New Year’s Eve 2024

I had a new experience after 80 years – cooking with my brother. We wanted to help Beth as much as possible, so we diced things and assembled corn chowder for the family gathering. He pointed me to the measuring spoons, and we doled out the seasonings. There was a spoon larger than a Tablespoon, and I laughed as we both tried to read what it was. Bob’s eyesight is much better than mine, but he had distance glasses on. I put on readers and still couldn’t say with certainty what we were looking at. We didn’t need that for the soup, so I took a photo as we continued.

What a marvelous family gathering we had! I hadn’t seen Bob’s daughter Julie and her Mike for ages. I saw his daughter Kathie on my birthday, and she brought her son Max to this party. I don’t remember when I last saw Beth’s daughter Susan and Bill. I took a video as we sat around talking. It’s too dark, but you might be able to see people laughing as the scene opens.

We talked, ate, and laughed for about four hours. Those who drove from a distance should have gotten home before it was fully dark.

Beth and I were chatting after everything was cleaned up. She intended to be in bed before midnight. I saw that it was only three minutes to go before the new year would begin, so she put the TV on for me to see the ball drop in Times Square. That somehow made it seem more official for me.

Street Decorations in Greensboro

After dark on December 30, we drove about half an hour to Greensboro to see a huge neighborhood collection of Christmas decorations. Some years ago neighbors decided to hang balls of lights in trees. It spread so that now there is a big area where most folks decorate their yards. They agree to have the lights on during a certain period before Christmas. Participation is voluntary after the 25^th, so we probably missed some.

We drove around and ended at the booth where food for charity was collected. Beth and Bob had brought canned goods and left them there. It was a marvelous experience for me.

A Free Day

The day before the end of the year was not planned until we talked of various things we could do. Bob asked me to help transfer some files from Beth’s computer to a brand new one. I hoped I had the skill to do what was needed. It turned out to be quite easy, though we did check things as we went along. I was eager to see Windows 11, because my computers were too old to upgrade. What a relief to find things worked as I would expect! Bob looked at the clock and said we spent only an hour on the project. Easy!

Unlike the previous dreary-weather day, this day had a cloudless blue sky. It was warm enough that we didn’t need jackets. For lunch we went to a Thai restaurant not far away, and I savored every bite. It has been years since I ate Thai food.

We drove to Ashboro so that I could see a fabulous hole-in-the-wall shop selling compression hose. Bob and Beth had found it months ago and now order on line. The company has no catalog at all and no way to look at their stock. Luckily a salesperson pointed me to the bins holding my size and found what I wanted. We were in and out in five minutes. That has to be the fastest purchase I’ve ever made.

A Different Sunday

The first full day I was at brother Bob and Beth’s house was a Sunday, and what a Sunday it was! I had no idea how much I would enjoy being in a real church for a regular service. It began at the front door. Bob introduced me as his sister to everyone who greeted us. He and Beth are VERY well known in their home church, and people were exceptionally warm and welcoming. I chose a pew behind an empty space ahead of me, so that I could sing without making anyone cringe. The only uncomfortable thing was whipping glasses on and off. At home, watching a streamed service, I keep glasses firmly on my face. I was able to keep up fairly well in person. After the service, Bob offered to take a photo of me.

The rest of the day we chatted, ate, and talked some more. Beth prepared a shrimp dish and served a Jell-O salad with it. There were lots of anecdotes exchanged, but we also had a long discussion about various things that were important to us. Correction – I talked a LOT, and they kindly listened and made a few comments.

A Self-opening Christmas

I had a gift that opened itself on Christmas morning! Neighbor Shawn had given me a Christmas cactus with buds, and one burst into full bloom at the most appropriate time.

It seems perfect to label this Christmas Day “self-opening”. I didn’t know what to expect, but my expectations were high. The standard ideal of being among your dearest people, opening gifts before a warm fire, calling out thank yous, and eating a hearty meal were not part of my scene this year. Neighbor Holly was just leaving her house as I walked to the end of my driveway. She wondered where I was going, and I asked her the same thing. She was heading to open gifts with relatives in the next town. I walked to the stop sign, walking being something I NEVER did on Christmas morning.

Only one car passed me going into the development. Both driver and passenger returned my wave with enthusiasm. Going home, I chatted with a woman who stopped to wish me a Merry Christmas. She thought I hadn’t been walking, but I assured her I was there the day before. I’m wondering if she usually sees me from her house, not her car.

I walked by a special greeting without noticing it, until I went the other way. This was in front of the house where a schoolboy lives. It says, “Merry Christmas Wyatt from Frosty the Elf.” I’m sure it was a surprise for the boy, and perhaps he hadn’t seen it yet. What fun!

I had worked the Wordle puzzle before going out and saw niece Chrissie’s puzzle on the way home. Normally I don’t look at texts, but I thought Shawn might be letting me know that Logan was on his way to walk with me. He must have slept through his good intentions. These were my comments, “I’m at the stop sign and heading home. I am at the sheep pasture now. Progress! I’m at the big bend now. Is this like watching Santa circle the globe via the internet? I’m at the top of Tibi Lane now.”

I had worn Christmas clothes that no one saw, covered by coat and jeans. After walking I put on Christmas finery, always being dressed to my standards before watching church on line. It wasn’t so fine, though, because the top was too big. I’ve been pulling it back on my shoulders and vowing that I will put it in the give-away bin straight from the washer and dryer. There must have been at least one other year when it did fit.

At noon I ate Stollen for breakfast, a gift from Gerhard in Germany. It was as delicious as always. I sat at the dining room table for a more formal setting for a special breakfast.

Next I opened a gift I received days ago, saved for this moment. Throughout the day I was texting with family, friends, and neighbors.

This short day was filled with joy and love. I’m thinking of all of you who have touched my life and giving thanks for you, including dear blogging friends. Merry Christmas!

Second Birthday Celebration

The second birthday party was marvelous. I always enjoy neighbors Shawn and Bob, and they doubled the pleasure by inviting their relatives. If they had asked me to nominate other guests, these two are the ones I would have chosen. I never see enough of these fun people. I am unilaterally going to make them honorary neighbors, a great addition to the world’s best neighborhood.

We ate spaghetti, followed by chocolate cake. The food and conversation were superb. It was lovely to sit in a room with a Christmas tree and artful decorations, while a slide show of snowy landscapes was displayed on a large screen. Add a friendly dog, and the party was almost complete. The only thing missing was Logan, who was working as a dishwasher at his brother’s restaurant.

I took a few lame photos. Bob had some excellent shots, which he shared with me, but I couldn’t use them because the format was different. Given more time, I might have found a solution. Thus ended my spectacular birthday celebrations of 2024. I am grateful.

Extended Birthday

My family celebrated birthdays, although without much fanfare. Mom would cook something for dinner that she knew we liked. A gift or so was always included, although none were lavish. All this to say, I never felt cheated. Many years later I appreciated the fact that husband John’s family always noticed my birthday. Friends and family sent cards and/or called. Having a birthday on the 22^nd of December meant the celebration was never extended or postponed. No one, including me, had time. That changed this year!!

Many people called, sent an e-mail, texted, sent a card, or telephoned. This was spread throughout the real birthday without overlapping. Niece Kathie spent a whole day driving here, heating dinner she had prepared, chatting with me, also talking with Lise in Copenhagen and me as I held the phone, and driving back to Charlotte. Elaine and her sister stopped by after church, bringing me gifts from the church. We had a delightful visit with them. When Kathie and I talked about gas logs because she had just had hers replaced, I turned on mine. We sat looking at the fire while talking until the light began to fade. She set out on the three-hour drive, getting home well after dark. What a birthday! It was the longest one-day celebration I’ve ever had.

I knew fairly early that the party across the street would be postponed a day because of illness. I would NEVER wish anyone ill, but I realized almost immediately that my birthday horizon had been pushed forward 24 hours. For the first time in my life, I had a two-day celebration!!! This simply does not happen near Christmas or the changing of the year. If you have a birthday at any other time, I doubt you could appreciate this monumental happening. I am thrilled, while being sorry that sickness was the cause.

Gas logs are only burning, not exploding.

The day after my birthday this year, I had two long chats with relatives. Oh, the wonder! The pleasure! How blessed I’ve been! This has to be one of the best birthdays of my life. Many thanks to all who made this possible.

I just noticed I had all my original birthday numbers this year. Then 12/22/42. Now 12/22/24.

Little Shortcut for a Big Message

I wanted to send a friend a long text message, but I didn’t want to chance losing it on the phone. I’ve had things fly off the screen when I accidentally touch the wrong thing. Solution? I typed it on the laptop, polished it a bit, and dictated it to the phone slowly and clearly. That potentially saved a lot of time and effort. I’m wondering why I didn’t think of it sooner.

I don’t need to think on my feet. I need to think on my phone!

Home Health Aid

I looked up services available in my area when I came in from walking. You see, I got tangled in my clothing. What was routine yesterday was a nightmare today. Since it was cold outside, I was putting on a third layer. The thermal underwear was first, followed by a knit top, then a pullover sweater. I pulled, but the sweater didn’t come over where it should have. Golly Pete! I couldn’t get it untwisted. I could see something was wrong at the front, but I couldn’t see how it had twisted itself in the back near my neck. My arms weren’t long enough to reach anything meaningful. I pulled and I tugged. It would have been ironic if I’d broken out in a sweat. The thought of going across the street to beg Shawn to undress me was humbling. Get a grip! You’ve GOT to do this yourself! Take a deep breath and start over. What a struggle to get the offending arm freed! Good grief! The back had rolled itself up, and the seam that should have gone under my arm was viewing the scenery from my shoulder. I couldn’t replicate that if I tried. When my clothes were on straight, I went out to walk about five minutes late. It was too cold for Joyce to be outside, so being late did not matter.

I had a long mile to think about what had happened. I’ve decided that if I can’t dress myself three days in a row, I’ll call Care Services for Aging Adults. They say personal care service is, “Assistance with bathing, grooming and dressing promotes independence, keeps vital routines in place and helps people age in place with dignity.”

I’ll think more about it. I don’t want to age in place – sounds like a treadmill. I want to age on the go, with dignity intact. That’s a big order when I’m laughing at myself.