I think I have simply accepted that this year I won't be able to savor the holiday season in the way I normally do. I think I have. The tree is up, the tree in the front yard is lit, we have some random reindeer floating around the place and Christmas music on the iPod. That's it.

The hallway is progressing apace. I'll show you that tomorrow. But there are tools about the place, the pantry and microwave has moved into the living room, and that powder-sugar fine film of dust is over everything again. I'm trying to take the long view, that my present this year is the completion (good grief, finally) of this project. My Christmas is the kitchen, but the little kid in me feels unsettled and cranky about it all.