There’s nothing like climbing into a warm, cozy bed with freshly cleaned sheets, and I happen to have one waiting for me, so this will be quick. (side note - when Andy’s away, I use a hot water bottle to warm up the bed - I highly recommend it)

Today is the day I started to feel Christmassy. I did a bit of Christmas shopping today, and there were so many people out shopping; that’s what started it. There were also people buying Christmas trees, there was a brass quartet playing carols on the sidewalk to raise money for the Salvation Army, and the weather was just lovely - crisp and cold, but bright and sunny. Ahhhh. . . . I love Christmas time.

I joined Mark & Caton for some mulled wine and a few cookies, and then we shared a yummy meal at the pub nearby. Everything is so cozy and warm and smelling of ginger and cinnamon. I just can’t wait for Andy to get home to share this wonderful time with me, and I also can’t wait to go back to the States on Friday!!! I haven’t been this excited about Christmas since I was about 12 or so. I haven’t seen most of the fam and friends since about April - my nieces are probably twice the height they were last time I saw them. I can’t WAIT!

Anyway, perhaps not as exciting for anyone else than it is for me, but there we are.

Incidentally, something in our flat beeps every night at midnight. I have no idea what it is and if I’m awake when it happens, it bugs me. I go over and take a quick look but don’t see it, and then I decide to look for it another time. Then I forget, and life goes on as such interminably. Any ideas about the beep? It seems to be coming from the corner in our kitchen that contains (mostly in cabinets) our tools, wine, olive oil, makeup bags filled with medicine and rarely used toiletries (i.e. nail polish), and our tupperware. OK Go.

Andy posted some pictures of our weekend in Amsterdam. Check ‘em out!