Perhaps in another age people kept families closer together and gathered on a more regular basis. I don't know if that is true. But once in awhile people come to our house. Our children, our brothers, sisters, spouses and their children. Occasionally an aunt or two and cousins. A gathering of 25 to 30 brings laughter, singing, job reports, presents, amazing children full of wonder and surprise, and perspective. We miss those who for various reasons cannot be present, but all in all, it is a celebration. We'd do this more often if we weren't scattered so. We made a recording of the singing last night and got a treat, a solo version of Hard Hearted Hannah, by our favorite 90-year-old Dean of Students. For his birthday had went flying in a WWII fighter plane. He actually flew the plane. He was a fighter pilot in the war, but it had been 50 years since he had flown one. I had no idea that he was shot down three times and survived.

For those who are wondering about the repast: Yes the sweet potato souffle, mama's pineapple casserole, baked ham, turkey, green bean casserole with bacon, corn, stuffing, deviled eggs, lots of appetizers, key-lime pie, caramel cake, coconut cake, pecan pie. It was something. Wish you had been here.