Closing in on the Solstice

We went out for dinner last night, to Red Lobster. Colleen and I each had their plate of lobster tail, shrimp, and scallops; the Wolfling had a boiled lobster. The Y.D. had seafood fettuccine, and the Son-in-Law had steak. Everyone had salad, which is highly unusual for our family. As a delightful touch, the waitress remembered us from last Spring before the wedding.

Colleen and I took a bit of a drive after that, and after she had a bath (her first in over a month!) went to bed early for snuggle. I got up to take a bath, and instead ended up as the Middle-Sized Bear on IM for an hour. Then spent another hour or so talking with Colleen. Did I mention that what I missed most while Colleen was away was the cuddles? Make that cuddles and conversation.

Colleen and I will go to the Dickens Fair this afternoon; whether the kids go is up to them. Left to my own devices I'd probably want to stay home and try to get the house cleaned up a little more, but Colleen needs to get Out. I still have no idea where I put my top-hat; I found it a while ago under a pile of papers, and put it Someplace Safe. And we're out of eggs, which Will Not Do, especially when Colleen has been put on a high-protein diet to try to build her strength back up in preparation for surgery in February.

Beware of low-flying Bears.

09:45 Top-hat found -- it was, of course, underneath some other stuff in the bedroom closet. Right where I'd put it. Eggs and bread purchased; breakfast cooked and eaten. Leaving at 10:30, ready or not.

Solstice eve: going to the Dickens with Colleen

Went to the Dickens Fair today with Colleen, after determining that none of the kids intended to get out of bed before 10am. That's actually what we were hoping for -- they always get bored before we do. Not to mention the expense of buying them tickets and meals.

Our only non-consumable purchases were a purple vest and cravat for me, and a set of pewter switchplates for the house. (We were able to save on consumables because we each ate a good breakfast before we left: a single plate of Greek appetizers, plus avgolemono soup for me because I couldn't eat the ones with gluten, was enough for the two of us.)

We took Colleen's new wheelchair -- the big front wheels make it pretty easy going over minor obstacles, though a couple of larger bumps still required turning the chair around and pulling. The handbrakes on the push handles are fantastically convenient. I still need to adjust the footrests, though.

I found myself singing "Wheelin'" under my breath at a couple of points.

Solstice eve

We're well into the longest night of the year here at Grand Central Starport; the kids are upstairs, and Colleen is watching a comfort video. I have a great deal to worry about: our finances, our health in the longer term, many of our friends. But I'm calm, and for some unguessable reason somewhat hopeful. The returning sun will bring healing, music, and friendship. One can only hope for health, joy, and prosperity; they aren't ours to command or to expect. May we all have them in the coming year.

The Middle-Sized Bear is here if you need him.