The Good and The Bad.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and/or are having a wonderful Hanukkah as well. Those who are taking a nice long holiday break, I hope you are enjoying it, and for those of you who are heading back to work, I salute you! 

Christmas here was both a fun and sad affair. When I arrived home Thursday night, my dad reported that Twinkie (our mini schnauzer) was not doing well-she hadn't been eating and was barely keeping water down. This continued through the weekend, and at 4:30 or so on Sunday morning (after an evening of snuggling with both mom and dad) she passed away. She was old and lived a very full life, but at the same time, it is never fun to lose a well loved pet.

Almost everyone was able to make it down for Christmas this year-only my one sister couldn't make it, but we spent a good hour or so on Skype with her so that helped a little. Everyone really enjoyed their gifts and I got a couple of items that were on my list to Santa. We got to head out (except for mommy who stayed home with the dogs-they were a little stressed) and visit with my dad's family, including 5 uncles and aunts,  10 cousins with husbands (and a boyfriend), 10 kids, and 5 of my cousins in-laws. plus the 5 of us. Only missing 4 this year! 13 of the first cousins (my generation) did a White Elephant exchange and, if I may say, I gave possibly the funniest gift-a purple (go Ravens!) lawn flamingo! I also ended the night wit ha $20 gift card to Starbucks. Stole it!

Now we're all in recovery mode. Brother and his wife headed back up north this morning (and left me to sleep-both kind and sad) and most of the day has been spent on the couch, with a walk and a 20 minute leg workout with Milty. The plan this week is to rotate through those workout vids.

Fun holiday? Any good gifts?