Good luck getting through it, Erin.

Spidra, I hear you on the sleeping thing. Sleeping on my stomach is most comfortable, but bad for my neck and back. Sleeping on my side hurts my hip and shoulders. And I just don't sleep well on my back.

Merry Christmas to those that celebrate! Happy Four Days After Solstice to those that don't!

I am celebrating from the Sickroom of Doom, but that's not as bad as it sounds, what with the tv and the books and the Nook! whoo! and the internets. The SO went to midnight mass last night (not Catholic, just wanted to go) but apparently got mostly announcements instead. Too bad, since we missed both of our Christmas eve services, and will likely miss Sunday's, too. Boo, sickie!

Otherwise, it's been a lovely break.

My brother is off playing with the nephews' toys. SIL and I are cooking. Or rather waiting on things cooking. Epic carnage for the boys, and a satisfyingly small number of useful and/or heartfelt gifts for us grownups. SIL custom made one of those smashed wine-bottle trays for me. Kinda really cool. And my parents bought me an iTouch, which I won't see until I return. Some of you can commence laughter now. Also a really cool set of mixing bowls from SIL, and hand painted ornaments from the boys. And hardware gift cards, of course.

Mom "got" (well, I picked it out) my brother a zebra striped snuggie. Which he posed in with the beer holster belt SIL got him. I love my family.

Snow is sticking here in Birmingham. I'd post photos, but my brother's card reader won't read my card. But seriously. I CAN'T ESCAPE THE SNOW.

I am heading out shortly for Indian food (yay, one restaurant in town IS open!) and then to see Tangled.

I went running with my sister & niece, while my other niece took my BIL to the ER because he has an infected cut on his thumb and it swelled up ridiculously overnight. Here's hoping it's easily dealt with.

Now I shall bundle pie crusts into the car and shuttle them back up the hill so I can have tea and bread pudding for breakfast before the mad rush of cooking and presents begins in 90 minutes. Argh.

And Yuletide is open, but I shan't be reading anything probably until tomorrow.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry christmas to those Christmassing. Merry day to everyone else!

Bob has received his kindle, I my food processor (the stand mixer having been returned). Cats are celebrating the season by charging around and fighting like crazy. French toast is soaking.

Merry Xmas, guys, from Iowa.

Hey, that's my line! Where are you, Erin?

Oh, I forgot to ask for advice! I have brownie mix, one candy cane, a chocolate hazelnut toffee bar and some brown sugar. How can I combine them to make a special gift of brownies to take to my brother's in the next two hours?

Oh, I forgot to ask for advice! I have brownie mix, one candy cane, a chocolate hazelnut toffee bar and some brown sugar.

Crumble up the candy cane (put it in a plastic bag and hit it with a hammer, if you need to), and mix it in with the brownie mix before you bake it. Or crumble up the hazelnut toffee bar into the mix and sprinkle the crumbled candy cane on top.

Thanks, Hil.