Sugar-Induced Thoughts...

I snapped a picture of tonight's sunset. It was one of those nights when dusk promises a painted sky. I snapped a couple of pictures, but the colors weren't as vibrant as other times.

But the picture speaks volumes. It shows a valley where my family and I live. The photo was taken off the back porch of my house, a house where a family of two adults, four children, a flighty dog and a disinterested cat all live. There's no way to tell the photo was taken on Christmas Day, but those in the house know well the day that has just passed.

For my Christmas present I got a down comforter. It's to replace the one I bought 25 years ago when I left Europe. I gave the comforter to my mom back then, and when she died, it was given to me (based on the policy that we got the things we gave to her when she passed away...). Tonight I'll break it in.

 I sit in my sugar-induced state and think about the day. Late to bed, early up, incredible food, good times with family and neighbors. We had moments of pure elation, unbridled joy, a little disappointment over some things, and pride watching my daughter play a piano solo last minute at our congregation's Christmas program. An afternoon nap was perfection. And as the children return to their rooms to hopefully get a good night's sleep, I realize this--it has been a great day.