We spent Christmas day at my sister’s, and, as usual, there was no end of food and merriment. I spent the day watching Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End with the kids, opening (more) gifts, and got way-too-hooked on nephew E’s Xbox 360, in particular that silly, addictive, frustrating game, Halo. The highlight was watching sister and the kids try to fathom their Christmas gift my my folks. It came as a puzzle they had – with Papa’s help – to put together.

The result for the foursome was a trip to Disney World Resort in the New Year. Very cool! We were invited but with the condo, opera, and my and G’s crazy work schedules, it was not to be. I shall have to do a post on Florida. We were very, very fortunate to have a home in Bradenton, Fla (just north of Sarasota) from 1989 to 2001. We spent some  fantastic times sur le plage during those years that ought to be captured here for posterity.

5) Chloe watches the clean -up; 6) niece and nephew prepare for Mickey

When we got back to Riverside, Papa suggested we try his new bottle of scotch and undertake a little taste-testing of sorts. We compared the bottle of Highland Park 18 year old scotch (he received two years ago at xmas) with this year’s 12 year old scotch. Papa and I felt the 18 year old was tastier; far more complex while my mom sided with the 12 year old. Hmmmmm … I’m no scotch drinker for sure but it was a nice way to finish off the holiday celebrations.