Cliff

Cliff is always sad when the holiday season comes to an end. One of the things he dislikes most is taking down his festive Christmas decorations, which he typically does on Epiphany. Because he finds the décor so cheery he thought about keeping it up until Candlemas, but knows that would just be putting off the inevitable. What he does not understand, however, are the many neighbors who take down their trees the day after Christmas (apparently they are not familiar with the twelve days of).


Cliff had a wonderful holiday season, which included celebrating the New Year with friends in Pasadena. He arrived the evening of the 31st to lovely weather, a Mexican feast and lots of bubbly (he was particularly fond of the Henriot Souverain Brut). His friends’ home was filled with beautiful Christmas decorations, and there was still plenty of festive holiday spirit to be found.


He enjoyed waddling the streets of Old Town Pasadena, where he shopped the sales and admired the Christmas tree covered in shiny gold and red ornaments. And of course no trip to Old Town would be complete without indulging in frozen yogurt from 21 Choices.


During his trip Cliff was also able to partake in the 35th birthday celebration of one of his hosts. They marked the occasion with dinner (and a drink or two) at The Parkway Grill, a restaurant specializing in Regional American cuisine. Of course Cliff, never one to resist a good breadbasket (especially when filled with tasty cheese breadsticks and fig-studded bread), was full by the time his meal arrived.


Cliff had a wonderful visit with his friends, and was sad to return to a rather chilly Washington. But, at least he can console himself with the knowledge that in less than 11 months he can start thinking about Christmas again!