A day of christmas wandering...

One of my favorite things in the world is to walk around book

and music shops with Dianne.  We've done it ALL over the world - from London and Moscow to Montreal and San Francisco - and it is always a taste of heaven for me.  We're geeks - mostly we love books, music of all types, art, sculpture and coffee houses - so our ideal time is wandering places where these types of things tend to exist.

Today, after working out some of our never-ending expenses, we snuck off to Brattleboro, VT - a 90 minute ride from home - where there are at least FIVE independent books stores and two music shops.  As most of our loved ones know by now, besides some of Di's creative handiwork, when it comes to holidays we're going to share books and music.  I was thinking that both my daughters received books among their first gifts.  And now we have a grandson!

There simply hasn't been time to do any real shopping or planning until today.  It was a quiet and lovely time to ride together and talk about what's been going on in our busy lives.  And then wander through the shops finding surprises for our children and their loved ones.  And because finances are tight, we stayed within our budget (mostly) and had a grand time.

Things are simple in our household - pretty lights, a tree and lots of CDs with Christmas music from around the world - and lots of Advent worship before the fullness of Christmas Eve.  This year we're doing two celebrations on Christmas Eve - one with participation from children and families  and the other using Brian Wren's "songs and scriptures" - both with candle light communion.  Then it is off to the farm in Plainfield for a Christmas dinner that can't be beat with daughters, grandson and loved ones.  We'll watch over the farm for the week after Christmas, too as they kids head out for away time.

Things are truly starting to slow down and get grounded now - and I am grateful.