DEC. 28

MERRY CHRISTMAS --
We had a very white Christmas at the Retreat. It began snowing and blowing on Christmas Eve and continued all night and day. There were blizzard conditions in Oklahoma City, with a total of 14 inches of snow, but we only had about 4-6 inches. Fortunately, Blake had arrived on the Sunday before, and Drew arrived on Monday evening. Andy picked up his dad in OKC on the Wednesday before the snow came in, so we were all snuggly warm in the house during the storm. We had a fire going in the fireplace and Christmas music on the satellite TV.

We spent Thursday cooking tamales and had both chicken in green chile tamales and the traditional pork in red chili sauce, along with fideo. We had invited several friends to join us for an early dinner, but got calls instead saying the weather was too harsh to get out -- and it was! Even the Christmas eve service at the church was canceled!

For Christmas dinner, Andy made a rib roast with horshradish sauce. We also had traditional side dishes, and creme brulee for dessert.

BRR BRR BRR

It is cold outside! This week is supposed to stay cold, in the 20's during the day and lower temperatures overnight. But we aren't having any ice or snow yet. All of the precipitation is north of us. The good news is, it is supposed to be in the 40's and 50's this coming weekend.

Andy continues to work on the New Mexico suite, even in the freezing temperatures.