I don’t want this blog to “go silent” this week, but this morning I have so much I want to share and maybe ten minutes of available time – so I’m not sure I will even begin. Today is absolutely “the day before the night before Christmas” and we have this wonderful confluence of family and faith and food and festivity coming at us from all directions…

If I stay here at my computer I’m certain I will come up with something that communicates the essence of what all this means. But it’s not looking good for the next few hours and the odds of my getting another shot at this later in the day are slim to none!

Sunday evening we took Andrew, Alicia, and Mr. T. out for a “food experience.” We’ve been looking for an exceptional seafood venue for a while – one worthy of guests from out of town – and the 42nd Street Oyster Bar did not disappoint.

Between us we enjoyed seafood bisque, oysters on the half-shell, mussels, seared tuna, trout, shrimp, and red snapper. They have an excellent selection of IPA’s, decent wine, and the best cheesecake we have tasted in a long time.

Best of all was seeing how much Andrew and Alicia enjoyed the evening. Our new grandson was very contented and showered us with smiles.

When your children are world-citizens you don’t give things for Christmas you gift “experiences.” And when we can share those experiences with them, so much the better!

It’s going to be a full and crazy few days. But I’m already – up to my eyeballs – loving it!

Peace and more peace – DEREK