Christmas in July

The Christmas in July table

I intended on this my eighty-first birthday to wax eloquent about how blessed I am with memories. There are many things I can no longer do, many occasions and friendships that enriched my life but will not come around again. But the thing I am so grateful for is all the wonderful memories I have. I have become one of those tiresome old ladies who says, “Let me tell you about the time….” and launches into tale after endless tale.

But all such thoughts have flown away in the face of what a wonderful day I had. Because I requested turkey dinner with all the trimmings, Jordan went all out and set the table with the Christmas Spode china, the sparkling red goblets, red roses, and red chargers. It was a true holiday table, and I loved it.

We were joined for dinner by Jordan’s brother-from-another-mother, David, who has been family for thirty years or more, and his wife, a new addition we all adore. Lots of talk and laughter, mostly about trips everywhere from the Caribbean to skiing in Colorado.

Dinner met with success—it was a makeshift turkey and dressing, because do you know how hard it is to find a turkey or a turkey breast in July? Talk about a seasonal market! But I came up with a substitute turkey and dressing dish—no, it was not faux turkey—that met with approval and everyone ate heartily. Jordan fixed the traditional green been casserole and her signature mashed potatoes. You know what? Even turkey gravy from a packet tastes good in those situations.

We topped it off with the richest chocolate cake I’ve had forever—mousses and ganache with a bit of cake in between. A lovely evening.

My day was also blest by the wonderful messages from so many people—from my kids, of course, who called throughout the day, and my brother, and a niece and nephew I don’t hear from often. Plus email messages from several dear friends from the writing world, neighbors, and people I met through TCU, plus countless Facebook greetings from a wide variety of people—friends from daily life, members of Sisters in Crime, people I’ve met on Facebook who share my political views. I am overwhelmed and feel appreciated and noticed—and when it comes down to it, what more do any of us want?

A good birthday in that I’ve done all the things I like—cooked (part of my own dinner—more about that in Thursday’s food blog), worked, read, napped, loved on my dog, and most of all felt the love of family and a wide network of friends. Many thanks to you all

Eighty-one and feeling happy