The first thing we did before Hubby Tony and I sat down to breakfast was load up the CD player with Christmas tunes. We had our Jewish kosher bagels and fresh pineapple, lingered over coffee, then opened our presents. I was thrilled with my crossword puzzle book and tickets to two productions at a local theater later in the year. Tony quickly set to work charging up the battery for his new portable radio and figuring out which date night activities I had suggested he wanted to do. Foster Cat Smokey Joe ate his treats, and then had fun playing with the wrapping and tissue paper.
Our next scheduled activity wasn't until dinner time, so Tony and I left the house mid-morning to go for a walk. The sky was gloomy, but it was warm enough to wear just a fleece jacket. Our walk turned multi-cultural when we passed by a Catholic church, a Muslim mosque, and a Hindu temple before we turned around and headed back.
Next was a stop at the Asian market for a couple of produce items, then a recently opened branch of Tous les Jours bakery, where we got pastries to share for lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed the Sausage Onion Pastry, Garlic and Cheese Croissant, Kimchi Croquette, and a sweet Portuguese Egg Tart with caramelized sugar on top.
We headed home and relaxed until Son Donald texted that he was on his way to the condo. After he arrived we socialized (and Smokey Joe was thrilled to have another lap to sit on). When it was time Donald helped me with the last minute dinner prep-lasagna, salad, roasted Mexican squash, and a cranberry crumble for dessert.
After dinner presents were exchanged and cards played. All too soon it was time for Donald to get home and take care of his dogs.
Five years ago today: "Christmask" 2020
I’m just stopping by saying Hi and hello! I hope all is well with you and the family. I’m glad you enjoyed your Christmas Holidays.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful weekend, my friend!
Sounds lovely!
ReplyDeleteWe did our regular stops. Christmas eve at my sister's and Christmas day at my daughter's.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great day, lots of tasty food and gifts!
ReplyDeleteNo California Christmas this year, huh? Probably for the best since flights have been delayed because of weather, and the weather here has been a bit frightful. Of course, your midwest experience could probably handle anything.
ReplyDeleteWe decided to mix our schedule up this year :-)
DeleteGoodness. You are the second person I read that had lasagna; and my YD also made one for Christmas Eve to accomodate the vegetarian. On Christmas Day she arrived in time to wrestle the turkey into the oven and she and her sister, plus assorted grandkid and father of same, coped entirely with the dinner. I arrived at the table like a guest and got a clean kitchen back. No greater Christmas gift, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI would love it if someone cooked and cleaned a big meal for me.
DeleteI love it when my kids are home. Glad you had a good time.
ReplyDeleteOne of these days I hope we will all be together at my house.
DeleteI had a great Christmas seeing my brother and his wife, two of his three kids, a couple of their kids, various other relatives even for a short time. It was worth a lengthy drive to see them. Yours sounds terrific too.
ReplyDeleteFamily is worth driving for.
DeleteI love how Smokey Joe is super social. What fun. Happy rest of the holiday season. We are on an 11-day Christmas Staycation! Woohoo.
ReplyDeleteSmokey Joe's personality is 180 degrees different than his predecessor!
DeleteSounds like you all had a good day. My dog had fun tearing up all the wrapping paper too.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it about animals and wrapping paper?
DeleteSounds like a good time had by all, including Smokey! You didn't Photograph your Harry & David Food Porn Gift tho'? Winks
ReplyDeleteMy bad 😳.
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