I am very happy to be out of New York for the holiday. It was bitter cold when I left, and they seem to be having a horrible cold rain/sleet storm today. I love winter, but those last few days I was in NYC were brutal. Plus, I haven't been out of the city at all since Michael & Ania's wedding back in July.

The weather here in Wilmington, NC is warm and wet--though actually I have zero intention of even leaving the house today. My parents' place is decorated for Xmas with garland, wreaths, lights, gifts, placemats, nutcrackers, and a fully-stocked bar. Amen to that. My mother's Xmas tree is a sight to behold--there are about 6,895 ornaments on it. It's awesome. I'll post pix when I get back to the city.

Last night we had a wonderful night out--dinner at a place in downtown Wilmington called Circa 1922. It's a tapas restuarant, which was perfect given the huge amounts of stress-eating I've been doing all autumn! We started with martinis and Manhattans, which the waitress bragged about being the coldest drinks ever served (but they weren't even close. Mine are much colder!). We ate some tuna sushi, some chicken satay, cheese, artichoke hearts, lobster ravioli, spinach salad, paella, and a delicious bottle of Peter Lehman Shiraz.

We came home for dessert--Mom's leftover birthday cake, a chocolate marshmallowy delight which we inhaled with coffee. We also watched The Sound of Music and laughed our asses off singing the songs and reciting much of the dialogue word for word. Stephanie made an hysterical joke about Julie Andrews falling in love with one of the Von Trapp boys, but you had to be there to find it funny.

Today, my niece, nephews, and cousins are all flying in (on Hooters!) from NYC. Tomorrow, my brother-in-law Joe finally arrives.

Tonight is my practice run of making the macaroni & gravy. I've promised it to my guests for New Year's Eve, but it having been 358 days since I made it last, I need Mom to give me a bit of a refresher course. Oh yeah, I'm having a New Year's party again this year, and the whole world is invited. Email me if you need the address.