dear life

when was the last time you did something for the first time?
Ron's 75th birthday was yesterday. "Most inconvenient," I tell him jokingly "what with Xmas and all". But he heard that throughout his childhood and most of his adult life, resulting in one gift to cover both occasions -- until I came along -- and a handful of sensitive family members who make sure he isn't cheated out of birthday and Christmas greetings and gifts. He isn't easy to buy for, but this year, along with a regular gift, he received a fleet of Hot Wheels Ferraris! He's really still a car guy and drives a Miata (in lieu of the elusive Ferrari). I caught him playing with the cars on the kitchen table this morning...cheering on #23...his birth date...(should I worry?).

and back east...
daughter Melissa enjoys her couldn't-wait-til-Christmas pair of hand knitted cabled socks named "pretty in pink" by the yarn dyer. She threatened requested new socks a couple of weeks ago. More are in the works. Sorry kid,  they won't be ready until next year.

We're all up for Dante opening his gifts whenever they arrive. How cute is he?

wear your heart on the page and people will read to find out how you solved being alive
     Gordon Lish