December 21

#21

For many years, I hosted a sit down dinner for my 12 closest

friends at Christmas. I decked the house to the nines and tried 

to outdo each prior year with gifts and food.

One year topped them all, when I hired a madrigal group

from a local HS attended by Ivan, my son's closest friend,

and a second son to me.

Ivan is the first male on the left in first photo.

Many of the gals were notoriously late every year,  so I insisted

that they arrive exactly on time, or there would be hell to pay. 

The madrigals were lined up out front and 

performed for them as they arrived.  

Once they completed several songs out front, the kids all filed in and 

performed from the stairs while we had our traditional first 

toast of Chambord and Champagne.

 I wanted memories and I think I succeeded.

We quickly cooked up some cocoa for all

and sent them on their way as

we settled into the festivities. 

These kids are all approaching late 30's now,

hard for me to comprehend. 

Where is it all going, this time thing?

I am now just 6 months from turning 70 and 

inside feel about 26.

Just before he died my, dad was reflecting on this topic,

and he told me that he, at age 71, felt about 25, 26 inside and that 

the same would happen to me as it does to everyone. 

I remember looking at grandparents and my folks in my 20's, 30's

 and thinking how old they were and looked. 

I am older now than many of them lived to be, and under 2 years 

of when my folks passed.

A good friend and I comment on the passing of famous folks

now and we're always noticing their age.

what? 60 63 67 !

This pal is 2 years older than me, so yeah it is jarring.

All the more reason that looking back is lovely,

well, sometimes, but it's more important to 

think about what we have ahead.

When faced with an unending amount

of "issues", three this week alone, I have to constantly remind myself.

Those of you with grandkids have such joys waiting.

Make the best of it. 

Lord knows the world is a mess;

keep your loved ones near, and cherish every ordinary,

 boring day. Each one a gift.

Z