A party with the men.

John is a wonderful friend, and has been for many years. Taught English at the University and did all kinds of things for me with his money. He and Dr. Grauel were devoted friends and we became friends then. He is known for his ascerbic wit and I love that about him because we constantly put each other down.

Today I am a victim of sleeping late and then doing some cooking -- stuffed peppers and artichoke dip are in the oven and smell delightful. It is raining outside but inside I have a fire in the fireplace and the smells of food in the oven. The lights of the Christmas tree are ablaze.

Each year Bill Prost, John Bierk and I gather at Bella Italia or some other restaurant and enjoy a holiday party with exchange of gifts. I gave them both a bottle of Crown Royal (which went over well), Bill gave us chocolate and coffee -- he sells coffee--and John gave us a gift card to Olive Garden.