Christmas Eve II

Work closed at noon today. After stopping to get gas, pick up more Romaine lettuce (for another fresh Caesar salad tonight), a stop at the cleaners and a car-wash - yes in 17degree weather - I still can't stand the sight of a dirty car, especially my BLACK BEAUTIFUL ACURA! I am home. It is quiet, except for the sound of the furnace blasting to keep the house at 64degrees - my new indoor winter temperature! Yes, I have a neck scarf wrapped around me and with that I am warm!

I have gone through my mail for today and all of the wonderful Christmas cards and letter received. I have updated my address book and caught up on 'home office stuff'. And now, I have moments that feel right to write!

I can't help but remember and look back on special days like today. This morning while at work I shared at least 4 stories of day's gone by with my co-worker. (No-we weren't that busy - everyone wants to be well for Christmas - and that goes to show you the power of the human mind!) She is a good listener, she doesn't overly empathize, she keeps her head about her and she likes me. She listened patiently to my previous life stories with Bruce in them.

I told her I was going to try to NOT get a speeding ticket on the way home today. Since, last year - that is what happened on Christmas Eve coming home from Red Wing.
Since then, I believe I have only been pulled over one other time! For some reading this, you must think I am a speed demon! Well, I do have a heavy foot. But, lately I have settled down, settled into my life and really just don't have anywhere I really need to be to in that big of a hurry.

Last night we had our little family Christmas. It was the evening that would work with everyone. Now that we have a Doctor in the family who is ON-CALL, her schedule takes precedence and if we want her here with us, we abide by her schedule. Our family always believed it isn't so much the DAY, but the TIME that is spent with one another that really matters in the end. A combined effort for our simple Italian fare was made. Wendy and Ty made delicious manicotti, I made a fantastic fresh Caesar salad with homemade croutons - and Lance and Shayna brought the wine and refreshments. We ate and then busily got to unwrapping since an 18 month-old was top priority! It was so much fun to watch her play with the wrapping paper. She got into helping others unwrap their gifts - and then like a pile of leaves, she began to play on the floor in all of this paper and tissue stuff. As the evening came to a close and everyone was packing to go home, I began to clean up the kitchen. Standing at the kitchen sink, my eldest son approached me and rubbed my back and putting his head next to mine said, "Merry Christmas Mom, I Love You" I am not sure if it was his touch or his words that caused my tears to well. He asked if I was OK, I nodded yes - since my voice doesn't work when my tear ducts are spilling over. We talked briefly about how much we both still miss him. He hugged me again, then he was gone.

With the majority of the frenzy behind me, the EVE and DAY are still ahead. And so, I have time to think, to remember - to journey back. The story of baby Jesus in the manger takes on new significance with this cold spell we have been having. And with it, comes memories of my childhood. Going out to the farrowing house in the winter was always an adventure for me! For those not familiar with farm-onics (as my sister would say) - Farrowing houses were building where sows that were ready to have litters of pigs were kept. A corn-shovel almost always sat outside many of these buildings to scoop the newest layer of snow away from the wooden door. As one would turn the little piece of wood upright to open the door, grunts of mother sows and squeals of little pigs filled the air along with the smell of FARM! But,it was the warmth of life in the air that clings in my memory. The pigpens lined both sides of this slanted roofed building. It had a wide aisle right down the center that usually had extra bales of straw piled up, feed and pails for water. Their individual stalls had an area just big enough for the sow, and then a smaller area for the litter of pigs right next to the sow. These pens were constructed in such a way as a farmer or a farm-girl like myself could get into the little pig area without being harmed from the mother sow. Fresh straw would be constantly put down for the bedding, and in this area where the litters could nuzzle up for their hourly feedings - a low lying heat lamp kept them warm! Dad also had a big heater in this building that blew out almost a jet-stream of heat! (I wish I could remember the name of this!) It looked like a small missile, it was low to the ground and made a very loud noise. It was wonderful to stand near! I can still see dad in this building, feeding, watering and caring for these pigs. I believe I must have been younger than 10 years old at the time. But, even today, after decades have passed, I think this is my closest comparison to what a manger must have been like. The excitement that is elicited in my memory of precious life on a farm in the cold of winter warms me on this another Christmas Eve. What memory brings you close to the baby Jesus?
May you and yours have a warm, happy and safe Holiday. Share a hug with someone who could use one and may God Bless!
Fondly, Deb