Historically, I have had a regular “let down” after the holidays.
All the built-up enthusiasm, family fun, food and Santa reached its apex on Christmas Day. And the days between the big day and New Year’s celebration, there’s the realization that you may have overspent; left someone off your Christmas card list; and need to take down the Christmas tree and decorations.
This year, I had all three of my children and their children and significant others under one roof for the holiday. It was great.
However, my daughter and husband, returned to Portland, Oregon Saturday, leaving a little hole in my heart.
It was back to work for me Monday, catching up after several days on vacation.
Last fall, my husband and I agreed to forego watching local and national news. We wore out our Roku “mute” button on political advertisements.
We had hoped this time away from electronic media would help us maintain our sanity.
And it has … to a certain extent, helped us. Looking into the new year, we have agreed to continue our television news blackout. Thankfully, Santa brought a new backgammon set for us.
Joe learned the game when in undergraduate studies at Georgetown University.
I am just learning, but managed to take a couple games from him.
I’d like to think he didn’t go too easy on me, passing up opportunities to knock my game pieces off the board.
But I’m pretty sure my teacher did overlook the play so to not discourage his student.
Practice makes perfect.
Looking forward to the new year, I have much to do and foresee great things happening.
In addition to becoming a backgammon boss, I’m looking forward to traveling west to Portland for the arrival of my fifth granddaughter.
At the same time, my daughter’s inlaws are arranging a trip from India to meet their granddaughter.
We got to know the family better when we traveled to India last spring for their Hindu wedding and are very excited about reconnecting with them.
Closer to home, I have three sweet granddaughters less than two miles away. I also have a 2-year-old granddaughter, who lives in Traverse City.
We feel fortunate to have our four granddaughters close by when others are limited to video calls.
It’s a new year. Time for new beginnings and resolutions.
I resolve to be better organized with my chores around the house.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year!
