Daniel's 1st White Christmas

Unfortunately, Heidi couldn't make it to our Christmas Eve bake-a-thon (her Jeep began skidding in the snow on the way over, so she wisely turned back), but I went ahead and proceeded to make the finest batch of crispy cracker-cookies ever produced on this planet:

Christmas Cookies with Coquito

As stated above, it began snowing early Christmas Eve morning; by the time Dan had left for work at noon, the roads were quickly beginning to disappear.  It wasn't snowing when we awoke this morning, but there was still plenty of snow on the ground:

As seen through the kitchen window

More snow

And more!

We had a quick breakfast, unwrapped our gifts (thanks, everyone!) watched a few movies (A Charlie Brown Christmas; How the Grinch Stole Christmas!), had some brunch (eggs and potatoes), and will soon be settling down to watch plenty more Christmasy films as the day unwinds.
Thankfully, the day has gone exactly as planned; I had the opportunity this morning to Skype with my family, so that was an added bonus.  Hopefully everyone back home is having as good a time as we are here in Germany. 
If not, maybe this will help brighten your day:

CHRISTMAS POEM 2010

Twas the morning of Christmas, and all through our home
Not a cookie was eaten; they were hard as a  dome!
The paper stockings were hung with tape and no wire,
Next to the fireplace, we hope they don't catch fire.

We snuggled onto the couch, ready to view
Yet another Christmas movie....woohoo!
Dan with his beer, and I with my rum,
Sipping more and more, and then some.

When from outside the window there arose such a stench
We flew to the window, Dan with his wrench,
I opened the window without missing a beat,
And saw once again the farm down the street.

The farmers milked, the cows mooed their sorrow,
We shrugged our shoulders and wished them a better tomorrow.
The houses below were covered in snow,
And it was bitterly cold, so we turned to go.

The window was shut, as was every door,
The sofa beckoned to us once more.
Though we were anxious to watch 'Frosty' anew
We knew there was much more to do.

On the floor we sat, beneath the twinkling tree
Yes, oh yes, there was so much to see!
Gifts piled high on top of the skirt
That I bought a month ago, cheap as dirt.

I reached through the branches to pull out a gift,
And Dan flew into motion, ever so swift.
He tore into the wrapping, eager and happy,
As I watched from afar, no longer nappy.

And so we unwrapped, one after another:
Some movies for me, and a game from Dan's mother,
An espresso machine for him, much to his delight,
And lots and lots of candy...ahh, such a sight!

A piano, like the one from Big, was unrolled and played,
I listened to the tunes- so loud and clear!- that it made.
A Scrabble game was found, perfect for our travels,
A great way to continue defeating Dan in our battles. 

I nibbled on the frosted crackers- I mean cookies-
As Dan rose to prepare the grand midday feast
Of eggs, fried potatoes and coquito, of course
That stuff will make you as strong as a horse!

We ate with much gusto, while listening to Mariah Carey
Sing her tunes in the manner of a Christmas fairy.
The songs lasted longer than our small meal did
And  we left the table to make our holiday movie bid.

No more 'Frosty' today, he had been overplayed
The Grinch was in the running, and the decision soon made.
I glanced up at the angel as the film was set up
She twinkled brightly and pointedly regarded my empty cup.

I arose and refilled the glass, pleasing the spirit,
Dan turned towards me and we both stood near it.
We glanced at the treetop, so high off the ground
And opened our ears to a merry Christmas sound.

The snow fell outside, amidst children's laughter
We gazed out the window, knowing that hereafter
Our day would be filled with ever more movies
And maybe, if lucky, a couple of smoothies!

-LC

Dedicated to Kristi, with much Love


MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!