You'd think a guy who regularly ties flies on hooks so small you need a scanning electron microscope to whip finish them would have no problems wrapping Christmas gifts.

And naturally, if you thought that, you'd think wrong.

I wrap gifts like like General Motors senses the mood of the marketplace, and that sad performance level couldn't even be reached when I'm forced to wrap gifts by candlelight, which is what happens when the power goes out for six hours on Christmas eve.

With the outside temperatures hovering around 20 degrees, we're happy indeed we sprung for the better-quality wood stove fireplace insert, which kept the main house toasty warm.

The power's back on, Christmas day is only 37 minutes away, and I'm going to bed - but not before wishing all the Undergrounders and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays.

It's been an interesting year at Trout Underground/Man Cave World Headquarters, and while it's unclear what the new year holds, we'll explore that idea more when I post my "2009 In Review" post, which shouldn't be missed.

Until then, enjoy the eggnog, be vigilant for any long, skinny tube-shaped gifts under the tree, and know that we're not waiting for Friday to show a little Christmas cheer for my male readers.

See you around the tree, Tom Chandler.