Corollary

Got up at my usual time for work. Not very dark, meaning - snow. Figured if I got out and shoveled, I'd feel better, so I snagged clothes, not caring if socks matched, slid into boots and coat, mittens and hat. There was enough snow for the power shovel, but at 0600 on Christmas morning, it seemed a bit... loud. So I stuck with the low-tech one, and cleared the 4-6" accumulated. Took it past both next door neighbor's houses. Tired, a bit sore, but in a much better mood, I stripped off the wet pants and made tea. Dylan was stirring by then, unaware I'd even been out. He'd been woken up by Moby standing on him, purring loudly in his ear, much earlier, after putting out food, managed to get back to a deep sleep.



We both went out, with power shovel, and cleared the parking space and all the sidewalks, part of the driveway, about 0930. Still snowing, but cleared and salted areas collected very little new, actually melting by noon. Eight inches, but not very wet snow, just the bottom inch or so. Otherwise, pretty fluffy.

Dylan's parents, brother and wife with two nephews arrived for lunch. Dylan cooked enchiladas of great flavor. Youngest, baby nephew, for some reason attached himself to me. I rather like holding babies, so this was fine, if somewhat unexpected. Dylan a bit stressed doing all the final food preparation. Older nephew, not quite 3, running around, chasing cats, but SIL watching, and I wasn't concerned. He focused on the christmas tree, handling the ornaments with such gentleness. Wonderful to see the old ornaments appreciated. Cats not much bothered, although Moby decided to retire to the bedroom, and Eleanor stayed on the stool in the music room, with occasional forays to meet and greet. Nephew managed to feed her a few treats, which was fun to watch. He also enjoyed the toy cars I have in the toybox (drawer, to be precise), and the tiny toy train I got for $1 after Easter*.

Dylan's dad got the red comfy chair, and I gave him a footstool. His mom held babynephew. Everyone seemed comfortable and enjoyed themselves. Older nephew objected to leaving, which I took as a high compliment. Dylan's dad calling me "wonderful" (maybe because of marinated artichoke hearts for him) was nice as well.

We've been lighting a menorah, not saying the prayers, but hoping for light. Or reason and compassion. I checked with my boss, who is Jewish, how bad the cultural appropriation would be, and she assured me she would not be offended, so we made one. Bit of wood, drilled holes, already had the candles. I certainly do this with respect.


And an oil lamp, too. DIY Diya. Next year, even more ecumenical. No, that's not right, since that's only christiana. Multicultural seems weak sauce. Suggestions? Inclusive, yes, of course. Funny, those of us who live in mixed societies are comfortable with that, and those who've never dealt with different cultures get very upset about it. Really, it's fine. Good for the soul.

Multifaith?



Well, start there.

I like to think we make people welcome here, a kind of home grown comfort, a minimum of fuss. When nephew upset a tray table, but nothing broke, no one yelled. I shrug, even if something had broken, or needing cleaning up, so what? We break things, we make messes, the next step is to clean up, not blame or shout. Especially not at small children.

Dylan thanked me for wanting a house where we could have guests, and they'd feel at ease. I didn't plan this, or imagine this. Came as a wonderful surprize, that people would love coming here and how much we would enjoy having them feel welcome. I had no idea. Corollaries to Home.


We are planning a New Year's Day (or day after) potluck for the comic guys.




*First seen here.