We are ready!

Decorated the tree with the gang today and wrapped a ton of presents. Counting my blessings has cheered me up considerably. Many of you have mentioned that you also have step-children that you love - we are so lucky to have extended families that enrich our lives.

We will have our usual crowd of 25 on Christmas Day - 11 of the family are under 10 years old, so it is a madhouse but a joy.

Hope you are all enjoying this time of year, surrounded by families you were born into, or families of friends that you have created.

I wish you could all come over for Christmas dinner, and meet the hounds in person!