BD 09

Boxing Day. A serious holiday in England and the Common Wealth. It has nothing to do with boxing anything BTW. Instead, the name derives from a tradition of giving seasonal gifts, on the day after Christmas, to less wealthy people and social inferiors, which was later extended to various workpeople such as labourers and servants. It may date to the Middle Ages, but the exact origin unknown and some claim it goes back to the late Roman/early Christian era. In modern times it certainly became a custom of the nineteenth century Victorians for tradesmen to collect their 'Christmas boxes' or gifts in return for good and reliable service throughout the year on the day after Christmas. A banker's bonus.  Now it is all about the Christmas shopping sales - similar to that Friday following Thanksgiving.  Go. Go! Go!! As far as I know, Boxing Day the only named official British holiday after Christmas Day and Easter Friday.  Monday a righteous Bank Holiday and thus begins a three day week-end.  The kids half-way into Disney's "Herbie: Fully Loaded." Life is a beach.

Sonnet to Eitan (surrounded by bread crumbs and face covered in jam):  "You are turning into a ripe old slob. I hope this no indication of your teenage years."

Eitan: "This is the first time in our life that we are allowed to watch television, and everything, without permission. We are taking advantage of it."

Monty bites Madeleine, who shrieks and cries for half an hour. I search the WWW for rabies.

12:29PM and no sign, yet, of Auntie Katie.