We rung in 2011 with peals of laughter … the best way to start a new year.  Today the sky is blue and the sun shines bright … for all intents and purposes, the year seems perfect.     

But the  year also started with goodbyes.  We took my brother, sister-in-law, and wee nephew to the airport … hugged … cried … and watched them to through the windows until we could see them no longer.  They’re on their way back to Sweden; I’m in a quiet house, trying not to bawl myself silly. 

It’s not an easy task, let me tell ya.

I have a knot the size of Texas in my throat … even the sight of chocolate milk in the fridge makes my chin quiver.  

I miss my sister-in-law pouring herself coffee morning, noon, and night …

I miss hanging out with my brother …

I miss hearing, “Kolla {trans. “see”}, Ah-my!  Kolla, Ah-my!  KOLLA, AH-MY!!!”   

Sure, it’s not the end of the world.  We’ll keep in touch; we’ll Skype.  But I don’t want to go back “in the box.”  I want to talk in person …and go on walks … and play … and laugh … and kiss those sweet cheeks. 

So don’t mind me … I’ll just be in the corner, sniveling.  I’ll return when I’m quite finished.

{happiest of birthday wishes to The Birthday Girl}

The Birthday Girl turned 90 on December 26th–which, she will be the first to tell you, is a most unfortunate day to be born.  People are tired of eating, and celebrating, and otherwise spending large amounts of money.  And that leaves you with birthday presents wrapped in Christmas paper–if you’re lucky enough to get separate gifts at all. 

It’s a sad, sad state of affairs.  Sigh. 

This year, however, The Birthday Girl got to choose–whatever she wanted to do for her birthday, the family would do it.  She requested a small family dinner {with the inclusion of a lifelong friend} … at the Olive Garden … “Because, you know, we never got to eat there when Russell was alive.” 

And it just so happens, the manager working that day was also a December 26th baby.  So while The Birthday Girls compared horror stories, the rest of us sampled the complimentary appetizer trays.  The wait staff came out to serenade, they picked up The Birthday Girl’s tab–they even supplied her with a paper cone, filled to the brim with her favorite mint chocolates, all to take home. 

Of course, to each and every person who stopped by to greet her, she would say, “Do you know how old I am?”

“How old?”  they’d respond.

“Ninety!” she’d exclaim, chuckling, and shaking her head.

Apparently, it gets no easier to believe you’re as old as you are; perhaps that’s the reason birthdays may continue to shine bright … even on the 26th of December …

As you might imagine, our days have been busy around here.  We’ve been making visits, meeting friends–and servicing a few more milk runs that usual. 

It’s been a hodge-podge.

The other day, my sister-in-law mentioned that it doesn’t seem like Christmas.  I must admit it’s true.  Could be the fact that we’re trying to squeeze in a thousand different things … could be the rain … could be the fact that I’m behind, as usual.  Although, be it known, it was not entirely my fault this year.  I kept waiting for jobs to come through, invoices to be paid.  Buying gifts and placing them under the tree did not meet deadline.  Sigh. 

My nephew summed it up nicely while waiting for ice cream at “the home” on Saturday, when he suddenly yelled, Jag måste ha tålamod!  I MUST HAVE PATIENCE!  It’s something I tell myself on a regular basis … but now I’m going to fist pump the air and yell for all I’m worth. Maybe that will work.  At least it’s worth a  try.

So, with that, I’m off to finish Christmas cards … maybe wrap a present or two … drink some nog … watch a Christmas movie … you know, partake in the festive sorts.  At least I’m off to take a shower before the wee one wakes up, being it’s just the two of us this morning. 

Oh, and how could I forget?  That lost piece of luggage?  It ended up on our doorstep late Thursday night–a Christmas miracle, non?!

Well, my family arrived on Wednesday evening, early even … and from a connection in Denver, no less!  A Christmas miracle right there.  The trip went well … my nephew was a trooper … we can all be thankful.  The only letdown:  someone stole their suitcase with all their Christmas presents.  Needless to say we’re praying for another miracle–some are praying nicer prayers than others.  I won’t mention any names, but someone in this family is praying that God harangues them mercilessly. MERCILESSLY I tell you!  I mean really, who steals someone’s Christmas presents?  More importantly, who steals someone’s Christmas chocolate?!  That’s just rude. 

Nonetheless, the best gifts of all are here. 

We’ve been chatting and laughing; hugging and kissing; coloring and drawing pictures; playing cars and running races–in other words, having the best time ever. 

And I pray the same for you, dear friends; may your weekend be filled with the most precious of moments … and the most precious of people with which to share them…