...though some were purring in the woodstove-warmed living room this evening; today's clearing skies brought both welcome sunshine and not-so-welcome lowering temperatures to the Suburbs of Despair. I had the quiet day I'd hoped for and am looking forward to my family's traditional XMess Night book and chocolate, probably hot in light of the weather.

Frotz was feeling better enough for afternoon (low-contact) errandry: visiting the pony (no riding, just grooming and weekly supplements set-up) and the Camberville set of cats. An Indian takeout joint we'd wanted to give another try was on his way* home so XMess Day dinner traditions** were maintained.

We honored Krampus with a tasty and tender goat vindaloo (yes it had bones, it's goat) that needed some perking up with chili-onion chutney. A rich and creamy shahi (malai) kofta made a nice contrast and will probably become a re-ordered item. Haven't found a good starter there yet (chaats are not their strong suit) but the naan and rice are on-point. The menu keeps expanding and if they find their groove they're likely to get added to our local takeout rotation; conveniently they're next to one of our favorites.

Tomorrow is Boxing Day / Returns Day / St. Stephen's Day / XMess Steve. No wrens will be harmed in the making of dinner. Perhaps recombinant leftovers will get their day as there are now more leftovers; it is ever thus.

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*Because "once you're in a car, everything is on the way."
**Our (borrowed) Chinese food on XMess Day tradition started when we no longer had family to spend hellidaze with and didn't feel like roasting a goose just for two. COVID and closures turned that into getting takeout. Now that more Suburbs of Despair joints with interesting cuisines are open on the 25th we've been branching out. Who knew thirty years would make such a difference?