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[caption id="attachment_2904" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="What is wrong with this picture? "]<a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/xmaswino.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2904" title="xmaswino" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/xmaswino-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[/caption]

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<p>I grew up in one of those idyllic neighborhoods where everyone not only knew their neighbors but trusted them as close friends. </p>

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<p>All of the kids on our block were close in age and played with each other until sundown.  All of the parents were tight and served as surrogate parents to all of us. </p>

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<p>Since 1984, we have all gathered for a Christmas Eve breakfast.  This year, 60 of us showed up for the tradition. </p>

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<p>A tradition within the tradition is one of those goofy ornament exchanges where grinches steal ornaments from small children.  World's Most Precious Niece originally drew a child inappropriate Christmas wine barrel which was promptly stolen by the Head Grinch.  World's Most Precious Niece wound up with a more child appropriate but boring metal dove.  Maybe you'll have better luck next year, kid. </p>

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