We rode the Metro for a few stops today. Everyone was excited to see the trains and get on board. Nobody seemed to get off, however, and the trains were packed after three stops. Standing room only.

We quickly abandoned our plan to ride to Tempe and got off near home. Afterward, pasties and beer at Cornish Pasty Company.

It's cold here.

9:20 PM # 0 comments

Christmas hasn't really been Christmas this year. No presents, except from my mother. We put the lights up, but didn't decorate the inside of the house. I planned a Christmas day dinner for a few people, but that's about it.

Yesterday, Jason decorated the house as a surprise. Wreath, pine boughs, ornaments, and poinsettias. Looks lovely.

This morning, I made grandmother's fudge. This is the first year in a long time that I haven't received a box of cookies and fudge in the mail. I miss her.

Happy Christmas.

11:15 AM # 1 comments

Mason and Mike plotted to get me out on Friday night for a few cocktails to start my birthday.

I handed my camera to Jay and told him to take pictures. I think that was a good strategy for the most part. I usually leave with no pictures to remember what a good time I had.

We started at Kobalt, ate dinner at Delux, and then wound up the evening at Charlie's. Chuck's we're over. Kobalt was fun.

Thanks guys.

11:10 AM # 1 comments

So Thanksgiving came and went. Here I am after dinner, after wine, and ready for a nap.

I cooked. First time making an entire turkey, and first time cooking Thanksgiving in this house. I think it went off pretty well. The turkey was done on time, and the sides weren't bad, if I do say so myself.

We had four for dinner, and a few extras later for pie and hot tub. I was left with a mountain of leftovers, and some excellent turkey sandwiches.

This year is ending pretty terribly. I'm just trying to hang on for the moment, hopeful that it won't get any worse, but quietly trying to figure out how to prepare if it does. This is usually my favorite time of year, but I just want it to be over. The Christmas lights are up, but there is a big dead spot on the side of the house. That's how I feel right now.

8:16 PM # 0 comments