At Ukrop's: Ms. S., my old landlady; "Run, Run Rudolph" on the Muzak.

Capital City weather: Yesterday - pretty cold, with that winter-in-Virginia gray sky. We took a drive through east Henrico, New Kent, and Charles City Counties to enjoy the browns and grays of a southern December day. We spotted old houses, mistletoe in oak trees, 6 manger scenes (including the one in front of Samaria Church) and some snow left from last Monday's little storm. Today: clear and colder.

On my desk: an article on Sharon Indian School to revise per the editor; Urquhart's Place paperwork; Christmas shopping list.

Reading: old New Yorkers