Dec. 31st, 1999 Take One

When I wrote the heading for this column in preparation for sending it on the fax machine, it was the first time I had thought about the end of a century, an end of the year, and the last time it is going to be “timely” to write 1999! It will take awhile to get used to writing a two followed by three zeros, two thousand – twenty hundred – what does it matter how we say it? A new century begins.

Christmas at my house was one of the best ever. No problems about weather and the folks who had to travel! No last minute trips to find some food item or wrapping paper, tags or ribbon. No one came too late for dinner and it seemed all those present had come armed with a good disposition and sociability.

Laurie had driven down the day before from Vermont to spend a traditional Christmas Eve with longtime friends. She arrived early at my house Christmas morning and helped put presents under the tree, feed the birds, put another leaf in the big dining room table, and in general, get out the plates, cups, glasses, and all else we would need so nine of us could sit down together.

My part of dinner began early as I peeled a large pan full of potatoes and one of carrots. I put the big roast beef in the oven at the proper time and then repaired to my easy chair to “stay out of the way.”

Wendy, Sudan, Ben, Megan and Scott arrived shortly and soon Ed and Jessica joined the group and it wasn’t long before the “remember the times” and hearty laughter began. My impression of the entire day is one of much joy and special memories being exchanged amid a constant round of laughter.

Wendy seemed to be the self-appointed general in charge and provided large plastic bags for each to put in tissue paper and the other wrappings, as presents were passed around. I had an image of last year when “Moxie,” my special cat, had such a good time romping in and out of discarded papers, and I wished I could have him again. We put the desserts on the table and it was “help yourself” – as everyone did just that.

The rest of the day was more visiting and packing up gifts to start for home, and finally Laurie and I were left for the final picking up chores. I have regretted all week a moment of my own weakness when I reluctantly put a few strips of “icicles” on the tree. When Wendy and her friend Michael decorated the tree a week ago, they found a new package of the aluminum strips in the box of decorations. Everyone thought they should go on the tree, including Michael and Laurie and especially Wendy. About three days later I relented and put a few on each branch.

These modern day icicles are not like the more sturdy old time ones that had lead in the material. They stayed where you put them. These lightweight strips cling to everything and end up all over the house.

Chris Curtis who heads the ambulance corps committee brought me a beautiful snowflake ornament which she got at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. She had been reading the book about Snowflake Bently which I lent her, and remembered the ornament, which has joined my collection of special items.

Before she headed for Vermont Sunday morning, Laurie cleaned up, picked up and put the house back in order, and took a lot of boxes and things with her. We provide crocheted afghans, small ones and larger ones for the various departments of the medical complex in Burlington, where she works. Sylvia Forbes and Willa Haisley, neighbors, make larger afghans – Sylvia knits them, and we sent several back to Vermont with Laurie. They are greatly appreciated up there, and we sometimes also send warm clothing and other things which are also welcome.

I have been enjoying watching a mockingbird that is spending the winter close by. It comes to drink at the water dish several times a day, and gets along fine with the chickadees and juncos.

Last week the words of the famous “Yes, Virginia…” editorial closed the column. They were written by Francis P. Church in The New York Sun.

What famous author wrote “History is a bucket of ashes”?

We send a wish to each of you for a healthy, contented and happy New Year – and now century.