Phrases that describe this Cutri Christmas: Christmas on the Beach. Long telephone calls from Germany. Food (oysters on the half shell, conch fritters, mahi mahi, cheese fondue, creme brule, hot chocolate, ceaser salads, Fred Flintone size prime rib). Slot machines with your Great Aunt and Grandmother. I don't think David (Mom's boyfriend) appreciates sarcasm. A brother's paranoia about getting to the airport on time. How much I love being bedecked in jewels.

The observation of the day - Cari is like a magnet for French people. When we sat down on the beach (for Christmas at the beach), we were immediately surrounded by French people. Behind us there was someone throwing a ball to his kid counting "Une, Deux ..." each time they caught the ball. To our right some teenagers gossiping in high speed French. Maybe its Ft. Lauderdale that's a magnet for French people, but for several moments, when I heard absolutely no English spoken anywhere around me, I wondered if we had been teleported to the Med.

So, that's the party. Work is still quiet. I spent all morning learning about Skylab deorbits. George came in today so I'll have someone to eat lunch with. And my iPod will keep me company.