How do I thank all my wonderful students for the gifts they gave me the past two days? I have stated before in these pages that this is one of my very favorite years teaching, but to be rewarded with so many Christmas gifts in addition to all the delightful time spent in the Math Lab with them is like putting ice cream on top of steaming apple pie! (And what is more delectable than a delicious food metaphor, haha)

So thanks to all of you for the mugs, chafing dish, Atlas of the Universe, candle, wallet, gift cards, art calendar, pastry, candy, nuts and whatever else I forgot to mention. It is all greatly appreciated and I assure you it will go to good use

This 11 day vacation should be both relaxing and productive, starting with an overnight visit from my daughter today, a family gathering Christmas Eve for a traditional dinner and gift exchange, Christmas Day with my family followed by an entire week writing and editing. Ah, maybe it will be so enjoyable I’ll forget about going back to school entirely! (Don’t worry: that’s not likely)