Today is the day that the government celebrates my birthday. Or something like that. So, here is the explanation. When I was born, November 11 was Armistice day. You older folks know, the eleventh hour, the eleventh day, the eleventh month. For the younger ones, it was the day WWI ended. A few years after I was born, the name was changed to Veteran’s Day, a day to honor those who served our country, whatever the time or conflict. Even later, powerful forces convinced the government it wasn’t possible to honor veterans, or celebrate other holidays without a day off work. To they moved a bunch of holidays to a conveniently located Monday to get a day off work and a long weekend. At least, government employees get a day off work. Interestingly enough, the Veteran’s day celebration here was on the actual day, yesterday. But, the government and banks will be taking the day off anyway. Now that’s funny.
When I was young, I came to understand that there was always a parade on my birthday, and also to feel sorry for family, friends and acquaintances who had do without such luck or honor. It took a few years to realize that it was the holiday, not my birthday. This year, my birthday was celebrated on the proper day, yesterday. I received some very touching cards, from M-in-L and friends. Our family went out for lunch. I didn’t cook, I didn’t wash, I didn’t clean.
I’m sure you all know what that means for today, I’ll be cooking, washing, cleaning and a bunch of other stuff. I’ve got a busy and short week ahead. I’ll be sewing, cooking, cleaning and packing.
Papa and I will be at the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival in Wilmington, Ohio on Friday and Saturday. It means missing GS2’s game, which we will keep track of by phone. Talk about hard decisions–. We purchased the tickets the day they went on sale in August, when, based on experience, we never dreamed the team would be playing in the state playoffs. If GS2 had not been injured and was able to play, we would have chosen the game. However, Papa and I have to somehow make a life for ourselves along the way. In the over 38 years of our marriage, we have never had an empty nest. I am hearing rumblings indicating that could happen in the next several years. If it does, we sure do need to have a strong relationship and joint interests to fill our time. There won’t be nearly as much cooking, washing and cleaning to fill it up!
