"Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?"

Today is perfect. The sun is bright and warm, and the temperature is around 60 degrees. I was outside on the deck for the longest time just sitting there with my eyes closed and my face to the sun. It will be a short post today. I want to get back to that sun.

The year goes fast. Soon enough frost will be on more than the pumpkin. My house is already decorated for Thanksgiving, and I'm plowing through catalogs with Christmas in mind. The winter quilt is on the bed making it cozy and warm at night despite the chill. Slippers are my favorite footwear during the day. Hot coffee and my hands around the warm cup are a nightly ritual. I had macaroni and cheese for dinner the other night.

Last week, my sister asked me what's on my Christmas list. I gave her a run down. I know I'll get what I asked for but I know she'll also surprise me with fun gifts. A couple of years ago she gave me the moose eggnog mugs from A Christmas vacation. They always remind me of Cousin Eddie when I use them. She tries to find the worst Christmas movie ever to put in my stocking and usually doesn't pay more than a buck or two for these incredible finds. Last year it was The Nativity. I have no idea where they found those actors, but they were so bad they were almost frightening. I try and outdo her, and I've already ordered this year's movie. I suspect it will be difficult to beat. It's no Jack Frost, the story of the homicidal snowman, but it's close.

I love shopping for off-beat stocking gifts and it's time to get started. I'm just trying to remember where I found the pooping reindeer.