Christmas 2023
With Susan's untimely passing on Labor Day,
this year's holiday season held a special poignance.
Jennifer and I decided the best way
to honor her mother's memory was to carry on.


Christmas Eve
Once again Jennifer did a yeoman's job
spearheading the cleanup and decorating the mantel.
Even though we were "minus one," we prepared our traditional
Christmas eve dinner featuring a whole turkey from Whole Foods,
plus the usual sides of scalloped potatoes, haricot verts,
creamed mushrooms, and Susan's recipe for cornbread stuffing.
After dinner, we reminisced and played Rummikub.



Even though we decided to follow our usual practice of gift exchanges
on Boxing Day, the presents were already wrapped and waiting for Santa's delivery.



Christmas Day
Once again my nephew opened his lovely home
as the perfect setting for an evening of fine food and fellowship.
Various family members prepared their specialties
(my contributions were pumpkin and cottage cheese pies)
and it's fair to say no one left hungry.
After dinner we gathered for the traditional photo.



Boxing Day
A number of years ago, Jennifer and I realized the ideal timing
for present exchanging is the day AFTER Christmas.
A leisurely lie-in, followed by taking our annual father-daughter photo
and the unwrapping of presents in front of the fieldstone hearth.



A Special Gift
My niece surprised me with a locally handcrafted cutting board.
While entirely functional, I decided Old Glory deserves a place of honor.



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