We´re all mad here

Against all odds the turkey was fabulous, even though I managed to prick my fingers twice with the spits that held it together, and was cut with a slicing knive by hubby, who likes to wield sharp things but is too clumsy to handle them properly.
Our Christmas tree still looks beautiful, and will be in the house till Epiphany. I only fear that it´ll be a bit bald then, this year has been a lousy one for conifers, too hot in summer and rain below-average. It´s the first tree in years that smells of fir. His predecessors mainly reeked of eau du pipi du chat, because hubby always forgot to store the tree on the balcony, where the neighbours´ cats would not be able to reach it to put their odor signatures on it.
Family meeting was peaceful, although I missed the clash of religions we usually have at Christmas. But oldest son and daughter-in- law- to-be (I really really hate that word) who represent the full Wiccan part of our family had to stay at home because of the baby-to-be, son number two and his fiancee (the Romanian Orthodox department) spent Christmas in Bucarest, and Hubby´s relatives (Jehova´s Witnesses) cancelled their Christmas visit and will deliver their religious efforts of persuasion the day after New Year´s day. At least they were not able to spoil our festive meeting. So back to normal life we are, even if only for two days. Our trip to Vienna has been cancelled, because daughter mine wants to spend New Years Eve at home, with friends and neighbours. She has never been fond of crowds of people, and Vienna is full of tourists at New Years Eve. So I´ll pick up my friend who cannot drive because of a leg in plaster, and we´ll have our private party instead. My balcony is cleared of all the things I use during summer, we have a table and chairs to sit outdoors and watch hubby kindling the firework rockets. Hopefully he does not blow up our house, or the neighbours´. Wish us luck!

Dear God, holidays are starting tomorrow. No more getting up at 6am, preparing breakfast and leaving with the pack. Hubby and teenager number one will spend two weeks in Greece with 38 degrees, which is too hot, while I´ll travel to Ireland (again) with teenager number two, where we usually have 16 degrees, which is too cold. Sick cat is still alive. Have to go to bed now. Good evening!