Just Before Christmas

Tonight I am writing my Fave Fives from my daughter's home near the Mexican border.  The Christmas tree is decorated with white lights, gold ribbons and red and white striped candy canes.  Little ones are asleep, dreaming of tomorrow when The Boy and His Mama arrive to play with them.  I am still awake and remembering my week with thankfulness and gratitude.  Susanne's FFF link is here.

1.  Christmas Break really and truly arrived at Willow's Cottage on Wednesday afternoon when The Professor posted grades, closed his office door, and heaved a sigh of relief.  It was a long semester with a heavy schedule.

2.  Although our drive south to my daughter's was longer than usual, we had delightful company in the back seat.  Number Two Son is here and his best friend accompanied us because they decided to spend the night with their old roomies who now live in this area.  I loved listening to their discussions about mitochondria, DNA, genomes, and finances.  In addition they were passing the laptop back and forth playing a games against each other while they were discussing their battle strategies and plans.  Highly amusing.

3.  Another thing that amuses me is watching for out of state license plates.  We live near the Camino Real (commonly known as Hwy 101) connects us to The 405 and The 5 Freeways.  These freeways carry cars from all over the country.  On the trip from my home to my daughter's, I saw many states represented including, but not limited to, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, New York, Montana, Texas, Baja California and Nevada.  I have always noticed state plates and enjoy wondering WHY those people in the car are driving HERE when they are from THERE.

4.  On the 5 South Freeway, after you pass San Juan Capistrano,  you swing south and crest a hill where the Pacific Ocean bursts into view.  After that turn, you follow the Pacific Ocean coastline all the way to San Diego.  Part of the way all that separates you from the beach is a bluff covered with bushes and grasses.  We decided that the sunset view of San Clemente Island silhouetted against the yellow and orange sky and deep dark ocean is certainly one of the fifty most beautiful spots in the world, if not in the top twenty.

5.  Happy cries of "It's Meema and Bapa!" greeted us.  That's almost as wonderful as "Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad!"

And so I wish you ALL a Very Merry Christmas!  Hug your family and keep them close.