Ho, ho, ho, part two

Another week has gone by, and Christmas is almost upon us. It's interesting that I feel very little excitement about Christmas any more. Some anticipation, looking forward to participating in the Christmas Eve worship, and next Sunday. Anticipating seeing the Chan's again, even in their changed situation. I await with interest the arrival of Judy and Otto for Christmas dinner, the very first time this has happened since the early 90's!

We're starting to do the shopping for Christmas dinner, and Beatrix is on a plan to thaw the frozen turkey. I always get anxious about that, fearing that we'll end up on Christmas morning with a half frozen bird to somehow get cooked by 5:30 or 6:00. This year, it has to be much earlier, like 3:00, because of Otto's medically mandated eating schedule. No problem, just an earlier start.

I had a little setback last week in terms of my exercise regime. I managed to cut my thumb while cooking. I cut the tip of the thumb quite severely. I probably should have gone down the street to the hospital and had a stitch or two put in it, but I didn't. I've kept it closed with adhesive. The problem is keeping it dry, so I don't have to change dressing every half day. The big negative is that it has kept me out of the pool. Admittedly, I was already “out of the pool” because of the pulled muscle in my back. I was about ready t get back in when the cut happened. 'No open wounds in the pool' likely means not again until well after Christmas. I've been getting my head around the reality that I may simply have to swim as far as I can in a length, and then walk the remainder. It would still be exercise…just hard of the ego.

In a text conversation with Diego the other day, I learned that the ritual to raise him to third degree takes place on January 17, 2015. I have promised to attend, with a good deal of eagerness. So, I'll be making arrangements this week to fly to Ottawa mid month. That will give me a weekend with Diego, Jasmine and Jennifer…perhaps a bit more than a weekend. I have to think it through yet. Soon, I guess, if I am to book flights this week.

At this point every Christmas season, I have nostalgic thoughts of days long gone when Christmas meant being with my children. That's over 30 years in the past, but the memories still haunt me and return every year. They aren't crippling, just sad, for a time, until other events crowd them into the background again. My guess is that there are many folks who have sad memories that emerge at Christmas, and add a dark shade to all the activities. I wonder how long these will last, and whether the current 'fading' will be complete in a day or two?