The Christmas movie theme continued yesterday with White Christmas and It’s A Wonderful Life, two classics I’ve probably seen before but found most of the scenes unfamiliar. I can’t recall a span in life when I’ve had this much idle time on my hands, but most likely I just don’t remember. Yesterday, I only went outside three times for my run and two dog walks, but otherwise I was at my writing desk. With little to do, a couple of long overdue notes went out to a childhood neighbor and the wife of my birthfather, Cecil Ralph Banister. I’m not yet in the holiday spirit, but trying hard to rekindle some more childhood memories. 

I did make dinner last night, but it was really nothing more than frying up some beef tenderloin, onions. and potato chunks to create a tasty hash. I’ll have enough left over for lunch today. This evening is the first of two family Zoom calls. It is organized by my son and will include grandkids, nephews, nieces, my sister, and pets. Christmas Eve is a conference with my wife’s side of the family. In the meantime, it will be the usual writing and watching. I can’t say I’ll miss the parties and get-togethers associated with the holidays, particularly those work-related. This is the second Christmas for both my wife and I to be officially retired, but last year we were able to fly into Orlando for the start of our forever home search. Next Christmas, we’ll be in our new Venice, Florida property.

Without the benefit of safe travel this year, we began looking ahead to next October to arrange a family get-together in Lake Tahoe. This will include both of my wife’s daughters and spouses, bridging the distance between the two coasts that our move away from Portland will create. This means that two trips to Florida, plus The Keys, St. Kitts, two European cruises, and Tahoe comprise an aggressive 2021 travel schedule. However, these plans are beginning to change and cancellations are expected. It’s, unfortunately, the Covid way!