pictures of the yard decorations.  Lacey had received a new one for her birthday on the 21st, it's the most darling chicken!

I don't know if Lacey has named her yet, but the hen hasn't yet joined the party of animals roasting marshmallows in the front yard.  She's off guarding the driveway on her own.

I texted the that I was early, but Carl had pre-announced my arrival!  

Before too long, he also announced the other grandparents, and we settled into the first of three noshing sessions... this one called "Pickin's" by the bride-to-be's family.

We settled in to wait for the ham to finish baking and unwrapped a few gifts in the interim.  The reason for starting became clear when the mythical son unwrapped a meat thermometer, which was then put to immediate use.

Dinner (the second noshing) was an overload of ham and cheese, including a classic mac and cheese, which was perfect.  I took no photos, but should have! 

After dinner, we settled in to watch Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, while waiting for digestion to settle.

And we opened gifts.

There was a theme in the gifts to and from Carl, who gave his hu-mom a hand-warming phone charger to facilitate longer stays at the dog-park.  Carl got a Light Hound vest from his Grandma (me) so he will never get lost in the dark!

Some of the packages, Carl clearly knew what was in them before they were opened, no matter who was unwrapping them and no matter if they were intended for him or not.

Carl kept a close eye whenever the ham was being carved.  He did get his share, of course, but he was always looking for fresh opportunities!

I was allowed "ONE photo mom" of Yukon Cornelius in his new hat! 

For those of you who were wondering what was in the Shop Blind box... there was a warm comforter, which went to Lacey's mom.  There was a tote bag (large) that went to Lacey.  Two "guide dogs" the softest stuffed animals one can imagine, went to her Dad, and one came home with me.  The mythical son got a total of three hats, one of which came in the Shop Blind box.  Again, I neglected to take photos!

Among the favorite gifts given out were a family outing to Robber's Cave sometime in the future (when it gets warmer), and a "donation in your name" to the Food Bank.  Considering how much we had available to eat, VERY appropriate.

For the third noshing session, we have dessert.  Doesn't it look perfect?  It was dismantled around 7 p.m.

While we were noshing, and watching, and unwrapping, and swapping stories, and all that goes with a family holiday, the weather decided to gift us with some sleet.  But the good news is it was still a good deal warmer than it had been.  24℉ when I started to pack up to go home.

I had to scrape my windshield, but the streets were not bad.  The arterials were just fine, the side streets what I would call "winter normal".  I got home before 9 p.m.

Boxing Day morning I put on my new extra warm holiday socks.  Tradition!

I am sending wishes that all of you had good days, a good eighth night if you do Hannukah, Christmas is you do that, Kwanzaa (today) if that's your thing, and mostly whatever you celebrate or don't, that you are balancing your priorities, to give you the best life possible!

Life is good!  Spark on! 🎄💖✨