Deck the halls!

This was the first year that the girls did not come over to bake cookies, the youngest and I didn't make our annual trip to South Street, and we did not do a last minute shopping together.  I was feeling kind of blue.  But last night we picked Dad up from the airport, the kids brought Chinese food, and they put both leaves in the big table.  Brother and sis-in-law showed up and we had ten people for dinner and tree trimming.  Sis-in-law had major spine surgery this year, and while it has been a slow but steady recovery, she is no longer in constant pain.  She seems "with us" again -- her face is bright and open for the first time in a while.  The kids (including daughter's new boyfriend) are so much fun and bring life and love to our table.  And Dad is quiet but his sense of humor has never left him and he listens and laughs along with us.  Later, on the sofa, he reflects "I have such beautiful children and grandchildren.  I am so lucky."  I know, sadly, that these moments won't last forever, but I am grateful that we have them now.  Maybe someday we'll even add more to the table! It's funny how important all this becomes when you grow older and experience life's fragile nature.  You think things will always be the way they are, or that you can control the way they will become.  Best to live life knowing it will change no matter what, try to influence its direction toward the best possible outcomes, prepare for the storms which are sure to come, and give up trying to be the mighty oak.  Bend like the willow when the wind blows.

I am taking a couple days off from work to be home with Dad, and will take the week after Christmas as well.  I wish there was snow - but the birds are happy to eat seeds and drink from the pond without it.  I've moved the leaf net so they can bathe and drink in the shallow end, and they found the opening right away.  The fish don't care.. they just wait for warmer days.  I accounted for all of them yesterday even the little brown one.  He is getting easier to spot every day..  a little more golden on his belly scales, and a little bigger.