Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is passing 4:00 a.m on Christmas morning in "The City."

To all of my readers, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, or any greeting that seems appropriate to you. No matter your beliefs, I think that this is a time of year for everyone to come together with family and friends to celebrate the spirit of the season. That's the true meaning of the season, a celebration of love and fellowship with those we hold near and dear.

Yesterday, "That Index" made like Elvis and left the building. As much as I've enjoy reading the many books that Mary has indexed over the years, this one will not be missed. Oh well, what's that they say about rain? "Into each life, a little rain must fall." In this case, I am subscribing to that other adage, "Inside of every dark cloud is a silver lining." In this case the "silver lining" is knowing that that index is on its way to a better home.

I'm back to work now on my latest highlighting adventure. This too is an interesting read, but as is always the case, when I am involved in editing or highlighting, I have to forego pleasure reading and other activities that I like to do, like playing with the girls. Even now, I hear their siren song calling to me from across the music room/weather office/highlighting and editing central. I'll find time later today, I hope.

Prior to that, we'll walk with STWD into a downtown that is deserted on a holiday morning. No shoppers, not much traffic, and for that matter, very little activity of any kind. That's another reason I like to look out the WW at this hour of the morning. I see only the occasional staff person or public safety officer slowly prowling the streets or wending their way home from a long day of vital public service. Yes, there are some late bar patrons too. As of now, the streets of "The City" are mostly deserted.

The current outdoor temperature, according to the digital weather station in the weather office, is 40.8° with 81% relative humidity. We are not having a white Christmas. Nary a flake is visible on the mean streets of our little slice of the world. Indoors, the temperature is 66.5°, with an indoor humidity of 52%.

The big lake is quiet and no ice flows are visible as of yet. Since it is almost 2016, whatever ice forms will be thin and short lived. That will likely reverse the gains we have made the last few years in lake water level, as the evaporation will be greater without the ice. However, we'll also have a warmer summer without the cooling effects of the giant block of ice we've had the last few years. It is a trade off I guess.

Today, Mary will be making our newly traditional holiday vegan "roast ham" for dinner. She plans to make scalloped potatoes and ginger carrots as side dishes. Plus, I'll have an entire can of jellied cranberry sauce for my personal enjoyment. Mary likes to say that she works hard on preparing a fully home cooked meal that is both nutritious and delicious, but she indulges my passion for an annual holiday desire for that jellied cranberry sauce.

I must mention that Mary used our aging loaf of rye bread to make grilled cheese sandwiches for brunch and later, she made delicious patty melts with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese for dinner. All of the meals were delicious. I know she enjoys futzing in her kitchen, so I try to give her ideas for dishes that I like. My small contribution to her happiness.

We spent the evening watching TV last night and I placed pieces into what is turning out to be a very difficult jigsaw puzzle. I am determined, but I am running out of time before the clock strikes and 2016 arrives. I'll be highlighting and puzzle solving today. Ciao.