There’s nothing like a holiday weekend Monday that dawns sunny and warm to make one feel like making the most of the day. And, trust me, I did.

I got up this morning just as Rudi was leaving the house for a 50 mile bike ride. I was productive, but not crazy, so instead curled up on the couch with tea and a chocolate croissant.

I popped in It’s a Wonderful Life, turned the tree on for one last morning of colorful lights, and finished writing my Christmas cards to a happy ending for George Bailey. I am greatly relieved that no one will have to wait for Arbor Day for cards (although maybe a few of you will get one then anyway), but will definitely be making cards a higher priority next year.

After Rudi returned home, we headed out to soak up the unseasonably warm temperatures. We wandered the area seeking outdoor seating, but way too much of it has been pulled in for the winter. Eventually we found ourselves in Columbia Heights, where we grabbed a couple of slices at Pete’s (also lacking outdoor tables), ran into Target, discovered a new coffeehouse, bought milk, and picked up a parking pass at the police station. Although the skies were a brilliant blue when we left the house, we exhausted every last bit of it, not returning home until well into twilight, when a Cheshire Cat moon led us home to our own trio of felines.

Monday night is fondue night in the Burrow, so Rudi cooked up some cheese and cubed bread while I worked on shifting packages away from the tree and starting the ornament removal. We paused to eat dinner in front of Chuck and then went our separate ways for an hour (when Rudi likes to watch Heroes, which has gotten too dark for me to enjoy. I knit and listen to my iPod or read in the bedroom instead.) We reconvened for Castle (Monday night’s lineup is filled with one-word shows, I just noticed) and to pluck ornaments off the tree. I boxed them all up during Conan’s final Monday show on NBC and, during Craig Ferguson, we managed to get the tree out the door and the living room swept and vacuumed. Pine trees left up for more than six weeks tend to not make a clean exit. The living room seems so spacious!

I still have a few dishes to go before bed, but I’m ready to hit the hay. It seems like a nap might be a good thing before I head back to the office tomorrow.

How was your weekend? Did you get Martin Luther King Day off? Or was your Monday achievement getting up and returning to work (also a laudable accomplishment in my book)?