We have had an extremely hedonistic three days here in our mountain retreat. A sensual indulgence of palate and appetite as we have feasted. Roast turkey with all of the trimmings, an exquisite smoked ham from a little place we know in Seattle, fine liquor, Baileys, Kahlua, Absinthe, and of course red wine.

Yesterday Bombay Extra in a fine Peterson's Canadian pipe, today will be the same in a calabash.

It is, I must say, a splendid way to end the year, a perfect beginning to the next.

As with all good things though, it must come to an end, which I suppose is good for if it did not I would surely be 300 pounds.