It was a quiet holiday for the most part, and I find myself missing the absolute chaos of my childhood, where 35-40 people crammed into one house for a Christmas of alternating dignity, ritual and mayhem.

Now it’s just us… and our three dogs.

Our friends Quinatan and Tyraenna (aka Jesse and Jen Allen) foolishly invited us to Atlanta for a few days. “Bring the dogs!” suggested Jen, and thus began the longest playdate in our pack’s history.

The nine-hour drive was worth it, just to watch all five dogs (no, I did NOT acquire more on the way, though I did see “free puppies” signs here and there) romping around. Our usually shy and standoffish females were in the middle of it, and it was great to see them socializing like proper dogs.

Jen and Jesse’s dogs are Italian Greyhounds, which is a euphemism for “crazed, anorexic, thieving Skaven”. Ours are portly little Brussels Griffons. Together, they made a most amusing doggy stew.

During the visit much alcohol was consumed by the humans… oh… so… much… luckily the dogs made sure we went to bed eventually.

We were joined by more friends on the second day, John and Michelle from Seatlle. They were duly docked a hundred faction points for NOT bringing their own dogs along – next year!

We eagerly await the retribution… errr, return visit of J&J and their dogs to our home in the spring. I am sure the cat will be delighted.

Now it’s 2009, and time for me to get back into the swing of things.

Maybe I’ll start with cleaning the kitchen… and maybe not.

Ok, I see I have other unfinished tasks to attend to!

May the coming year bring joy to you all.
Peace, comfort and maybe even a few splashes of happiness.

;-)#
Brasse