It’s just seventeen more days to Christmas. I realize that’s not a big secret to any of you so let me continue.  There’s seventeen days left until Christmas and for the first time in my life I’m suffering a little from sunburn. Can you believe that? The weather here in what is normally cold and snowy Maine defies belief.  It’s been bright and sunny for the last week with daytime temperatures climbing into the mid fifties.  U.F.B.

Two days ago I found myself digging into the storage area where I placed the deck furniture two weeks ago, looking for my chaise lounge.  I dragged it out onto the deck and set it up in the place that gets the most sunshine at this time of the year.  As I was doing that I couldn’t help thinking how absolutely crazy it was.

I was wearing a short sleeved “Guns and Roses” T-shirt and a pair of shorts which is also a bit ridiculous but "what the hell", I plopped down with a hot cup of hazelnut coffee and my I-Pod.  I was able to relax for a few hours listening to a little Amy Winehouse and a lot of Harry Chapin.  It was the most pleasant experience I’ve had in weeks.  No cell phone calls, no annoying text messages, and no visitors.  Just Harry, Amy, Me, and my cat.  I have to consider this my first and best Christmas gift for 2015 and it’s one I gave it to myself.

As I stepped into the shower later after my workout I suddenly remembered that hot water on a semi-sunburned body hurts like hell. I received just enough sun on my arms, face, and neck to make that shower a little torturous.  It was a good pain and if I’m really lucky I may get one more chance to do it again tomorrow since the weather forecasting geniuses are calling for more sunshine. 

Another plus is that my tanned face will make my white beard look even whiter.  I was asked by a toddler in line at a Walmart register a few days ago if I was Santa Clause and what could I say to the little guy? I lied through my teeth, of course, and told him “Yes I was”. I then asked him if he’d been a good boy this year and of course he lied right back at me.  He said he’d been good all year. His mother was standing behind him smiling and shaking her head with a big "No". It made my day and I think it made his too. He got to meet, greet, and lie to Santa Clause. How cool is that?

This is slowly becoming the weirdest Christmas I’ve ever had and believe me that’s a good thing because I absolutely love "weird".

SIXTEEN SHOPPING DAYS LEFT