clear lake christmas

The lake was a big mirror of blueness. It smelled like new and the Northern California air was just the right chill. Above the lake, we walked with scarves wrapped tight on the dirt trail winding through scarred pines. We walked with running noses, and got cold. Back in the cabin with the fiber optic Christmas tree, we cooked enchiladas and pie and ate and ate some more. On the TV played a silly movie. Later, me and Sarah drove until we found a Chinese restaurant with a bar. We drank our beers under the tinsel and surrounded by locals. You girls aren't from around here, they said. We watched big families make holiday toasts. When our glasses were empty, we drove the station wagon around the edges of the silent lake. Back in the cabin snug and warm, we giggled about Harbin hot springs and fell asleep on Christmas eve. In the morning, the fiber optic tree twinkled at us as we closed the door to check out.