I did as I promised - I made some new traditions this year.

I went for a run that will hence forth be "my Christmas day run". I wallowed in the blissful quiet of Clarksville during it. Everyone was still fast asleep it seemed.

I had Christmas dinner with friends and soon to be extended family. Following the meal, we all sat out on the screened porch, enjoying the chill as we sipped hot cocoa.

After asking a photographic expert's advise (my dad) Al's parents got me a Nikon D40 for Christmas. I am still giddy when I hold it.

The only thing that would have made the day complete was to have the Baumerts, Bremers and all my Midwest folks there. But luckily I am of the mind that we are all close in spirit and heart. And my heart was full ;) xoxox