Feliz Navidad to us!

Happy Boxing Day and I trust all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas. We had our Christmas morning, present opening today as daughter # 2 and fiance arrived from the city and the in-house men folk were recovered enough to consider participating in activities they had to psyche themselves up for. Scoffed down some eggs benedict then opened a wonderful stash of presents before enjoying lobster tortellini for lunch - doesn't get much better than that. The only son was most impressed with his goodies especially his new jeans which I've informed him will have to be requested, signed out and returned after use so he will have something presentable to wear. He listed off the various hazards his clothing faces....paint, silicone caulking, battery acid, grease, bleach, fire and protruding sharp objects when he 'forgets' and wears his 'good' clothes to work on the boat, truck, 4wheeler or whatever.

Only have to work a long night tonight and will be off until Tuesday - the schedule always gets messed around over the holidays so staff can be off one or the other and there were staffing issues with staff illness and family situations so I was really fortunate to already be working or would have had to keep a VERY low profile. The city daughter is staying home for a few days so we will have a little (wedding planning) visit in between the holidays beginning tomorrow as they are off to visit their 'other family' locally for the day.

We (life partner and myself) celebrated Christmas by booking our tickets for Cuba Feb 11 - 25th. Didn't get there last year and are considering the legislative changes that President Obama is making allowing Americans to visit so before there is an influx of visitors who have been waiting for some time to explore that which has been denied them we are pleased to have it planned. Have to come off a night shift as we leave that morning and return to one when we come back that night and fly up through Toronto but...it is a two week break in the sun when I wasn't sure I was going to be able to have enough time. Now, the situation is that CUPE is in a legal strike position after January 11th (not my union but I'd loose my vacation for sure if it comes to pass) so cancellation insurance was the major concern. The last near miss for a walk out was resolved at 4 a.m. just 4 hrs before the picket signs were to be hoisted so it'll be a while before we really know.

Well, must go sort out my 'stuff' for work - I'll think of you all at 3 a.m.