Neighbor Logan came over on New Year’s Eve, and we were finally able to give him his Christmas presents. His parents had company all during the week, and so did we. Our gifts were small items, inexpensive but chosen with care. He opened a 100-piece jigsaw puzzle and was pleased when I said it was for him to take home. We have a few others we keep for him at our house. He played with the vibrant blue Silly Putty and set of magnets. He seemed satisfied and didn’t realize I was very disappointed. I thought the blue goo was magnetic, which is why we bought the magnets. Nathaniel played with him, adding to the fun.
We were preparing for our little open house that evening. Logan and our grandsons were happy to eat broken cookies and a few chips as I set them out. No one ate much at the party, so I’m glad they had something before. People from three households came to chat while waiting for midnight. The early-to-bedders left before the new year arrived, but neighbor Joyce stayed. We were delighted to have her with us, because we don’t see her often. We watched the ball drop in Times Square on TV, blew our noise-makers, and said our good nights.
The weather was misbehaving. We were due to have cold temperatures, but the snow that was falling was unpredicted. Neighbors told us that I-40 was closed in one place because of ice. I was very aware that we were driving Nathaniel to the airport the next day and kept telling myself not to worry. During the night, I checked the roads we would be on and saw there were traffic problems. Thankfully they disappeared before it was time to leave.
We had a leisurely breakfast with the boys. I dislike the few hours before a departure, because I always want the time to count and can’t think of anything worthwhile to say. This time it was really different. We began to discuss some of our family heirlooms when Nathaniel took a covered butter dish from the china cabinet. The things we have are not materially valuable, but there are stories tied to various great-grandparents. The boys have always been interested in family history, and they were very engaged. We need to pass on this information, because our children were gone when these items came into our home after the deaths of our parents.
The car was loaded when I called out, “Wait for me for the mirror!”
John said Nathaniel had already mentioned that he was going to lower the hall mirror, his ritual when leaving our house. David stood as silent witness. With due solemnity, Nathaniel lifted it up and hung it on the regular hook.
We laughed as he ended on a goofy note, dramatically bending his knees so that he could see himself. Classic Nathaniel!
Mehrling Muse 
I so dislike the last few hours before someone leaves!! All I can think about is them leaving and I spend the time sad:(
Glad the drive was okay and your New Years sounds lovely!
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It is over 13 hours since we left the house to take Nathaniel to the airport. He is now at Islip Airport, waiting for his dad to pick him up after work. Flying is not for sissies.
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Ugh I have to fly again on Saturday morning. I have my fingers crossed for an easy flight!
It’s great you got a nice visit with Nathaniel!
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My fingers will be crossed for you, too.
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Thank you!
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So bittersweet. Happy new year, Anne!
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Happy New Year to you, too. Nathaniel is back in NY now. He had a LONG day of travel and must get up at 5 to go to school tomorrow.
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One happy kid there Anne. It is always nice to see Logan when he visits you.
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Leaving day is always bittersweet. Thankful for the visit, sad at the leaving and worried about the trip. Three emotions colliding.
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All turned out well, except Nathaniel was tired. He made it through the school day, though.
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He’s young. He holds up so much better than we would!
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Anne,
Great that Logan appreciates gifts and doesn’t worry about the costs( material). Sad for the goodbyes but laughed a little at the mirror ceremony.
Glad you all got home safe and Nathaniel to his home.
Susie
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We didn’t hear until this morning that Nathaniel got home at 11 pm last night. We assumed he was fine.
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Thinking of the mirror, midnight on arrival, 6:30 on departure. We’ve had a granddaughter home from Mississippi State, she graduates in May and gives us so much joy when she’s here. It’s nice they like hanging with us. Puzzles are a great bond. Happy New Year Anne & John. It’s been fun watching Logan grow, pass on a Happy New Year from the Eastern Shore.
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Yes, grandchildren are grand. I’m glad y’all have had that pleasure. Happy New Year!
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A lovely time was had by all, so I see! So glad the roads were drivable (driveable?)!
It’s nice to see that your grandsons are interested in antique/ancestry issues, very laudable. Usually young people are only into the “now” of their lives, not what came before.
Logan is as cute as ever, intelligent and curious too.
(My eve. was spent cuddling with my kitty Annie, watching TV celebrations and video-chatting with my beloved who lives too far away, and too expensive; but seeing & talking to him is way better than nothing!)
Happy New Year to all! ❤
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Your New Year’s Eve sounded pleasant, although being together would have been the best. Happy New Year!
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I feel like I know Logan and your grandsons-love that you share the stories of your heirlooms.
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It sounds like you had a great time Anne! Love those photos of Nathaniel and the mirror.
Stories of family heirlooms are always so good. So much history in some of those items.
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I should write about our family pieces, but the job is too daunting right now. I am struggling to keep up with email and blogging. Oh well, when I’m gone they can toss these things or make up some good stories to go with them.
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I have a feeling they will be treasured Anne.
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I’m sure you are right.
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It’s wonderful that your grandsons are interested in family history. So many people wait until they’re old to become curious and then they wish they’d asked all that they want to know now. I’ll bet the portraits on your back wall have stories to tell, too.
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John and I were not overly interested in our ancestors, but we did keep the pictures. We have one daughter and the two grandsons who perk up their ears when family is mentioned. Do you delve into family history?
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