Christmas 2018 and further

It's Christmas Day 2018.  We had all the crew over for dinner last evening with the opening of presents and enjoyment by all.  Today has been a perfectly lazy one watching "Home Alone" in the morning.  There are parts that never fail to crack me up, mainly the bungling burglars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.  I may be my age but physical comedy still gets me, and of course, John Candy is flawless.

We watched "Its a Wonderful Life" on December 22nd.  Even though this film has been around for a long time,  it moves me.  The desperation of Jimmy Stewart is played so well, the viewer with any empathy feels his pain.  All fathers, if they're honest with themselves, know failure and the guilt that goes along with it.  His redemption is redemption for us all.

Shannon got some movies from Santa and we have been seeing them all afternoon.  She is enjoying even though the films are new to her.  She has seen and memorized Beauty and the Beast countless times along with Snow White.  With every Saturday visit, we absolutely have to play this film and she really liked these new ones,  Santa made good choices.

I had some family historical guy items that I gave to my sons with great explanation.  Surprisingly, they enjoyed that stuff and the stories.  One more thing, my youngest grandson Paxton, said his complete name, first and last on Christmas Eve.  Wherever my father is, Paxton's declaration mad him smile. 

The world is a mess.  The president is tweeting sad and sorrowful tweets and demanding his border wall.  The stock market is in free fall and many Americans probably went into serious debt to over spend on holiday gifts.  There are still immigrant children in detention.  A couple have perished.  All the politicians are departing that could inject some sense into our situation. 

All we can do is to affect our little piece of the world and bring about positive effects and changes.  In my opinion, we all need to find a way to reduce the amount of plastics we consume.  It seems that every product that is on a shelf is encased in material that can not be destroyed within hundreds of years.  My 2019 resolution is to reduce my participation in this pestilence.  Not really sure how this will be accomplished yet.  Further, I am going to continue to get repairs on my body that are needed, and not ignore doctors suggestions.

All for now

So far this year

Hello again, we have had an interesting year so far since my last posting, reconnecting with old friends.  Most recently had group dinner with a friend that I hadn't seen in about 45 years.  She looked wonderful and all of us left over from Wayne State in the 70's had a great time catching up.

 My grand kids have had birthdays with loud celebrations at  kid friendly venues and I went to the Michigan Brewers Guild event at Eastern Market having my picture taken with our Senator

sometimes to the chagrin of my more right leaning friends.  She seemed pleasant and of course always campaigning.  We were all drinking together.

Now contemplating the Christmas holiday and more realizing that our friendships and connections are the most important gifts we have.  Put up decorations this year to make myself feel more festive and want to offer my kids some things that are kind of family history items.  They not really holiday gifts but mementos of the past. Will test the waters on this.   I think we need to know that we all came from somewhere and are connected to our relatives that have gone before us.  I will struggle to not tell long verbose stories that will bore the listener.  My wife will keep me in line.

Also attended my 50th high school reunion.  As I approached this crowd of old people, I realized that I was one of them. It was sad to see all members that had left us, a couple of which I wish I could speak to again.  But the condition of my classmates was decent with some in ill health but good spirits.  Attended with my best friend from the 5th grade forward and our wives.  I guess this is another milestone.  In that it is another reminder of the aging process, I am glad it is completed.

Well we are experiencing a rare day of somewhat sunny weather.  I have to get out there and enjoy it with at walk with the dogs.