TreeTrimmingDay of Celeste

Yay, the Nipper, Redhead, and Raptor arrived around five. They brought in luggage and an amazing pile of presents, and then we had a glass of wine and some nuts and things while I finished cooking dinner. This was a process that began with me putting together a large pot of Boeuf Bourguignon in time for it to simmer for three hours or so and get nicely tenderized and blended together. It's super easy, because you just pile everything into the pot in layers and slosh half a bottle of red wine over it, and let it cook, and it creates its own flavors. We also had the taste testing of four different kinds of sausages from Gene's Sausage Shop in Chicago. Also mashed potatoes, green beans, and a salad with crunchy radishes.

The Sparrowhawk and I brought the tree in without the aid of any tall people, and actually got it standing up straight! We meant to decorate it tonight with the kids, but Raptor needed to go to bed before we were ready, so we'll do it tomorrow morning.