Well, now, that wasn't so bad if you bypass the incident of the dog losing the "Beat-the-18-Wheeler" game. Poor trucker couldn't do a thing except veer enough so that the dog was bonked by the undercarriage rather than a wheel. Poor pooch. Two more seconds and he would have had a gap in traffic wide enough to make it. Overall, traffic on the interstate was civilized, which was partly the result of planning travel on off days. I-20 is sticky on off days, but a thrilling free-for-all on Wednesday and Sunday around Thanksgiving.

Lyman and Lucy stayed home this time. My mother has severe respiratory problems and keeps her home at about 60 degrees, which is not optimal for either of my warm-blooded companions. Conditions are survivable in heavy sweats and double socks. I was happy to be a designated cook so I could hang around the stove.

Our group was the smallest ever. Just five of us were present -- my mother, my brother Charles, my sister Patricia, her daughter Erin and I. Our other brothers and sisters are dispersed and have their own grandchildren to attend. In a sense it was sad, since my mother thinks this might be her last holiday season, but a large group would have overwhelmed her.

Soon we will all be orphans. I wonder what vestiges of the family will survive then?

I meant to come home Friday, but was talked into staying over a night with my sister whom I haven't seen more than a few hours in the past two years. Her divorce after 29 years of marriage has recently been finalized, just in the nick of time for the birth of her ex-husband's twins with another woman. O happy freedom.

We talked and giggled until time to sleep. I love that silly woman. She and blogdaddy Possum together would be too much to take.

I came home to a freshly vacuumed and mopped floor and a neat kitchen, for which I am truly thankful.

Now it's on to preparations for our Christmas luncheon which will take place on Friday 13. Lyman's parents, brother, sister and spouses will attend. Cleaning, shopping, decorating and cooking will take up the next two weeks. The basic menu is set -- shrimp cocktail, Antoine's salad, seafood gumbo, oysters Bienville, oysters Rockefeller and Gambino's garlic bread -- but I still need a dessert. Last year's was Emeril's sweet potato flan, which was unusual, pretty, light and very tasty. Maybe a mousse?