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27 December~2007

My boss came by just before noon and said to go home, the office is being closed because of the snow.   

Hallelujah, a snow day.  I got bundled up and went out to catch a bus downtown.  When you take the bus you can relax and enjoy the snow here in the city, rather than worrying about getting stuck or into an accident.  There isnt much risk riding in a vehicle as big as a bus.

I transferred from the 27 to the light rail, and within an hour was downtown.  I went to lunch, and a movie, then sat down to read and write at my favorite bookstore table downtown - the Barnes&Noble on the 16th street mall, where I can look down at the street below and the skyscrapers above.

It was good this storm didn't arrive a day earlier, since Yesterday my daughters and I went to the Moscow Ballet's production of the Nutcracker at the Paramount.  

When Amy and Alyssa were little we would go see a  Nutcracker performance every year.  They would wear new Christmas dresses for the event back then.

None of those performance compared to the one we saw Wednesday night though, at least in my eyes.  The Russian ladies were graceful and beautiful and the sets and costumes colorful and Christmassy.  Our seats were in the fourth row. I think the girls enjoyed it as much as I did.

Earlier in the day I had called Ben and Maggie over and said I have something to tell them.  They sat on their haunches with excited and expectant eyes, wondering I am sure if I would announce we are going to Horse Rescue, or the Mountains, or for a Walk on the Greenbelt, or Dog Agility.  "Amy and Alyssa" I told them, "Amy and Alyssa are coming to see you."  Both dogs understood what I meant, because I tell them exactly that everytime the girls come, and border collies are so darn smart.

I don't get much company and both Ben and Maggie love Amy and Alyssa dearly.  Ben was beside himself with happiness when they came in the front door I left unlocked for them.  He ran from Amy to Alyssa to me - the three people he loves the most in the world all together.  

The girls had visited my Mother on the way down yesterday.  Mom called me twice since then  and said how much liked she having them come by, that they are so funny and pleasant to be around.  I told her I know, that the days they visit are my favorite of the winter, that we always have a good time together.  The girls are easy going and cheerful and I am very proud of them.

After the Nutcracker we stopped at Starbucks for coffee and some treats, then came home to open presents.  The gifts they give me automatically become my most prized possessions.  I mean I have other gloves and mittens and cups,  but the ones from them  have a special fondness when I go backpacking, as a reminder there is someone in this world that might miss me if I don't take care of myself up there.

When the girls left at midnight me and Ben and Maggie sait on the couch as I drank hot chocolate before bed time.  I got the impression Ben and Maggie's hearts with filled with contentment and happiness, the same as mine was.  That is always how it is after Amy and Alyssa visit, the impression lingering that our lives are blessed by having them near to us.

(to see a 700 pixel wide image of the above collage, click here; to see a 1400 wide pixel image of the above picture, click here.)