Santa might have been a few days late in getting to our house, but he sure knew what to stuff our stockings with! For Kris-the-Musician there was a slide whistle and a Jew’s harp (if you feel the need to be politically correct and aren’t bothered by historical accuracy you could call it a ‘mouth harp’). For Nyel-the-head cook, a chef’s toque, a sheriff’s badge, and a Santa hat and, for me, golden garters and finger cymbals and a book about Uppity Women Speak Their Minds.
There were also wind-up toys – a monkey, a frog, and a tiger – and chocolate and a very practical (but strange) lemon or orange juicer from Jack’s housewares department as well as a set of pick-up sticks and a book of Sherlock Holmes puzzles. Oh! And did I mention the fancy plastic red and green light up rings suitable for all occasions? We all thought Santa had hit the mark for each of us and immediately formed an orchestra complete with an exotic dancer (that would be me.)
The first page I flipped to in my Uppity book was about Florence Nightingale who (apparently famously) said, Not even a doctor…gives any other definition of what a nurse should be other than…’devoted and obedient’…This definition might even do for a horse. Definitely words to live by, doncha think?
All in all, the wait for Santa Claus was well worth it! And the day went happily downhill from there.
Dear Sydney,
One of the things I have regretted in my life is having had the pleasure of meeting you much sooner. I so enjoy your writings & humorous look at life. If I get a bit down, I can always go to your page & get rid of my sadness.
We only physically met once, but the impression you left with us will last our life time.
Thank you!
Betty — Thank you so much for those kind thoughts and words! I often think of the circumstances of our meeting and how our friendship (although a long-distance one) has endured yet my connection with Ann was severed long ago. One never knows what life holds in store… Thanks for continuing to stay in touch!
Sydney
Hope your holidays are good to you both! Just wanted to say I was thinking of you & really enjoy your witty articles! Thanks for brightening my day with the visuals of your going-ons! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Pamela — What a lovely note! We think of you often — especially at holiday time (!) and hope that Nyel will be well enough to resume the party in 2019! Meanwhile — saw your post about getting out into the public eye again and just have to say, “You go girl!” I was single for 14 years before I (at age 48!!) met Nyel and, had long since made up my mind that I would not try marriage ever again. This year we celebrated our 34th year together… You never know!