November 27

I suppose if I only had one eye, I could still read.

1964

It’s the end of the last day of vacation. We “worked” in the morning and Bob and I went for a ride in the afternoon. He wanted to see Kent Falls and I wanted to climb Monument Rock but he was driving. Maybe next time. I went babysitting at the King’s house and earned $1.25. Mom and Dad went to see “How the West was Won” and brought back a couple of their friends. It took me about an hour to figure out who they were — Jack Libby and wife! They have a doll of a son who just bought a car and is sad because he can’t neck in it, it’s too small. Tsk, tsk.

1977

I am reading a truly terrific book about teaching. Very challenging, inspiring and impressive. I should get a copy for myself. It’s called “The Important Profession”.  My eye looks like hell. I have to get to a doctor. It feels lousy, too. Itchy, warm and oozy. Sounds delightful, I know. I hope it’s minor. But I suppose if I only had one eye, I could still read.

1997

Thanksgiving Day. Like last year, we are going to the Riggs house. Unlike last year, Mom won’t be there. I miss her so much today. In my mind, I can see her coming up the front stairs, vinyl cooler in hand, smiling at the kids through the window. It brings my grief to the surface. I remember what she said after her fall: “I am so miserable” and I know that, were she still living, she would probably still be miserable. And so I try to believe there is an afterlife where she is happy, but trying is not believing.

2001

Jim heads to Virginia to help open the new IKEA store today. So now I gotta remember everything for the next four days. 

2019

Thanksgiving in West Virginia. Good food and laughter with the extended clan. A long strenuous hike that did me in but gave me a chance to talk deeply with Kiddo 1. Two, no three, rough nights on a hard futon. Long rides to get anywhere. But now the young ones are gone and it’s me and Jim and SIL’s mom and her new partner, who was also our best man back in 1970. How very strange life is.

Comment 2023

Yep, Kiddo 1’s mother-in-law is now married to our best man from 53 years ago. 

Comment 2024

It’s quite a story, and I may revisit it in January. Hope the Hallmark Network is paying attention.

2021

A truly fine day, with writing, knitting, a spontaneous lunch conversation with a new neighbor, a jovial visit with Sandy, and a tasting of Goose Island Bourbon County Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 at Town Center Market. (Jim didn’t drink it all; we shared.)

Comment 2023

Note to self: It’s that time of year again. Though I will pass on the Bananas Foster one. If you live in Chicago, have this year’s Proprietor's Stout (“rich rice pudding” flavored) for me.

Comment 2024

Time to go hunting for this year’s Goose Island offerings. Maybe the Macaroon Stout? We have a winter brew party coming up soon.