It's A Wrap

The day after Christmas contrasts sharply with the day before.  The hustle and bustle of a family gathering has been replaced by the normal peaceful rhythm of our household.
We look out on to morning sunshine, which peeps cheekily into the kitchen. The yellow splash of colour, from the winter flowering jasmine, contrasts brightly with the plain wood fence. I detest with passion the suburban blight of painted fences, much preferring to see the colour and texture of the natural product.

The laundry backlog is tackled, I bravely hang one load out on the line. The wind incites shirts, tights and socks and underwear to join in a random and poorly choreographed dance. An hour or so later clouds advance from the west. The washing is retrieved. Due to the cold temperatures the clothing feels wetter than when it went outside. Surely that cannot be the case! The KHT and I go out for a quick walk before the rain arrives.  A few drops issue warning splashes as we leave. We press on, the cloud passes. We walk a mile or so. After the entertaining yesterday, the KHT is weary and grumpy, but the fresh air soon cheers her up. We return home as a few warning splashed are felt.  Seconds after we walk through the door the heavens open. Precipitation continues for the rest of the day.

The small pile of presents under the tree is now limited to those destined for people who will be seen shortly. I suddenly recall that there is a present that I have not seen unwrapped. The KHT unsuccessfully searches the tree, but the present is miniscule and well camouflagged amongs the tinsel, decorations and lights. Having placed it within the tree, I have the advantage. My husband unwraps his last present. A tiny torch that can clip on to a keyring. There is a light beside the front door, but it has been designed for looks, not practicality. Inconveniently it does not shine anywhere near the lock. In the dark DH can find it difficult to insert his key. I saw this petite, but perfectly proportioned torch when buying cracker contents, and thought it would help. Despite being the ideal size it never made it into a cracker, as I decided it might not survive being dropped on the floor!

I was just celebrating stashing away the wrapping paper and gift tags, when a parcel landed with a thud on the doormat.  Rejoice! Doris' Christmas present has finally arrived.  Rejoice! Doris' present needs wrapping.  I dig out the paper.  It's a wrap!