On the first day of Christmas...

...I was given this wonderful book.

Cats were naughty then, if illumination is to be believed, and they're naughty now. 

A friend texted me:

It's really nice to be loved.

This was followed up by some cookies and then a walk as it was quite temperate outside.

The creek was partially frozen. 

Is this a gang symbol or Zoidberg? Or perhaps Zoidberg is now a gang symbol...?

Stained glass rulez!

The labyrinth was clear of snow and ready for someone to ponder the mysteries of existenz as they tread its twists and turns.

Someone left flatbread on one of the bridges for the critters. 

In addition to two woodpeckers, we spied a hawk looking for its Christmas breakfast.

The walk was followed by some time in front of my new TV watching the first couple episodes of Arctic Circle, a Finnish murder mystery. I'd seen it before but I recalled very little, thankfully. This was the first time I'd watched anything on my TV and had to remove the plastic covering the screen which was taped on very securely.

Dinner was trout, asparagus, and po-tay-toes.

All in all it was a mellow, relaxing Christmas. Occasionally I felt a bit odd knowing that it was my first Christmas not involving my wife in two decades or so. Not bad, though, as it was rather nice not feeling anxious as to whether I had fulfilled the gift quota, just odd. It was a reminder of all the changes that have transpired over the past 5 or 6 months and that I have a new life with new people in it and new traditions to establish.

I did miss my stepsons. The oldest is 1,200 miles away while the youngest was ill so he rested at home. Hopefully I get to see the eldest this winter - I must look into plane tickets - and that the youngest recovers his health soon.

Oh, almost forgot. I received word that my stepmother-in-law's father had died a couple days previously. I texted my condolences but need to go buy a card. The old man had been on the decline so his death was not a surprise. Sad but I suspect people are also relieved. 

I am looking forward to the day when all of the firsts without my wife have run dry. But next up is New Year's.