So, on Dec. 22nd I headed out for my parents' house in NJ to spend Christmas there.  I overnighted at Peg's; we exchanged gifts, and I picked up the gifts TRgirl had left there.  (See, when I told her I was stopping a Peg's on the way up, she said, "How am I supposed to get my presents to NJ?"  So, my family thinks I am a dictionary, a reference book, and a courier.  Oh, the hats I wear.) 

Anyway, I told y'all about the first part of the trip already.   What I did not tell you is that Casper, my parents' cat, hates me.  With the fire of a thousand suns is how much this cat hates me.  But he loves my dad.

Also, if you think I am a dork, this picture of Bud proves it to be a genetic condition.

Anyway, I left NJ on the 29th, and met Erica (Erica!) at Klondike Kate's  for lunch.  We hadn't seen each other in about 3 years, so I asked our wonderful and patient waitress to take a picture. 

Then I headed down to TRgirl and the BIL's for dinner.   It took me 2 hours to get from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to Fredericksburg.  Oh how I hate NoVA.  Anyway, finally made it to Richmond, where The BIL said, "Did you do something different with your hair?"  TRgirl:  "Um, it's straight??!!" 

Finally made it back to Raleigh at 1130, was at work at 0730.  Forgot 1800 riding lesson that night.  D'oh!

And thanks to my Christmas money and the Eddie Bauer white sale, the redecoration of the bedroom and bathroom is nearly complete.

Here's wishing y'all a wonderful 2005.