I have had enough of the ho ho for this year. The holidays really began October 31 and have continued until now, December 25. And there is yet another week ahead. Then down go the lights and off go the holiday music. People will return to work and, I hope, bring books to the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel. We are low on little children books.

Today began early. Rather than continue to lie in bed, I got up and worked on Shelf Life. Part III of the book is not very cohesive, so I have to do some reconstruction. I work best in the early morning, so this was a good time to get going on this.

I had planned, after, to take the dogs and a horse for a walk, but I got stuck in the chicken coop for half an hour. I tend to let the door close behind me or otherwise Swamp Thing walks in behind me and starts chowing down on the chicken’s grain. I yelled for Pete until I was hoarse – he did not hear me. I then realized that I had my cell phone in my Refrigirware suit pocket – this was quite the coincidence since I seldom have it on hand. I pulled it out and called Pete. He answered and then came and unlatched the latch. He said he had fixed it, but I guess not.

We were planning on going to Anchorage to visit friends, and so we wanted to get on the road by 12:30 p.m. With what time I had, I took all the wood out of the pickup truck and threw it down beside the wood splitter.

We left for Anchorage as planned and spent the afternoon and evening with our friends Judy and Brian. Anchorage is also down in the single digit numbers temperature wise. Nevertheless we went for a walk on the trails near their house. I knew I’d be cold – I don’t have a warm winter jacket. I did put on layers. I would have taken my Refrigirware suit, but it is really crusty.

Beautiful walk, with the trees all frosted over. We had the dogs with us – Shadow did just fine – Ryder got cold.

We had a really nice Christmas dinner – Pete had brought along his homemade bread and an apple pie. Then we watched a suspenseful video series, three episodes -- this is the time of year for binge watching. I am glad we don’t have a big screen TV with access to multiple channels; otherwise, I would fritter away my evenings. Once a year, that’s acceptable.

We left for home at 8:30 p.m. On the way up Buffalo Mine Road, Pete noticed tracks going off the road, over the left hand side of the road embankment. We turned around and went to check this out – indeed, a car had gone off the edge but was still upright.

The day’s end was much like the day’s beginning, with us tending to all the very hungry animals.

We do live in a very rustic fashion, as became evident to me this Christmas.

Next: 347. 12/26/25: Overcast, All Day