Since Mom sold her house over the summer, this was the first time in several years that we did not fly north for Christmas. As we searched for our long unused tree and decorations, we flew Mom south to our home, while Claire stayed nearby with Dad and Elaine. Varya spent Christmas day smoking tender ribs and cooking several appetizers and sides for an excellent Texas holiday dinner.
After dinner, it was time to open presents, much to the delight of Varya…
…and the Monkey, who couldn’t get enough of a catnip-laced fake bird.
Every December, I have to remind myself to save some presents and make dinner reservations for the day after Christmas, Varya’s birthday. This year, she broke from her tradition of Americas or Perry’s steakhouse and chose Brasserie 1895 in Friendswood, where a Belgian Master Chef makes every visit deliciously surprising. The elk chops were the best game I’ve ever had!
The Brasserie 1895 chef, managers and waiter couldn’t have been nicer, though we stayed past closing time, with the restaurant nearly empty. They even treated Varya to a candle-lit eclair for her birthday.
On our way out, a Brasserie manager grabbed an ornament from their Christmas tree and gave it to Varya as another birthday present. Only when we got outside did we realize it was an ornamental slab of bacon. How did they know that’s what she wanted?!
Moonday 
Thank you Steve and Varya for a wonderful visit and Christmas.
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