Annie had arrived from the west coast on Friday evening and then we drove down Monday. Andrew's mother and father joined us for a truly great dinner prepared by Margaret and Andrew. Ask Margaret for her ginger and molasses cake recipe.
It's been a while since the last letter so there is a lot of news. Big news. First off, Annie shared a text she got from Johanna that had a picture of her with an engagement ring! That is really great news. Her fiancé is named Cameron and we await details of wedding plans. And Johanna is now a resident of Brooklyn.
The other big news is Leonor is pregnant, and Thomas is expecting a younger brother, due at the end of June. He even pointed to his mother's stomach when we asked where is the baby!
And there's news from Illinois. Not weddings or births but we did go out in early December to visit. We decided this to take in downtown Chicago for a couple of nights and we packed it in, going to the play Hamilton (recommended), a couple of museums, and long walks. Yes, the weather cooperated. We also invited ourselves to Daniel's salon, The Gentleman's Cooperative. Very fancy. And, the next day I went back and Daniel cut my hair.
We took the train out to Dundee and spent a couple of days with Andrew and Lur. They are real hosts - we went Christmas tree shopping and then to a church lunch and fair. We went to a concert with a group called Tower of Power who I vaguely remember from the 70s. They were really great, and not just because they're from Oakland. Funk and jazz and dance. Lively.
We also saw Billy and their children, Myles, Auden and Elliot. They came over for dinner and they entertained us. Joy.
After that, we headed to Greenwich for Aunt Georgia's memorial service. A little like old times, catching up with cousins Rell and Hope, except for the solemn occasion. It was nice to see Peter and David and Janie there as well. I remember Grandma and Pop used to get together with their Connecticut brothers around Christmas. A new tradition, for a night? Meet somewhere in between?
And, you know when you don't write for a month, there's still more news. We spoke with Joe and Leonor several times, as they are settling into their new home in Brazil. Their effects have not yet arrived and even Santa was slow through the diplomatic pouch. They are off today at a nearby resort to spend Joe's birthday. (Remember those events at Pomfret. That was fun.)
John and Marilyn came north for the holidays and spent Christmas with Kara and Brian and Sage, and their clan came east for the day.
Timmy came over for dinner a couple of times, once when Annie was here.
Some sad and concerning news. Young Mike Boyle is in the hospital with a serious out of meningitis. He's been unconscious for over a week and there's no way to know what lies ahead yet. And, a friend, here in Pittsfield, our age, passed away suddenly and shockingly. I guess that's our age but you never expect it so close. We count our blessings every day.
Love from up here and happy new year! What's your resolution for the new decade?
