Franklin HS Class '61 Christmas 07

M ost of the leaves have fallen and been chopped up and saved for next year’s mulch or packed around tender plants for protection. (And yes, I do think they stayed on longer this year.)
    Spinach, kale, and chickweed are growing in the greenhouse for winter salads. The chickweed appeared all by itself and since it’s such a nutritious little weed, it was gladly welcomed. Last winter I had to search for it, this year its right at hand. How great is that?
We are expanding again ... Esther Margaret came along in September, she’s the 23rd grandchild. Gavin James surprised us and snuck in the day before Thanksgiving. He wasn’t supposed to be here until December but is doing fine. He is the 7th great-grandchild. Two more are due: one December 27th and one January 12th. That will make the 8th and 9th great-grands. This is almost scary! We are just getting started on great-grands. We have such potential
   Becky, the mule, is by far the hairiest of us all. Judging by her winter coat, we’re in for a doozie.
    The frogs have settled to the bottom of the pond. The pond plants are snoozing in their pots, dreaming of spring. The fish swim around ever so slowly. Today I put the heater in, a sure sign of winter.
    The birdseed and suet feeders are all filled for now. It will become a daily chore as the days grow colder.
    Mama Cat and I keep having these serious conversations about not killing birds and chipmunks. She doesn’t seem to understand. I guess I’m the one who needs to understand. She is such a magnificent hunter – she’s just doing what she was born to do. I have finally quit crying over dead chipmunks. (But, they are so cute.)
    Daddy Cat and I get along better because he just lies around and looks regal, never killing anything. He gets banged up once in a while when he’s out cattin’ around, (doing what he was born to do), but I patch him up and he’s good as new.

Christmas is almost upon us and it’s not my best time of year. I despise the commercialization. It seems it gets worse every year. I hate what it does to kids. They get wild and out of control with anticipation. I hate what it does to adults. They get depressed because nothing ever lives up to their expectations and desires. I hate what it does to me. I feel forced to participate in something I don’t believe in. And most of all, I hate what it does to Christmas. It gets all lost in the noise, the glitter and the chaos. The true meaning is still there but so hard to find. By the time I feel rested enough to look, Christmas is over. Anyway, I will be blissfully entering my protective daze in the next week or so. If you see me in the stores and I seem not all there – not to worry. I will be fine around January 1st. (Maybe I just need an attitude adjustment!)
Note: Billie Ruth, Becky knows the true meaning of Christmas, too.

I wish you all the happiest holidays you can muster and I leave you with my favorite quote, although I don’t know the author.