I have been back in Alexandria for a week. I am getting adjusted and the jet lag has gone. I am glad to be here and see my friends. My social life has increased dramatically compared to Toulouse. It has its pluses and minuses – good to see friends but it fills up my time and I do not have as much down time.

My first morning back, I headed to Ben Yay’s for beignets. Not necessarily a good as a chocolatine but definitely a good way to start by time back in Alexandria.

I time my return to coincide with the Scottish Walk weekend in Alexandria which I feel is the start of the Christmas season for me. Traditionally, I host a get together around the Scottish Walk, I have people over before and offer breakfast food, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Then we go down the street and watch the Walk. After, we return to my house and have adult beverages and cheese and crackers. I love the tradition.

On Sunday, I hold a tree decorating party. I got tired of setting up my Christmas tree by myself a number of years ago and so started inviting friends over to help decorate and it has become a tradition. I cook Christmas cookies, Apricot Balls, and Chocolate toffee candy which are my family’s traditional Christmas treats. I make the White House Chef’s eggnog which is always a big hit. I think it is a hit because it has three different liquors (rum, brandy and bourbon). The tree is quite lovely after the efforts of my friends.

The preparation for all of this is a lot of work. I have been baking ever since I got back – Christmas cookies, cranberry bread, pumpkin bread, blueberry muffins, Apricot Balls and Candy. It is fun to have the parties but it means the days between my return from Toulouse and Saturday were very busy.

On Saturday morning, I ran with NOVA Rogue Runners, my DC run group. It was cold but nice. We had snow on Thursday which was quite lovely and definitely added to the Christmas spirit but the bridges were a little challenging on the run.

I was able to attend my French Conversation group on Thursday. I am glad to be able to practice my French and keep up with it. I am going to start private lessons again in January so I can continue to improve my French for my return to Toulouse.

This weekend was Wreaths Across America family day at Arlington Cemetery. This charity provides evergreen wreaths for every grave in national cemeteries around the United States. They allow family members to have a special day when you can put wreaths on your family members graves. I went and was able to place a wreath on both my sister and my parent’s grave. It is a nice thing to do and is a good memory.

It was very popular and getting into the cemetery was somewhat challenging as there is only one road and entrance. Because of security everyone has to have the IDs checked and then handed a wreath. It was efficient but slow. I got a notice from Arlington that the event had been so popular that they ran out of wreaths that day. This coming weekend is the day when volunteers put wreaths on all the graves so everyone will still get a wreath.

Last night, I went to a Prohibition Repeal party at Revel. Revel is my equivalent of Le Panache here in Alexandria. The United States has banned the sale of liquor from 1920 to 1933 and this law was repealed on December 5, 1933. Revel celebrated the repeal with a party that highlighted cocktails for the period and with people dressed up. It was a fun evening.

It has been a busy but fun filled return to Alexandria. I miss Toulouse but am enjoying being back here.