More thoughts in the time of COVID-19 … 357k US dead as of yesterday.
According to Newsweek, “the best thing about 2021 will simply be that it isn’t 2020”.
~~~
The wheel of the year has begun it’s rotation. Today is Epiphany, Wise Men’s Day. That brings back some memories.
When we had small children in the house, George and I would set up a creche before Christmas, usually when the Christmas tree went up, but without the Baby. Then on Christmas morning, one of us would make sure the Baby was in the manger by the time the boys came down for opening gifts, but no Wise Men anywhere. During the day, the Wise Men would be set up someplace in the house (the boys would help select the starting place) and each day until Epiphany they would be moved closer to the creche until, on the morning of the Twelfth Day of Christmas, they would arrive at the manger. Each day would provide a chance to retell part of the Christmas story.
I had memorized the Luke version when I was attending church with my Nana, and I can still recite it along with any reading.
Later, when we were living in Northridge, Christmas with family/families became complicated. When did we go to Grandpa and Grandma Tyler’s? When to Grandmother and Pop Dibelka’s? When did they come to us? When did we open gifts … Santa’s on Christmas morning and the grandparents’ when we were with them?
So we decided to try establishing a new tradition. Gifts from family, other than our immediate family, would be opened when we were with those from whom we received the gifts. Gifts from Santa would be opened Christmas morning, before breakfast and leaving for the grandparent house for which we were headed (or when they arrived at our house). But gifts within the family (George, the boys, and me) would not be brought out of hiding until the Wise Men and their gifts arrived at the manger.
It was a good idea, but we started too late. It was not a success and lasted very few years (three or four as I recall). By the time we started, the long-practiced traditions were already too strongly entrenched to be changed.
Oh well …
So now we are in Epiphanytide which will last until 2 February (Candlemas/Imbolc) when Lent starts. Then it will be time for everything purple, green, and gold.
~~~
Weather has been a real mix … rain, wind, snow, ice … name it, we had it. All the colour, with the exception of the brown pine needles and the year’round evergreen, is gone from the land. It is a quiet time.
The latest snow is nearly gone but there is ice under the patches which are still on the ground. As a consequence, I use an old ski pole when going to and from the chicken house.
At 90+ it is unwise to risk a fall.
~~~
Am playing tag-your-turn with one of the County librarians. We are currently reading a couple of series (one mystery and one fantasy). I’m a book ahead of her so I let her know when I’ve finished and am returning the book so she can have her turn.
Rather a strange set-up, but it seems to be working.
And I just ran across a new series about England in the time of the Tudors. First book about Catherine Howard. Second based around Elizabeth I. Historical fiction.
My problem is … do I binge on them all in a row, or do I space the enjoyment out so the series lasts longer?
~~~
Last week I mentioned the electronic drum set Paul received. It triggered memories for two readers. One whose father got so tired of the noise he slashed the drum head “to let out the demon or whatever which was making all the racket”. The other who played in a group during his younger days and is now thinking of finding a way to get back to playing drums.
Drummers and bassmen … gaga time for me.
~~~
I recently had an interesting head-on with hypocrisy.
In November she labeled me “toxic” and “destructive” in my role with a group to which we both belonged, so I eventually decided to withdraw rather than risk constant confrontations. Yesterday I received a letter signed by the same woman (who has replaced me in my role with the group) which states “Due to your many years of participation in and your extensive knowledge of the organization, … you have been a true asset and are greatly valued and appreciated. (We) will always be indebted to you for your service and your countless contributions over decades.”
I have not made the November labeling common knowledge (nor my attempts at apology in order to smooth the situation, all of which were rejected). I gave a vague reason when I resigned, having decided it might truly be destructive and no longer worth my time to continue, so she and I are the only ones who know the comparison.
As I have said before … I have little trouble forgiving. My problem comes with forgetting.
Oh well …
~~~
Found this on the blog of an author I follow. Not a quote of hers, but from her own reading. Thought it was worth repeating.
| ” Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break, and all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So … Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.” – L.R. Knost |
So … ‘til next week …