"And Now For A Little R & R..."

Everyone take a d-e-e-e-p breath... Sigh... It's official. Another Christmas is in the books. I hope yours was as enjoyable as was mine. Presents were opened, greatly admired and genuinely appreciated. Mother-In-Law Francis was our guest, and although her mental acuity is fading fast, she seemed to have an enjoyable time...especially having granddaughter Megan fawn all over her. Distant family and friends were contacted and holiday pleasantries were exchanged. Even our two cats were presented with a present...from which they instantly fled in abject fear. I guess a raccoon's tail chasing a gyrating ball isn't exactly their idea of a fun gift. Mother Judi prepared and we consumed a most delectable meal that left everyone pleasantly sated. All in all a bang up, good cheer Christmas.

And now that the hustle and bustle of preparing for the Christmas holiday is behind us, Judi and I leave tomorrow afternoon for a much deserved and long over due four day reprieve from our day-to-day responsibilities. To St. Augustine we are bound. The city's festival of lights is still on-going and there is a king-sized bed awaiting us there where we shall slumber in peaceful bliss until the spirit moves us to welcome a new day. No cell phones...no emails...no worries.

So, until we return late Sunday evening, I will be placing my blog maintenance on hold. Perhaps the trip will provide subject matter for future observations, which hopefully shall be determined to be of some entertainment value. I might even share a few photographs taken with my new digital camera. But then again, maybe not. There's nothing quite like trotting out a few dozen candid shots of a person's vacation to bore the crap out of people...

"Here's one of me and the little misses standing beneath the left nostril of Chief Beerbelly. And here's another one of the black bear that climbed into the back seat of our car and mauled Aunt Saddie. This last one is of Aunt Saddie just after she was released from the hospital. You can just make out her eyes and mouth peeking through the bandages."

I promise I won't put anyone through that kind of self-indulgent torture. Unless it's just down right hilarious. Later...