This night before Christmas

The season is finally upon us as Carol and I are spending a quiet evening while waiting for Ian's second arrival of the holidays. He lives and works in the Portsmouth area about an hours drive from here. His first arrival was to attend family get togethers Saturday with my side of the family and Sunday with Carol's side before heading back to work today. Friday night shortly after 11pm he quietly entered the house in what's become a traditional effort to make his appearance without the dogs noticing that a friendly intruder has breached their mighty defenses while they napped. Once coming to the realization the presence of someone who wasn't there earlier it takes an almost 30 seconds before it fully dawns on them who it is and their excitement becomes a whining chorus of adoration. We like to say that the rock-star has arrived. Let the countdown begin.

 Downstairs security.

Upstairs covered.

Protection against any home invasion.

with and under the weather

Finally managed to pick up a cold after about a two or three year clean period. It kind of went along with the weather, cloudy, damp and cold. Stayed home today just to give it some rest and limit myself from spreading it around the office. A few weeks ago my cube neighbor spent a couple of weeks coughing, sneezing and wheezing then about a week ago he seemed to have gotten over it. He had a ton of work and a demanding project manager he was working for so he had to be in the office for that time. I wouldn't say I acquired my cold from him but mentally I could have. Then again he wasn't the only one in the office with a cold which isn't usual in this time of year especially if you have kids. Of course unless you're washing or sanitizing your hands every time you shake someones hand, accept a piece of paper, grab a doorknob or stair rail your bound to pick up something that will get in you mouth, nose or eye. Then it's up to your body's resistance. In this case resistance was futile.