Merry Christmas from Puerto Rico! Right now I’m heating up the grill so that I can put the pernil (roast pork) on for smoking (takes about 4 hours or so–it’s 11 AM here right now). We’ve opened up our gifts–thanks to everyone! I’m right now posting the pictures up into the Gallery. Check out the ones named “Christmas2005…”. I’ve also uploaded some more pictures of the dogs, and a shot of the bat house. Again, thanks for the books, movies, and music. They are much appreciated!

Yesterday (Christmas Eve) we went over to TJ Ranch (near Lago Dos Bocas) since it was Tony’s birthday. The group that gathers there is a lot of fun, and it was very relaxing. Of course, it started out with some adventure: One of the visitors got their truck stuck in the camping area of the land…so we all had to lend a hand and push it out. Too bad I didn’t have my camera at the time! Anyhow, we got our exercise and hung out for a while (we didn’t spend the night–we came back to Camuy last night around midnight). We’ll be going over there again on New Years Eve; something we’ve done since we first went down there in 2002.

We had our first home-grown coffee today! It actually came out really well, pretty mellow and not at all bitter (though people in PR usually drink cafe con leche, so bitterness is toned down anyway). It was a lot of work, and Mrs. Gonzalez put a lot of time into it. In the end, we have about 3 pounds of completely home grown coffee. Pretty cool!

Today will be a pretty lazy day. I’ll be cooking, and reading my new books–we’re already listening to the music that Ann got Evelyn–it’s a good album.

Best wishes to everyone. We hope that you have a wonderful Christmas.