Thanks to *All* the Santas!

This Christmas, so far, has been more about family and friends, and love, than any in recent memory. The time spent is the greatest gift, and the laughter heard -- and the laughter shared -- is a beautiful soundtrack. Thank you, family! Thanks, too, for the one truly extravagant gift this year from Mom (and it's one that had dropped off my list of the past several years). She found rosewater soap, so beautifully packaged I'm almost afraid to use it. Key word? Almost! Thank you, all, for the many practical gifts (a shoutout to Beth for closing out the saga of the black pants) and a big thanks to Pete for driving over and attending church with me, then sharing a diner/family Christmas. Jackie, Richard and son Jeff outdid themselves with a warm, welcoming home and a feast for the ages, too, and I was so glad to be healthy enough to be there!! It was great to see so very much family (was happily surprised to see Gay, Rickie & Shelly), and amazing to get a chance to hoist up Chris & Jill's sweet toddler. "My girls" (godbabies) had fun with their little gift, and were gracious, gracious, gracious -- and my not-so-little nephew stayed up playing backgammon with me (and watching football with Mom). I cannot, and will not, ask for more!