The Kindness of Friends

Any stage production is participatory but none  more than British pantomime.Stephanie's first night of Jack and the Beanstalk was fabulous . Even after driving home from Burlington and arriving after midnight, her eyes are shining with excitement and joy.

"They loved me Grannie"  she said and I knew that was true.

She is off again for the matinee to-day . 

Sunday was a great day at my house .Vanessa and the twins and Lane and James were the only ones missing. They live in Gig Harbor on the Pacific Coast . Makes a quick jaunt out of the question. 

But Zoe Gucciardi  from Baldwin came with grandson Michael,  Aaron brought Rachel Wedell from Keswick and Rory brought Amanda from Holland Landing. All very nice girls who  seemed. immediately comfortable in the gathering. 

Maeve, the youngest great grandchild was here but not here last Christmas.

 She was born in January.
This was her first Christmas here too. 

She looks like a little alien. Her eyes completely dominate her face giving  her an owl-like countenance.

The family have decided she looks like me. No-one else has eyes like that. 

Cheyenne is twelve. She is the first-born great grandchild. Already a pre-teen. 

Mickey the black lab is not entirely comfortable to have the house filled with people he barely
knows. Normally he retreats to my bedroom. Or outside.to the deck.

On Sunday the deck was his preference. 

Cheyenne asked for a blanket so that she could go out with him to keep him warm. 

They are good people, my family. They don't cheat on their wives. They love their children and are kind to animals.  

I am content. 

I wish  all of you the Blessings of Christmas and the Kindness of Friends.