December 17

History repeats itself.

1964

It was so nice to be home after all that Music bunk. I still have those pieces to practice for the 7^th, I think. Plus my Shakespeare project. Gee, I wish I could find that book. If I can’t, I can’t get my report card. I’ve looked everywhere! What can I do? It’s already a day overdue. Ah, well, mustn’t lose sleep over it. All I can do is pray. (Did I say all?)

Comment 2022

I had not believed in prayer for several years at this point. When we lived in New Jersey, I had been so miserable I prayed every night to wake up in Nebraska again. Then I stopped praying for that and started praying for God to prove He existed. Then I gave up and started worrying about my immortal soul. (See “justification by faith”. Thanks, Martin Luther and confirmation class.)

Clearly the music class at Wykeham Rise was still a sore point. Winter break was about to give me a some respite from the weekly anxiety attack. It is tempting to read ahead, but I will resist, on principle.

Since I still have my report card from that year, I must have found the missing book in time. Whew!

2004

One week before Christmas Eve. There are still no decorations and the house is only a little less filthy. But then I am still grading.

Kiddo 2 is home from college, which is both nice and oddly disruptive.

2013

Somebody invite me to Yorkshire. I want to be surrounded by Barracloughs.

2023

Speaking of prayer, it’s exam time at the University. Also, history repeats itself. One week before Christmas Eve. There are still no decorations and the house is only a little less filthy.

2024

Still no decorations, unless you count the 17/25 eaten licorice Advent calendar.