Pies are done! The crusts look okay, just a bit dark. Nom nom nom. Only I think we have to wait. Oh! Must add whip cream to tomorrow's time-on-target list.

I've been spending the day cleaning off my dvr--just finishing putting Doctor Who Christmas eps on dvd (first Ten ep and first Donna ep).

I also just opened up the last of my presents from my mom. I had gotten the box on Monday, opened up the 12" cast iron skillet and lid that was wrapped in corduroy bags, and set the two wrapped boxes aside for tonight. I accidentally saw the top of the shipping list before I averted my eyes, so I knew that the smaller box was the complete Two Towers soundtrack, but I was guessing that the big box was an enamel-clad cast iron stockpot I had on my wish list. When I opened it up, I was surprised and thrilled to find out that it was the boxed set of Sherlock Holmes annotated short stories!!! (Yes, it was heavy enough to fool me to think it was cast iron!)

I called my mom to thank her, and then called my sister to chat. When I told her about the books, she was really interested to find out which set it was, so I guessed that she had also ordered Sherlock Holmes for me. Sure enough, she had, but luckily enough, it was the set of annotated novels, so as soon as they're delivered next week, I'll have the complete set--yay!!!

Oh it's so lovely when family knows you well enough to gift you right!

We have not wrapped anything. We delegated family stuff to StY and our consciences are clear. We gifted friends before we left last month. Our present to each other this year is a new house. There's the special art poster we've had for twenty years and now have a perfect place to hang that we're having matted and framed, but that won't be ready till next week.

We have mulled cranberry juice, spiced cider, and booze, a gifted batch of Christmas cookies, a brimming fruit bowl, a new batch of chili, and various noshes. I'm about to light a roomful of candles, click on the fireplace dvd and an instrumental cd of carols.

Happy Merry, y'all!

Oh, I like that salutation!

A Happy Merry to everyone!!

I'm finally putting my Christmas CDs onto my computer so I can play some later in the evening while I'm reading and drinking hot chocolate with the tree lit up so pretty. Oh, and I'm planning on taking some nice closeups of my favorite ornaments hanging on the tree and see if I can make them look the least bit artistic.

All presents are wrapped. JZ, Matilda and my MiL are at their Christmas service. Lobster, clams and mussels are in the pot. Emmett's wearing his fancy sports coat.

I'm drinking champagne. We are in readiness. Bring it, Santa!

I was lonely at my in-laws' but am happy to get online with my peeps. I'm at the hotel with sleeping Dillo. mr. flea has gone back to SIL's to put Casper to bed on her cousin's floor and then do the stockings and putting the presents under the tree, and probably stay way late chatting with his parents, which is good for all of them.

Dillo learned to Wii bowl. It was hard for him to figure out how to let the button go to release the ball, but when he got it he'd spin around in glee after each shot. Sooooo adorable.

Everyone sounds so cozy, I love it. We had a tasty tomato basil soup for dinner and are going for a short walk after cleanup. Then it'll be more Christmas books in front of the fire and tree.

Yay for soup, fire, family, and trees!!

I still have to do my dishes, but at least I've finally got all my Xmas music on my computer and playing with the shuffle option turned on. Just listened to Empire Brass, and now I've got the Beach Boys singing "I wanna meet Santa Claus / the real real Santa..."

The people upstairs from me are having a party.

I tried going to sleep, but no luck. It's not that they are really loud at all, just loud enough to combine with my not really sleepy.

I think we missed the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck this year which makes me sad.