'Tis the Season, etc.

Holidays so far:

- Surprise party for my dad on Saturday; he turns 70 tomorrow. (Yes, tomorrow.) A great turnout--about 75 people or so--and Dad had NO idea. (Afterwards I said: "Makes you wonder what else we've been lying to you about, doesn't it?")

- Snow over ice yesterday. Slipped once (uninjured, thanks) and got a Minnesota-snotty comment from the couple I had just passed: "That's why we're walking slow!"

- Today so far: did laundry, made my bread pudding, am watching marathon of Christmas specials on ABC Family. No sign of Heat-Miser yet.

Holidays from here on out:

- Today, later: go over to Mom and Dad's to wrap presents, eat dinner (yay lefse! Meh, lutefisk), attend my once-a-year mass at the Assumption (Dad sings in the choir), then home for presents.

- Tomorrow: Dad's birthday brunch, another big dinner, and lots of being lazy.

Happy Holidays to all y'all, or Joyous Day off if that's more your mileage. And a very happy birthday to Colonel Rowe.