So THIS is a normal Christmas!

   For most of my adult life, I have been "away" from home...and usually working...on Christmas Day. In fact, the few times I wasn't clocking in on the 25th felt so odd I wasn't sure what to do with myself.  This is why I don't share some of the common unhappiness experienced by people who aren't living the Norman Rockwell illustrated life.  My complaint as of late is about the oppressive hot weather rather than loneliness in the face of merrymaking.
   But my last couple of years have been completely different.  Kevin's brother, Brian, lives in the area and since the birth of his son Natie has become "more normal" himself.  You know, doing "normal" things especially when it comes to holidays instead of just drinking beer with buddies.  So this is how  my holidays have become normal, also.    It's become a tradition that Kev and I will meet up with Brian, Donna and son for brunch and cracker pulling.  Imagine, how utterly normal to have pancakes (with REAL Canadian maple syrup!) , eggs and fruit  with people you know and like--even related to.  It boggles the mind.  

Assembling Natie's Toy

   I must say it was quite fun watching watching the assembly of Natie's big toy, a parking garage. Not only does it have lots of ramps, it has an air traffic control tower and a helicopter landing pad.  A really odd mix unless an adjunct kit has an airport complete with x-ray machines, Customs inspectors and airline food service delivery trucks.
  As it was quite warm today [ 38C/102F ] we couldn't wait to do something very Australian for the day- go swimming. Not in the ocean, but in our property's pool.  No one else was around.  Only then, at 3 p.m., did we bother to open presents. Who knew Australian Monopoly had a surfboard and jar of Vegemite as player pieces?  Big find of the day for Kev-- even bigger than the new vacuum cleaner he received -- were the advertising circulars my mom used to pad her package. Away from the US for several years now, he had forgotten the prices of groceries and now marvelled: "Well, bread is the same price here. What, you pay how little for beef and booze?  I'm taking this in to show at work!" Trust Mom to get the right thing for Kev.
   Completely missed some favored Christmas movies on TV for all this hoopla, but I must say this 'normal' Christmas thing isn't a bad alternative to being away from home and out of touch.
    Merry Christmas .  Happy 2011.