After yet another movie at the Metrolux, the final installment of the three-year Christmas tradition, I left Loveland where the rest of the family will be until new year’s. It was nice to have cousins and their kids running around, all four of whom were much more communicative this year than last, even if they were going by their “Lion King” names instead of the ones their parents gave them. We got the skinny on the super-competitive world of Wyoming junior high girls basketball – apparently Gillette girls are ruthless.

After paying my rent and collecting my mail, we’re off to the “secret location,” which turns out to be Quebec, for new year’s.