Christmas Day

M erry Christmas everyone.

A day late, but you know on Christmas day the activities leave no time for something as un-

holidayish as blogging.

For those of you in Skykomish valley I'm sorry about so much snow. Our daughter Holly and her husband were marooned at home as their driveway was once again blocked. The rest of the family did get together though. That's because some were within walking distance and Joe has a big 4wheel drive truck that will go anywhere.

We had 80 degree temperatures in the afternoon. Almost too warm. Tom and I kind've miss the experience of this memorable storm that people will be talking about for years. However, our Saudi Christmas, the first ever with Michael and Jacob will live in our memories forever as well.

But....what is Christmas day like in Saudi? By the way Saudi is pronounced like Souoodi with very little emphasis on the oo part.

In Jordan and Egypt we saw Christmas decorations in the stores, hotels, and restaurants, but in Saudi there is no sign of Christmas anywhere except on the compound. A few people put up some lights outside, but mostly the expats decorate in their homes with the traditional tree, etc.

First thing we did in the morning was open our stockings. Then we had a lovely breakfast of crepes and beef bacon. Remember, there is no pork allowed in this kingdom.

Then came present opening. No chaos like at home where we have six grandchildren and at least nine adults opening presents. Here they do it one at a time taking turns. We went from youngest to oldest. We were a couple hours opening presents and enjoying them along the way.Nice and relaxing, but impossible in Sultan. We'd still be opening presents at midnight.

Michael got a hamster cage with no hamster. This way he could pick out his own. So off we went, Lani and I in Abiyas to Kobar to the pet store. Both pet stores were closed, as was the coffee shop we planned to shop at and the Shwarma restaurant we were going to for lunch.

In fact so many stores and shops were closed it was eerie. The hampster will have to wait to come to his new home until tomorrow.

We had a lovely prime rib roast, garlic mashed potatos, extrodinary string beans, and my very favorite spinach salad. (The one with strawberries and feta and blue cheese) We also had hot rolls and for dessert later in the evening, Lani had made the most beautiful layered dessert. It as in a huge glass pedestal bowl. Almost too pretty to eat, but we did and enjoyed every bite.

For those of you who know our family no holiday dinner happens in our home without oatmeal burgers and it didn't here either. Tom made a large platter of them which turned out to be Jacob's favorite.

To finish off the evening we always play games after our holiday meals. The boys had a new Wii game that up to 8 could play so we gave it a go. Us older folks were definitely at a disadvantage not being used to the quick responses needed with the remote.

It was a long fun day so let me say "to all a goodnight."