Home Stretch

I have driven hundreds of kilometres.

I have spent hours in a small room with people I don't like.

I have opened presents.

I have spent hours in rooms with people I do like, very much.

I have talked too much small talk.

I have watched more movies this week than in the past three seasons combined.

I have held children upside down.

I have finished the newest Inspector Banks novel.

I have driven through the very full parking lot of a suburban mall on boxing day.

I have driven through Sleepy Hollow fog to visit my Gran.

I have bought new sheets.

I have knit until my left hand cramped.

I have eaten turkey, and my weight in fruit.

It has been, in a word, the holidays.

I'm just waiting now for my sister to finish in the bathroom, then I will perform my evening ablutions, start in on the last Inspector Rebus novel, and wait for morning and the long drive home.