Christmas eve morning, and I have a wet dog fragrant pup sleeping on my foot. Outside, there's a beautiful snowstorm, and I could hear the waves breaking on the rocky beach as we walked at 6 this morning. We scared a deer and it huff-cursed at us, scroogelike in the cedars. I could vaguely see the bright lights on the tankers and bulk carriers anchored out in the bay. I always wonder at the lives of the sailors out there in the cold on the sea at this time of year. It must be tough.
Outside, it's all noise and wind and surf, and it was a treat to step inside to warmth and Christmas tree lights. The family's asleep and the dark rich coffee I just made is perfection.
Later, when the sun's up , I'll hop in the car and crash some small snowdrifts to hit one more store. I have to shop on Christmas Eve because I'm a man. It's what we do. All I need is a small box of chocolates for a stocking, but it had to be left to the last possible moment. Traditions die hard.
We're through the winter solstice and the days will get longer. It won't be a spectacular sunrise with the heavy snow falling, but we're getting there. It looks like I'll have to dig my way to the fishroom though.
