Monday, November 14, 2005

Marine Band, Clinton Library, Thanksgiving – my favorite holiday



I am welcoming the changes in the weather - cooler and some rain over the last few days. We had a busy weekend. Did some knitting. Dad washed the cars and worked in the yard, and took a bike ride. I made some beef burgundy on Saturday. Visited with the old folks and enjoyed some of the pulled pork and barbecued ribs Pop cooked and sent home with us. Went to hear the President’s Own Marine Band on Saturday night. Toured the Clinton Library early Sunday morning before church. Then went to church morning and evening.

Chihuly Crystal Tree of Light at the Clinton Library [photo above].

The Clinton Presidential Center is gearing up for the 1st anniversary of its opening. The landscaping has been considerably improved since last year. Multitudes of trees now occupy the former bare lawn. This was my 1st visit inside the library. I simply refuse to pay to take the tour, but I had a chance to go for free. I could say more about that, but I will resist.

I always dread this time of year, and cling to the joys of October and then Thanksgiving as long as possible. A feeling of doom and negativity falls heavily on me about this time each year. Starts about Halloween and usually continues until after Christmas. Then – POOF! – it’s over. As suddenly as it came. This year it arrived a little later. I could feel it creeping up last week, but I kept shaking it off. Then it hit me hard last night. Honestly, I hate Christmas. But I don’t know if I get sad because of the season, or if I have learned to dread Christmas because I know the mood it casts on for me. I don’t know. I really don’t. Maybe it’s because the control freaks are out in force.

Life becomes so surreal and artificial this time of year. Everyone’s priorities become skewed and distorted. Honestly, is there anyone (except retailers) who does not complain about the “crass commercialism” and “materialism” in our society?

There have been many years I did not decorate for the holidays – even when my children were small. Of course they always got gifts and I did lots of cooking, but I really tried to focus on the family time and making memories around the people and being together – not the STUFF.

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