Are you ready?

by chuckofish

Well, that week certainly flew by! We had our first snow of the year — a hint of things to come, but not enough to cause travel problems for anyone.

Son #2 joined us for most of the week, and the four of us had a wonderful time catching up. Alas, I failed to take pictures. We missed our youngest, but knew he was having a blast at my dual personality’s house, so did not worry. In fact, he had a great visit. He told me he couldn’t remember the last time he laughed so much. The wee twins captured Tim’s heart and he knew he’d been accepted when the little bud spat up on him. A fun time was had by all!

Meanwhile, back in the North Country, this dual personality took advantage of all the masculine muscle available to do some much needed tidying up. I rented a UHAUL storage unit!

It’s very reasonably priced, brand new, and very well organized. Into this lovely space son #2 and I moved the first of many loads of detritus that threaten to overwhelm my house.  We have an attic, but some things need climate control, and it gets really cold up there.

Children’s books, son #2’s collection of laser discs (don’t ask), stuffed animals, son #1’s kitchen stuff, various amplifiers and speakers belonging to son #3, our record collection, and additional odds and ends. I can’t tell you what a difference it makes. You can see the floor in Tim’s closet! And the family room no longer looks like garage band heaven. I feel renewed!

I’m almost ready to start thinking about Christmas. I even did a little online shopping yesterday. However, before I really get going, I need to spend a little time contemplating what the season is really about. Henry Van Dyke understood:

Are you willing to stoop down and consider the needs and desires of little children; to remember the weaknesses and loneliness of people who are growing old; to stop asking how much your friends love you, and to ask yourself if you love them enough; to bear in mind the things that other people have to bear on their hearts; to trim your lamp so that it will give more light and less smoke, and to carry it in front so that your shadow will fall behind you; to make a grave for your ugly thoughts and a garden for your kindly feelings, with the gate open? Are you willing to do these things for a day? Then you are ready to keep Christmas!

Wonderful things are in store! It’s time to get ready.