Baubles, Bangles and Blessings

I awoke at about 9:30 this morning to the smell of chicken soup in the making. Sal had already let herself in, and was preparing a large batch of her special recipe for her "diko" (pronounced DEE-ko), her second-oldest brother, who simply adores his "bunso" (pronounced BOON-so), his little sister.

The night before had been spent with a few of her countrywomen, looking over goods brought from the Philippines. Sal once had a successful clothing and jewelry business back home, and has begun an informal purveying of exotic women's apparel and accessories from out of her very large suitcase. I was there too, entertaining somebody's four-year old daughter. (Ever watch a room full of ladies fuss over the latest in haute couture from Thailand? I knew you'd understand.)

Now, Sal has two brothers, but this year they each had separate feasts for their growing extended families. So we sort of went between the two. When half the room is speaking a language you haven't learned yet, it helps to stay occupied without appearing anti-social. I've never been good at parties. I always end up in the TV room or by the bookshelf. Or in recent years, at somebody's computer. But everyone is okay with my quirks, which makes them more like family. (This could come in handy in case ... eh, you know.) I was able to catch up on correspondence with Scout leaders from various parts of the country.

When I think about life during the first year of this journal, I realize just how much for which I have to be thankful. The need for thanksgiving to the Almighty for blessings in this earthly life, was recognized early in the history of this great Republic. A President who would today be chastised by the mainstream media for his brash political incorrectness, acted upon that need. We may contemplate the results in this video clip which was stolen by yours truly, from the guys at Creative Minority Report when they weren't looking.

The perfect end to a reasonably perfect day: sitting in an easy chair drinking a favorite liqueur, and watching episodes of The West Wing.

Deo gratias.
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