It's the day before Christmas and all through my house, only 4 legged quadrupeds are awake, besides me, of course! The Christmas Eve chili is bubbling away in the crockpot, started last night and cooking all day until the chicken (non-beef-eating family here) falls apart, I serve usually with beans or rice on the side.

I baked very little this week and I only have to go out for a couple of things, that's why I am up so early. It is quiet in the house, DD1 and SIL have been here since Saturday, they came by train from Santa Barbara! Getting ready was not so much a challenge as we had done a thorough fall cleaning, and still getting some benefit from that! DD2 had the whole day off and we all went to my Brother and SIL's house for Christmas Dinner last night. We like to get together on Christmas Eve for our chili, however, it was her first opportunity to do a big family meal in her new beautiful, kitchen. Scads of room, but we are going back to chili next year as it is so easy and they don't have to spend so much time cooking! I know they are tired and so we all will have a low key Christmas Eve, in our own homes.

I got a great night sleep and not too much to do today, most of us have no pressing tasks or any real place to go. DD2 has to work but will be home by 5pm, so it will be family time. I am planning a breakfast for Christmas day and the Kids will go back to Santa Barbara on the train, Christmas afternoon. I have the rest of the week off and since the weather is so nice here in SoCal, we might take the trailer out, but we don't have to, and that is what makes this week so nice!