Merry Christmas to all!

We opened presents around our “Tree” this morning. Ollie go some nice clothing from his folks, and I received a lovely amber bracelet, costume jewelry, and a shirt. It was a real treat to have some gifts around the tree.

Ollie got a pair of Keens from Karin and Ted… I’m not sure if he liked the shoes or the packaging better. Hrm…

My main gift was a significant funds contribution towards the purchase of a dSLR, a Nikon d40. all photos are, of course, taken with the new camera. I’m having a lot of fun with it.

We went for a walk up to the windmill with Bekka this afternoon - it was a beautiful day.

(observe the spiffy new shoes and shirt)

Tonight I’m cooking New York Strip steaks (bacon wrapped) with mashed potatoes and broccoli. Seemed kind of silly to cook a turkey or ham for just two people.

We went for a late afternoon walk on the beach, as per Gray Family tradition. Bekka had a lot of fun (check her blog!) but we missed the rest of the family.

All Christmas decor was 50% off at the market, so I splurged on a fake tree and some decorations. We hung lights and set up the tree - the place feels a bit more festive.

And as per tradition, we made a double batch of chocolate chip cookies to gorge ourselves sick on (and share with friends, of course)

Ollie, Bekka and I took a walk to the windmill late this afternoon - pretty idilic.

Hannah and I went out with our local dive operator today, “N2 the Blue”.

For us the littlest things are as interesting as the biggest things.

A sea slug called Sea Lettuce

A tiny transparent shrimp.

For Karin’s birthday (albeit a few days early) we went on a “progressive dinner” through Christiansted. At 7:00 we were met our friend Bennet at Kendrick’s for appetizers and a glass of wine. Kendricks has a chipotle soup to remember.

At 8 o’clock we moved on to Savant, where our friend Niko is tending the back bar, for entrees and a bottle of red wine. The filet was superb. Wine and socializing meant that we missed our scheduled departure at 9 o’clock but on the island that is “no problem mon”. Upon our departure, Niko’s wife Jill joined the revelers for the next stop.

By 10 o’clock we wandered over to Bacchus where desert awaited. On our arrival, the revelers were presented with appropriate attire for the occasion! Bacchus has a billiards room so rather than take up table space we order our deserts while we shot some 8 Ball.

Karin showing her many talents.

Hannah enjoying the sylish party attire.

Ollie the Shark.

The dessert of choice at Bacchus is..

Bananas Foster made with 151 Rum…

Ollie and Hannah split a Mousse then off to the final stop of the evening which is a newer restaurant called “Salud!” where we met up with a whole bunch of other acquaintances and enjoyed some live music and dancing until the wee hours of the morning.