"Now is the solstice of the year, Winter is the glad song that you hear." -- Jethro Tull

I love this time of year. Dirk and I have been completely reckless in not being able to NOT open our presents to each other -- we've already opened over 1/2 of them. LOL My mother called last week to tell me that a large box is on the way here and "please try wait at least 2 days before you rip all the wrapping paper off the gifts.." She knows us so well.

Yesterday had a fun day. I picked up around the house in the morning while Dirk finished up a few of his tattoo machines to get shipped out to some customers. Part way through the morning, I remembered that I was supposed to start the weekly discussion in the Grove on Winter Solstice...I did almost forget. Then I chatted with Heather, Brianne and Shonna. Finally Jo and I spent awhile on the phone discussing her dissertation (which sounds fabulous so far in what I've read), comparing Catholism and Paganism, what Lutherans and Methodists are like before she invited me to stop by for a cup of tea...LOL

Then we cleaned up and went down to our local hang out - Santorini's, a Mediterranean restaurant. We watched football in the bar, drank a handful of Guinness pints and had some really yummy Prime Rib while hanging out and hassling the wait staff (who I love for only charging us for every other drink -- it's really helpful to get in tight with the management at a local bar...). Pete, one of the other regulars is bringing steaks next Sunday, Lou (one of the owners) is making a side dish, will supply drinks and asked if I would make some gumbo and a ricotta cake. I love good food and good company...

Dirk heads to California tomorrow for his year end meeting -- I am so hoping that he comes home with the sales award that he's been working so hard for this year. He's been busting his ass and I hope someone noticed! When he gets home later this week, we'll start packing to head to Florida to spend the holidays with my parents and get a much needed mini-vacation/break.

I also can't wait for Solstice morning so we can go drumming. :) It's a blast and the rush of sitting out in the freezing cold waiting for the sun to come up while we are banging on our drums is just amazing. I'll have to make sure we pack a bunch of snacks and hot drinks like we did last year. :)

I hear Dirk pulling up in the driveway which means: LUNCH IS HERE!