The dude was home for three weeks, and is now back at school. Meghan and I were also on vacation for those same three weeks, and the bambina was off for two. It was pretty great, and also kind of a rough reentry into school/work.

About to push the car off the end of a pier.

The annual reading report.

Finished reading (or rereading?) The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks, one of his earlier Culture novels. I think I might have read this about 25 years ago, but I have even less memory of it than I would have expected, recalling story beats more than scenes or even plot points. Anyway, I quite enjoyed it.

Yesterday, walked down the Interurban to Greenwood, then old Ballard, then along the Burke-Gilman to visit Mom, then to the U District and home: about 28k steps, 14 miles, with assorted stops such that I don’t have a good estimate of time spent walking. Good to be back out stomping around.

Went to Meghan’s family Christmas gathering.

The dude came home Friday for winter break. Our house isn’t large!

Tonight’s kitchen victory: empanadas.

Yesterday’s walk through Llanover Wood and then to Greenwood: 16k steps, 8 miles, 2¾ hours.

Had family (Mom; Greg and Jocelyn and the kids) over for dinner.

Took the day off and baked a pumpkin pie and a mincemeat pie (modern-style, no actual meat).

Walked out to drop off some things for the dude (yesterday afternoon): 2½ hours, 8¾ miles.

The dude’s dorm was without power for a couple days, so he came over Wednesday and stayed through Friday.

Good wind storm and power outage tonight.

The dude and his roommate and their girlfriend came over for dinner tonight.