Memories of Boxing Day

Why yes, that is a Piggy Hat from the Angry Birds merchandising!  Took it over to Michael's place in Long Beach, WA.  Drove down on Christmas morning and it was such a delight to drive through the snow that I ran into from Olympia until about Edna.  The roads were plowed and yet it was a winter wonderland.  Arrived before dark and we began to enjoy some of the wine I brought.  Thinking I had brought enough, alas, it was not as we had to get a couple more the next day for our Boxing Day celebration.

Here is Michael, a long time friend who is a dear, dear friend and we have had this tradition for years to come together for Boxing Day, but it was interrupted last year (2011) dues to my health issues which made this celebration all the more special.  Christmas dinner was roasted chicken and cauliflower with melted cheese.  It was so good and simple.  Wine flowed freely and we had a great time catching up and exchanging gifts.  Sleep arrived early at 9pm.  There is something about the beach that is just so relaxing.

Michael loves life and his dogs and you might have noticed Missy in the upper photo.  Hank was likely resting on the futon.  He has sure mellowed over the years.  One of my first times meeting Hank years ago is when he got out of the truck in Astoria and ran and ran for who knows how long.  It was a real challenge to find him, but in the end, I think he realized we were not going home without him.  Yes, we were exhausted at the end of that adventure oh so long ago.  He is an amazing cook and while Christmas dinner was delightful, oh what a treat arrived on Boxing day.

Yes, this is just a scary photo, but I thought I would share how long the beard got and today, I got my hair cut and beard trimmed, but I am getting away from the story.  We awoke on Boxing Day, December 26th, and had a very lazy morning followed by a trip to Astoria to get gas and run errands.  On the way back we stopped at one of Michael's favorite haunts, a sports bar called the Lost Roo and it was a delight.  It was back to the house and a nap or two followed. 

Michael cooked up a storm as we enjoyed cocktails and he prepared a fabulous prime rib roast and then made Yorkshire pudding from scratch.  Amazing!  Then add brussel sprouts and he made a heavy cream horseradish sauce which was just divine on the prime rib.  Wine followed and then the fireworks were set off.  We laughed and soon it was off to bed knowing that a trip back to reality was in store when I awoke.  another amazing escape to the beach - Thank You Michael.