Ice, Ice, Baby, Ice

Fell down the outside stairs and slipped on the ice this morning when I went to take Sug out at about 9:30. Right ankle swollen and killing me. But if there is a good place and time for this to happen, I guess this is it, because very nice people have been waiting on me, since they're not at work or school. We're all gathered together. Various elves have been propping a pillow under my foot; getting me hot tea; bringing me ice packs; giving me arnica gel [my sister-in-law Therese and Bonnie are into homeopathic remedies].

It was a nice evening at Mike and Therese's, with H. and all four of his brothers there, and his Mom, too. Spirited decorations, a beautiful tree, a roaring fire in the wood stove, Christmas cookies of every kind. My two nieces made wonderful treats, so it's the passing of the wooden spoon. My cookies looked quite ordinary in comparison. Leah made deep, dark homemade gingerbread cake with whipped cream, plus pumpkin-oatmeal cookies, and Mariah brought a big platter of rich biscotti, butter cookies, brownies and more.

Saying a prayer of thanks this Christmas Eve for the strength our family has shown as we've weathered some tough times this year. We've emerged as best we can. I know that I personally am a little worse for the wear, but wiser, too. Wisdom comes at a price sometimes.

And Dad, I miss you so much. Please watch over us. Love, Alice