WATERBABY'S CIRCUS

Hoodies and more hoodies appeared throughout Christmas day and into the evening to welcome back home, if only temporarily, their bud Nate. Hopefully, next visit home will be for keeps.

This year the holidays were spent at my sister's home in Grass Valley, California in the Sierra foothills. Soft, fluffy snowflakes started falling right on cue. My sister got the best present ever - her son got a 24-hour home pass from the Judge. He has been a guest of the County since running afoul of The Law a year or so back. But that's a whole nother story. The watercolor sketch was done in a 5x7 Artist's Book by Savoir Faire. Cotton rag paper, made in India. It's very difficult for me, since the pages are thin and very rough. Not good for detail at all. All my nephew's friends came to visit him. This sketch is some of them, huddled outside. I guess 45 degrees is considered warm when you're from around here. But I'll stay inside, thank you very much.

Yes, sometimes both flamingos and waterbabies get stuck in the wrong place this time of year. These chilly birds and I will be at my sister's house in Grass Valley, California for the holidays. Assorted family members will be dropping in and out. Some will partake of the roast beest, others the roast vegetables. Who will get the prizes for being the Most Obnoxious, the Most Bah Humbug! Don't have to worry about the Most Under-the-influence on Christmas Day, cuz Cousin Nate will be out on a one-day pass, and we'll all be on our most substance-free behavior. We'll be thankful that a bad year is ending soon, and while we've all suffered setbacks, none of us has lost a home. The lights will be on, we'll be warm, and there will be food on the table. If you can say the same, then kick in some bucks to your local Food Pantry or Salvation Army bell-ringer.