Holiday Celebrations

I hope you all had a good thing for yourselves this season. We were together and having fun here. We had a big blow out Solstice gathering on South Street rather than the usual up in Plainfield. Ice and snow scared some of us flatlanders from the up hill climb!! The venue was swapped TWO hours before the start of the festivities thanks to crazy Kate. It was a birthday bash for Me, too. We had our usual traditions, food, drink (Mo's mead!!), friends, fire and an evergreen spiral. Many were invited and all were welcome. My girls were thrilled to have the party here. It hasn't happened here for 7 years. The timing could not have been more perfect. Thanks for that wild transition!

Christmas Day was pleasant, especially the sledding. Our traditional lengthy hike was usurped by the thrill of a rush ride. We had a group running down the nearby water tower slope. Lydia is neutropenic but feeling OK. She ran the slope many times and was happy and free spirited. It is wonderful to see her as an average, everyday, happy child, covered in snow.

Our annual Christmas dinner party in Amherst was fabulous. We were especially pleased to see our friend all the way from Scotland. We were happily able to inform him that Adam was now a Highland Piper!! For those who may not know Adam, he is 16 and quite musical, adding bagpipes to his concertina, mandolin and penny whistle repertoire. He is on to uilleann pipes as well.
Juiming is a somewhat new addition for us and the conversation of agriculture in China was exciting. Ayn (a host family member) and Juiming were married in May and they both recently visited his childhood home of Bejing a month or so ago. We always end the evening with a game of Rumicube. Something new was added, a banana?? game, which I loved. It was a crossword puzzle group activity and very good. All the while a European economic discussion ensued.

Thank you to all those who graced us with their spirit and joy and made this holiday fantastic. I could not do this without all your love.

However, the holidays continue on with Morris dancing in the streets. We are gathering with several teams. Maybe you will see us in Noho on New Years eve or at the local Pub sing.
Be well and please prosper.
Love Nora

Number 7

Lydia started her seventh round of chemotherapy yesterday. As we near the end (one more to go) it gets easier. This time she has only two days of clinic visits. No hospital stay. Instead, she has to have home infusions, an IV at home over night, humming, vibrating and generally causing sleeplessness. We miss our Baystate nurses. But, home is definitely best.
Lydia has decided to stay home during the last few months of treatment. Jumping in and out of school has been impossible. Homeschooling is not new to us. It feels right for now.
Happy Soltice and all other family traditions!
Love from all to all.

4 pages of PARTY PHOTOS