Lights

Snow with abandoned shopping cart. I called the store, they say they'll come pick it up this morning. People, what is it with people?

Happy Hanukkah! Ok, a few hours early, but we will be lighting the candles next to Shiva and Buddha and the glow-in-the-dark BVM, with assorted symbols of hope, light, freedom and gratitude.



Last night, we went to a Japanese noodle place for John's birthday. An impromptu party of 18 people, ok, including four or five* brothers, but it says something about the sort of friend. Dylan knew him through the library comic book club that we started inviting here, since the library rooms became unreliable. It was lovely to be part of such a good group, the server was cheerful and efficient, and everyone was kind and patient. The food was so good that, despite being a bit outside our comfort distance, we plan to go back for more of the spring rolls. When the waitress asked if it was an event, we all said "Birthday" and pointed at John. You'd have thought it was planned, but no, just spontaneous synchronism. She brought out mochi for him. Most tuneful version of Happy Birthday I've ever heard, as well.

The gathering expressed a range of ages, inclusive. I'm sure some of his brothers are my age or so, John is 38, and there were younger folks and a two year old niece present. I love this, more folks to learn from.

Reminded us of our reception, Lebanese restaurant, 23 people, bellydancer, and the owner and every waiter there made a point to come up to us and tell us how nice our friends were. We were very touched. Which is great, but a bit sad that it's exceptional.

John's soon to be spouse is a lovely woman. I think she's a bit disappointed that I'm not a comics/gamer girl. Dylan has gotten me into a few, like Usagi Yojimbo. I loved Maus and Persepolis. And Kate Beaton. But I've never gotten the appeal of superheroes. And as a kid, I wanted my funnies to be, well... funny. Even as I got older, it was The Far Side and Calvin and Hobbs. Graphic novels are a valid, even ideal, way to tell good stories, I have nothing against the medium. But the story is what matters, and the medium is not especially appealing for its own sake. Odd, given how long it took me as a child to prefer text mostly books to picture books. I really got disappointed at books that weren't mostly images.




But, it's ok not to be taken by every interest of friends. I respect the love of comics. I appreciate some that speaks to me. And I like the people.



*I lost count of brothers.