Nora, I'd keep it on - it'll help keep everything compact so it'll keep its shape and cook more evenly ( just like trussing a bird). But really, there's no harm either way.

Living in PNW has not increased our brolly use. Wet umbrellas use up space and are difficult to wrangle. Hair and clothes dry, and glasses can be wiped dry. (shrug) I love brollies. I just can't be arsed to carry or use one.

Merry Christmas, mah Bitches! I'm with Jess on the appropriateness of the phrase for the day. We had a lovely brunch and coffee, called H's mom and bro, StY called to tell us he has a white Christmas, which he can't ever remember before in his life--before, after, sure. On the day? Never, since Nurnberg, and he was only a year old, so doesn't remember.

I'm about to go make fresh eggnog and we're going to indulge our 12.25 tradition of watching all three installments of LotR, extended versions, on dvd, while the Christmas ham cooks. We shall devour it sometime mid-The Two Towers, with sweet potatoes and broccoli and possibly a nice shiraz.

Our present to each other is dining room chairs, when we find them. And possibly a table, if the one we hauled westward doesn't work in the space.

Enjoy your day, loves!

Living in PNW has not increased our brolly use. Wet umbrellas use up space and are difficult to wrangle. Hair and clothes dry, and glasses can be wiped dry. (shrug) I love brollies. I just can't be arsed to carry or use one.

Bev is me. My mother asked me the other day when we were at the mall if I had an umbrella and I looked at her funny. I hate dragging wet brollies around malls or stores.

Although JZ and Matt's new accessories are absolutely FAB.

Currently, we're slounging around with a House Hunters marathon on HGTV until it becomes time for me to go start prepping for dinner. I'd be watching the Doctor Who Christmas special marathon but I don't feel like explaining Time Lords to my mother.

Time Lords sounds like fun. My parents' TV got fried last week when the phone went out so now there is no TV here. Which is fine except that they also have satellite internet where if they use too much bandwidth over a 30 day period, they get a "ticket" which brings them down to dial-up speed. So I have been (politely) prohibited from downloading any video. (I was hoping for Love Actually today.)

To make up for it, I have been reading fic, including a fun one where David Tennant and John Simm become their respective characters.

Boxing Day here. Wallybee and Ryan are dancing together to the music from one of Ryan's toys. Good day.

I had a lovely nap while my parents walked the dog, who is now sprawled on me. No snow yet. I really want to sneak out for a smoke. We're all so full, we'll probably just graze for supper. I'm hoping to incept my family tonight or tomorrow.

Lordy, here's the 14 lb Siamese. I'm getting squished with love.

Got two unexpected gifts from siblings. Even managed to greet my two aunts before the mass crowds arrive. Christmas is just alright with me.

Every year i'm once again amazed at how a nation theoretically founded on freedom of religion is overwhelmingly, almost oppressively Christian. Esp at this time of year.

Oh you'd have loved theconversation at my parents house earlier. By which I mean it's lucky I don't want a murder trial because my brother got to live. Such a jackass. Especially given we WEREN'T raised religious. Even the Niecelet was aghast at him.

Whatever.

I eventually get Pix Designs and I do love my folks and the kids. When they are not four and whiny. The parents are never four. The four year olds occasionally are. As they do...

I am hopeful that I get a Time Lord tonight. Please tell me I can find BBCA....

It never fails to boggle my mind that my mother, who has been married to a Jewish man for over forty years, gets snippy about Happy Holidays.

I have convinced my family to watch "Evening Primrose" with me. (I got the DVD for my birthday, but haven't had a chance to watch it yet.)