One of the best presents I got for Christmas this year was a pair of work shoes. I had been stretching the life of two different pairs of shoes out longer and longer: the soles were coming off of one, and the other had gaps opening around the big toe and the heel. Any kind of damp weather let in a steady flow of squishy goodness, and the weather has been damp for several weeks now. I had every intention of making them collectively last until spring.

Bonnie surprised me with a new pair: it was truly something that I did not expect at all, and something that I was very grateful for, even though they cost money, and something that I would enver, or at least not for a few more months, would have bought for myself. Next year, perhaps, I can get some boots, like some well-made Wellco boots, which are some of the best available on the market. (The site I found them on has excellent customer service available to answer questions over the phone Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5:00 CST.) I need something sturdy for long walks that will help me from twisting my fragile ankles as they love to do.

Then I’ll be well shod, for work and walking.

IMG_0745.JPG, originally uploaded by sparrowsfall.

I hope that everyone was happy.

I wish that no one were alone.

I know that that is not true.

I wish I could do something about that.

I wanted only one thing for Christmas, but Sparrow gave me two.

First, I wanted her to walk by Christmas. Unrealistic, I know, because she’s only nine months old today. But on Christmas Eve, she did take steps, a couple, at a time, between Bonnie and I. She took as many as three at once.

Then, late in the evening, she clapped her hands for the first time.

What else could I want for Christmas than that?

not precisely a winter wonderland, but hey., originally uploaded by sparrowsfall.

Merry Christmas from us to you. Here is hoping that 2009 will be at least no worse than 2008. Here is hoping that you get what you want for Christmas, because you do not want for much. Take care out there today!

IMG_0554.JPG, originally uploaded by sparrowsfall.

Someone was very happy, and squalled loudly about them, hopping up and down and trying to reach them. Bonnie had to rescue the presents from Sparrow or she would have summarily have opened them without waiting for Christmas.

It promises well that she is a normal child who will love Christmas!

IMG_0556.JPG, originally uploaded by sparrowsfall.

I can’t remember the last time we had presents under the tree. But there they are! They are mostly for Sparrow, which should not surprise you. That’s likely to be the case for years.

Burnette’s Christmas tree 2007, originally uploaded by sparrowsfall.

Oliver didn’t have his Christmas thing this year, at least, not that we were invited to. Perhaps Basil and Fielding are too old for Santa! (Santa was also a guest last year.)

plaza lights? who needs ‘em., originally uploaded by sparrowsfall.

Christmas two years ago: the sentment is the same:

i’ve waited all afternoon to take this picture. with dusk falling minutes ago, the lights came on with a blink. note the short stretch on the roof over the drive: we considered running it across the drive to joan’s house, but didn’t know what she’d think.

henrietta the tree is covered with lights, and four happy little blinking snowmen are down at the base of her, waving at the street.

there’s an awful lot of blinking going on generally, which isn’t necessarily my thing, but hey, it was all on sale at target after last christmas.

IMG_0371.JPG, originally uploaded by sparrowsfall.

Watch them twinkle! Watch them wave!

Lord knows what this is costing me in electricity. But the neighborhood is so much friendlier with the lights up. Are well all pretending everything is all right? I guess we are.

But isn’t pretending half of it?

IMG_0369.JPG, originally uploaded by sparrowsfall.

There they are: big snow man, and his four little friends. They twinkle in the dark under Henrietta, looking very merry. Much safer than climbing the eaves: but I’ll probably do that again next year. I like standing out there, even in the dark cold morning. They all make me smile.