Holidays

The holidays are about over - at least the busy part of them. Brett & Arielle arrived on Tuesday after driving Monday and Tuesday. This was our first opportunity to spend much time with Barkley - their bassett, beagle, lab, and whatever mix. He is pretty energetic and spoiled. He likes lots of attention.

On Thursday night (Xmas eve) we did our traditional evening meal of finger foods. As always, a very fun meal; but, lots of work getting everything ready. Meatballs, shrimp, pigs in a blanket (wrapped wieners), veggie tray.

Julie arrived on Friday. She had kennel duty at school on Thursday and spent the evening with Michael and his parents. Turned out that her area (St Louis) didn't get weather as bad as further north and her drive was uneventful. We had a few minor incidents when Penny (Julie's beagle) and Barkley met for the first time. Things mostly calmed down eventually.

We cooked a prime rib roast for the first time. Turned out very delicious. Didn't realize how easy it is to make really good prime rib. Usual sides - double-baked potatoes, sweet corn (from the summer), asparagus, hot rolls. We usually open presents on Xmas eve; but, waited until Xmas day when Julie got here. Always lots of fun taking turns as we open the presents. I now have a pair of jeans that fits me without being pinched up with a belt.

Now...it's time to just sit back and relax for the next couple days.