I'm at that point where I have so much to do today that I don't know how I would
manage if I actually had a job. The answer, of course, is that I would only do the
most important parts of it, and would buy rather than make stocking-stuffers and
such.
We're heading off tomorrow to see Rudder's parents and
grandparents at the latter's house in Northern California. It's about a 13-hour
drive if we went straight through, which we're not doing because we're taking the
scenic route, up the coast on Highway 1. Come to think of it, Christmas isn't
exactly the usual time to do a beach drive. It should be good though; I always
like beaches in winter, when there are so few people on them and even the Jersey
shore somehow looks more rugged and pristine. Also, with luck there will be a lot
less traffic.
I haven't made hotel reservations. I called around to
check and it sounds like the combination of the off-season and the lower travel
volume this year mean that we won't have any problem walking into hotels and
getting rooms for the night, even in the scenic tourist
areas.
Meanwhile, I need to visit the supermarket and the library, to
get food for body and mind on the trip, clean house, finish a couple more stocking
stuffers, wrap presents, and then go off and coach the juniors this
afternoon.
I will probably not be able to update while we're on the
trip, so I will wish any reader of these words a very happy Christmas break and a
wonderful, joyous, and prosperous New Year.
Damnit, that reminds me I
still have to send out some e-cards.
I was going to save this one for
Rudder's birthday, on the 23rd, but now it turns out we will be traveling on that
day. So today is the day to remember the biggest cause of all for
gratitude.
Today I am thankful for: Rudder!
And may you
all have or find partners of your own, to help and spell you through piloting the
rocky shoals and open seas of life.