Song of the day: Can You Feel The Love Tonight? - Elton John

"There's a time for everyone if they only learn,
That the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn - Elton John"

Sunday, I stay home from services. Usually, when I do, it is because of my needing solitude and quiet; or just plain tiredness. This time, (according to my standards) I felt a bit more guilt-free. In addition to the aforementioned things, I needed to have time, (without distractions) to get the house ready for our planned family dinner, scheduled for 5:00pm this evening. (All the while hoping everyone remembers that the time has changed from DST (Daylight Savings Time) to EST (Eastern Standard Time)). When the guys left, I cleaned up and got everything ready.

"And can you feel the love tonight?
It is where we are"

Later, when my husband and "The Boy" came back home, my husband looked around and pronounced the house as having the appearance of being almost surgically sterile. He said that it even smelled this way. (Yes, I did clean up that well). I told him that room had to made for the other stuff that Mom and my sister would bring, and that no one likes a dirty kitchen. Turns out, I did the right thing. He also tells me that he was told to give a message to me. Someone at the service, told him to tell me that she loves me very much. He said she said it to him three times. This brings a tear to my eye and for a short time, I have a difficult time swallowing. I camoflauge my feelings by looking down and re-wiping my already clean kitchen counter. She is about my age, married, with no children; and is one in a family of many sisters known for their stunning beauty, sharp wit, and luxurious long hair. A few years ago, she suffered a stroke. As a result, she had to learn to speak all over again. Words do not come easily to her, but these are words she strongly intended for me to hear. They are words she had to think about before saying them. And so, they are priceless. I take these words and hold them close to my heart. Thank you "C", I love you too.

"It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far"

Before long, it is 5:00pm. My sister arrives first, bearing lots of food and a decorative basket of goodies for "The Boy". It seems she had promised him something on Friday. (She and he have their own "thing" going on.) He takes the basket from her arms and then asks her why didn't she bring it to him on Friday. Now, that's gratitude for ya! The ungrateful little...little...little...."Boy!"

Mom and Dad arrive shortly thereafter; followed by my sister-in-law. My brother arrives about twenty minutes later. With the family now completely assembled, we have lots of fun, eating and talking while listening to music. We talk about my brother's new house. He and his wife are excited, and should be moving in sometime around mid-December.

Later, "The Boy" gathers us all together and hosts some kind of game show that he invented. He stands in front of the fireplace in the family room as he asks us questions. Holding some kind of device with a red light on it, he is happy; and quick to buzz any wrong answers. Soon the tables are turned, and we start asking him questions...about geography, about math, about science....Seven of us against one. He has totally lost control of his audience. Feeling sorry for him, I decide to distance myself away from the mob. This is what Moms do. They rescue their children from distress. And so I get up, put on my imaginary Superwoman cape and stand behind him, while draping both my arms around his neck and try to help out. This game has no future, and it is now determined that "Game Show Host" is not a suitable career path for him. We worm our way out of the situation, as I diplomatically put an end to the game by prematurely applauding and thanking everyone for their participation. Warm apple pie, topped with ice cream, is offered as today's parting gift.

"And can you feel the love tonight?
How it's laid to rest"

It is getting late. My sister helps me to clean up the kitchen, while together we pack up the remaining food in containers and distribute it among our family members. After goodbye hugs and kisses, everyone leaves. We retain the warm glow and hope evenings like this one will be followed by many more. Memories of times like this are what we cling to. This evening? This evening was a "keeper."

"It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best..."