Today is Christmas, and I write this entry from my parent's kitchen table in Moraga, California. Interestingly enough my bed does not rock back and forth, I do not have to hold on to something secure when I brush my teeth, and the refrigerator is packed with fresh milk and bottled northwest micro-brews!! What a change from life aboard Cisnecito. The shining sun warms my back and lightens this beautiful house where I grew up. It is wonderful to be home with my family and celebrate the holidays with them. My grandparents along with my sister Julie, her husband Travis, and their daughter Shelby (my niece!) are here as well, so it is a full house with a lot of action! Shelby clearly captures the attention of us all, which is of no surprise as she is the cutest thing in the entire world. She has more energy than the Energizer Bunny and loves to play outside. We've had a jam packed schedule every day with trips to the zoo, long walks around the reservoir, and time at the park. I had the privilege of taking Shelby Christmas shopping by myself and got more than a few, "Oh, your daughter is so cute!" comments. Of course I quickly responded with, "Oh, I'm just the 28 year old single uncle". Tis' the season to be merry!!

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and wonderful holidays. Enjoy your time with family and friends, be thankful for what you have, and cherish the moment. The plan is to hang out here in the Bay Area for a few more weeks, which has already been a hoot. Cisnecito is safe and sound in a marina in La Paz, most likely attracting looks and stares with her beautiful lines and curves. Chris, Julie, and I will return to the boat in early January and prepare to bring her around the outside of Baja. For now, I'm just enjoying my days, eating lots of dungeness crab, and living the life of a land lubber.