Holidays

Solstice Sunrise service.  Saturday morning 7:00am, 31 degrees.

Thirty people gathered at the edge of the river to welcome the return of the light.  We shared coffee from Peets in cardboard to-go boxes.  As the coffee cooled we shared warm hugs.  Mist rose off the river as we created a sharing circle.  Our song "Morning Has Broken" hailed the sunrise.  A silent fly-by of geese completed the scene.   We filled a small cafe almost to capacity for breakfast.

9:15am

As I left the cafe I called Paulette.  Where are you she asked.  I'm on my way to your house. I said.   She said: I was on my way to your house after a stop at the bank, I'll see you at my house. I stopped at Starbucks for a Grande cup of tea and we arrived at her house within minutes of each other.  Paulette's stuff transfered to my car because I have chains and her spider spikes haven't been installed.  There is a 10% chance of snow over the mountain pass to Reno.  

The Johnston home in Reno is active to chaotic.  The Grinch is on TV.  Sterling, doesn't feel well and sleeps in my arms while the dancer, Shae, gets her makeup applied by Robin.  Parents shower, Skyler gets dressed as his pants come from the dryer.  Paulette sneaks her gifts under their tree.  My heart is as full as the new Grinch heart as I observe all of this.

By 3:30pm we arrive at the Del Monte High school parking lot and wait for Robin's parents to join us.  We find our seats.   The recital begins.  The line of twenty to twenty five reindeer skips onto the stage.  In a whisper, Skyler asks where's my sister?  He sees her.  Each reindeer does the step she knows best and some of the others.  They all skip off the stage.  All siblings, parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles are proud.

We drive, in three separate vehicles to the Nuggett Casino and find Rosie's cafe for dinner.  It is about 7:00pm when we return to The Johnston's house.  Shae is excited about her two roses.   She and Skyler are told to get into pajamas.  This accomplished Paulette and I say goodbye and good night.  

We drive home through the magical mountain landscape.  There is enough snow on the mountain to reflect the light of the almost full moon.  Traffic is light and we have an uneventful trip home.   We are at Paulette's house just before eleven.  I am home and getting into bed at 11:30.

Wishing you all the best Holidays of the season.