I am in Chicago with the family for Christmas where it has been surprisingly warm for Chicago (30s and even a day in the 40s). I was able to take Luna out for a long walk on the lakefront yesterday. It has been really wonderful.
Last night, we went to hear my 87-year-old mother sing in the St. Mary’s of the Lake choir at midnight mass. This is my childhood church where I have literally spent every Christmas of my life. It is a gorgeous church and I love the fact that it is now part of the tradition of my four children.
Last night, I made our traditional Cioppino soup — a tradition started by my late father, Jack Turley. I hated the soup as a kid so fate has left this tradition to me. I am now as addicted to the soup as my father was.
The kids left their usual Christmas notes that again forced Old St. Nick to stay up to answer a series of probing questions. Aidan took a more litigious approach this year and listed a series of “concerns” over Elf welfare and even the possibly abusive relationship with Mrs. Claus. There were workplace safety concerns and union-busting issues. Santa wrote back with the assistance “of Legal” and refuted each of the allegations while offering Aidan a job in the legal department at the North Pole.
As for Madie, she had a record number of questions including where Santa got his resources for gifts to how many cookies he eats a night (on top of the butter cookies he devoured at our house).
I am about to start the cooking of the beef as well as the Yorkshire pudding, horseradish. and other traditional dishes. We will have the entire family clan over to the house. A total of 28.25 (including the new baby of my nephew Michael and Megan).
All for me, I have only, again, a winning season for the Bears. I am wearing my new bears shirt (I also received a Brandon Marshall jersey!).
The Turley family wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday. I will be toasting our blog family tonight and give thanks for the wonderful community we have created at this site.
Best wishes,
Jonathan Turley