December 26th

We've made it through all the festivities... all the family gatherings are done and over with, negotiated with relative success (considering the logistics and demands of all the complicated interweavings of our extended tribe). We've feasted, toasted, gifted, laughed and cried, hugged and smiled our way through the days of the holiday together with all the wrinkly relatings of our family here, and today, it is just us three with a rare, quiet day to spend together without a single demand on us from the outside world -- pure luxury!

We are --

*So much more aware of the passing of time, especially as it impacts Master's parents.
*So much more impressed by the maturing of the children as even our youngest member moves nearer and nearer to his last year of high school and the decisions about college that will take him finally from the "nest" and into a more adult sort of relating with us all.
*So much reminded of the old axiom about not being able to "go home again" as my late Christmas phone call to my son had him regaling me with stories of my own mother's various wickednesses as she tormented the various attendees at my brother's home who did not live up to her standards for decorum and morality.
*So much brought face to face with my own gratitude for a family that loves me as a call to my other brother made clear that he is so awfully alone in a life chosen because there was money to be had in lieu of relationships...
Our presents are all unwrapped and scattered about -- Master's myriad knives of many sizes, T's amazing cooking utensils, my absolutely stunning Hudson's Bay (8 point) wool blanket... The desires of the heart, lovingly sought out and given with much anticipation and joy, now held close to each of our hearts...

Today, we'll wander off, in just a bit, to the local movie house for some time spent escaping into some cinematic fluff. Our list of "want to see" films is actually remarkably long, and our time for seeing them is a bit dauntingly short, but oh well, we'll pick and make a go at it.

Life is good. We are happy here.

Best to you all.

swan