Christmas Day In The Morning

A glowing Christmas Eve sunset didn't fulfill the promise of a sunny morning.

We arose a bit later than usual in deference to the day, to view a blue-grey sky quickly covered in pearly clouds.

It seemed the day would pass in the quiet somber hues that have been our company for many weeks.

At noon the sun came out. It is tentative sunshine, sometimes nearly obscured by cottony clouds.

The lane between our camper/caravans and the new house.

Even a partially sunny day needs to be recorded and appreciated.

Given our cramped quarters and tiny kitchenette, I have been relieved of holiday cooking this year.

No fruit pies or dinner rolls. 

The kitchen is fitted with an 18 inch propane 'cooker'. There are 4 burners, so tightly spaced that it is a juggle to manage even 3 pans. The bitty oven is intimidating; I've not attempted to use it.

My contributions to this year's Christmas feast [being ably prepared and hosted by daughter and SIL] are a 'fluffy' fruited jello salad, concocted yesterday, and the above dessert, 'Oreo Delight Pudding' aka 'Dirt Pudding' [for the crumbled cookie topping.]

It contains enough decadently fattening ingredients to be appealing: Oreo cookies, cream cheese, chocolate pudding, Cool Whip.

Jim continued with house siding yesterday.

Lower level entrance with a covered area that will likely be quite utilitarian.

Not wanting to waste mild temperatures and sunshine, Jim has continued this morning.

It is encouraging to see the house looking more 'finished' outside. A carport will be constructed alongside this entrance.

Interior work is now waiting on the man who is meant to apply foam insulation in parts of the house. 

Then drywall and painting can be done.

There's not been much I can do to help.

I have been responsible for applying the stain to much of the siding--the boards laid out on trestles in the house and the stain rolled on.  My right shoulder has definitely registered this contribution.

Beyond that, I keep the men stoked with [very] simple hearty food, the laundry done.

Housekeeping in the camper is at an untidy minimum with half a dozen cats in and out, coats and boots with no proper place to stow them, various household items shuffled from one spot to another.

At that, I'm reminded that the camper offers a warm, dry, temporary abode, surely far more comfortable than some.

I have moments of impatience for a 'real' house--such as when I slam my head one more time on the overhanging cupboard ledge while making up the bed. 

Meanwhile I can appreciate the focused progress that continues at the hands of two good builders.