To everyone of every belief and persuasion:

Happy Holidays!

And the same to you and yours, lostmutt.

It's officially the 24th here in Austin - 12:02.

I've just returned from one of Austin's oldest, and slowly fading, traditions - the lights on 37th street. They are an array of wild, satirical displays reminiscent of the hippie days of old. Tonight's best were a nativity scene made of sock monkeys, 10 foot high peace signs of neon pink and purple, and a mock cemetery with gravestones for the Geneva Convention, US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Sometimes I love Austin.

We finished the evening with a glass of rum and eggnog at a local pub, discussing how to age with grace and dignity, deciding that becoming patient and balanced was the key. However, when it comes to immortality, it always comes down to.......do I really want to live if someone has to wipe my ass?........yes, there really is a practical side to all philosophical discussions. :-)

gorgeous display. we always used rum in the eggnog. I came upon some recipes in the NY Times today using cognac and brandy and another using blue cheese and pear liquer. The chefs of the world pronounce them delicious. Providing I can find the paper tomorrow, I can post the recipes if you're interested. (Somehow I'm guessing you're not). ; - }

Thanks, Westerly, I saw those today and was very tempted...may try the original..not so sure I am interested in the cheesy version... :-)

I love the idea that there is an Austin in Texas. Gives me hope. I've never actually been there, and that probably helps me idealize it.

Happy Christmas.

Same to you, Brian.

I actually often refer to Austin as the Berkeley of Texas, if that helps cement the vision.. :-)