A Merry Flat Top Christmas

It's a Christmas miracle! We finally live where flowers bloom on December 25th. (This is my Yuletide camelia bush -- love those deep green leaves, not to mention the blooms. The bush is still puny, as I just planted it in the spring, but it should get at least 6 feet tall. I must plant many more of these next spring.)

We rang the holiday in German-style, on Christmas Eve, with beers, of course. A new batch of home brew -- High Octane IPA -- just came online, and oh, it may be one of our best yet. Oak chips are thrown in during the secondary fermentation, giving it a wintry bite.

We were showered with gifts from my mother and Mason's ex, Karen. We opened them all while watching "It's a Wonderful Life" and roasting ourselves in front of the wood stove.

And today we gave Nick his present: an hourlong hike, up and down hills laced with creeks and even a small waterfall. And instead of taking down that tree that's looming over the cabin, like we had planned, we brewed more beer. Go figure.

Here's hoping your holidays are just as joyous! Thanks to you all for your cards and well wishes.