"Over the next day hug your spouse, kiss your child, call your relatives, watch the sunset, watch the sunrise, thank your God and relish your life." - David Rohde, American reporter
Every so often, I need a day at home with no expectations...a day where I can sleep late...ignore to-do lists...bounce along from one thing to the next. Today was almost one of those day...I still had a little laundry to move around and dishes to wash...but it was as close as I've come in a very long time. We slept until we woke up, the sun already shining mid-morning bright into the bedroom. Max was forgiving about the late breakfast - he really didn't even seem that hungry, and took his time about eating. And I didn't mind...it gave me more time to just relax on the porch swing, admiring the clear blue sky and the sunlight streaking through the smoke drifting down from the chimney into the trees.
There was no cooking today whatsoever. The refrigerator is crammed with leftovers and everyone was on their own about meals and eating. Myself...I tried to cut back. I even managed three miles on the treadmill and it made me feel a lot better about the cyclops cookies I enjoyed with my morning coffee. And the peppermint bark. And the pumpkin pie.
Tom and I took the critters for a walk after lunch. Watching Max with Josie made us feel a little guilty about not getting him a puppy - it's been years since he's had someone to play with like this. But then Josie took off after Frankie (just for fun, but Frankie didn't know that - he was freaking out!)...
I'll stick with my original plan of seeing what wanders up next.
Tommy's longtime friend Graham stopped by soon after lunch. They spent a few hours watching episodes of "Arrested Development" and then we played ping-pong until it was impossible to see the ball and our hands were frozen on the paddles.
Now more of their friends have arrived...there are four Eagle Scouts in one kitchen. Does that happen very often?
I treasure my long-time friendships and it makes me glad to see my kids keeping their connections strong as well, despite addresses changing from our small town to Chicago, New York City and other dots on the world map.
Tomorrow we'll continue to celebrate this Christmas season, carrying it to my childhood home for a few days. I'm grateful I have the opportunity. It wouldn't seem like Christmas, otherwise.
Max's favorite present...a few days with Josie...
Tommy and Graham playing ping-pong, with Max and Frankie the referee close by...
