December 25, 2003 -- 3:45pm (continued)
We went into the cemetery and visited the graves on our way back. Mom pointed out the graves of our ancestors to Aaron, as she had to me in the past. He has been expressing his amazement at the landscape here, which is cool. If the weather is decent tomorrow, I may see if he wants to go exploring with me.
Now we're ready for dinner, the turkey cooking, tables set. The crows got the leftover salt fish and some fries from Mary Brown's, but were slow coming for it. Dad Noel, looking out the window with me, said, "Oi sappose dey knows 'tis Christmas Day and dey're waitin' to see where deir crowd goes." He said it as if he really thought the crows would know it was Christmas Day, which, I suppose, they might.
I phoned Steve, happy to catch him home. He'd love it so much up here, and everyone here would adore him. What more could I ask for in a man? He spoke to Mom too, which I thought was sweet.
Last night Aaron and I went over to the Dwyer's, hitching a ride with Uncle Davis and Aunt Bette. Once the kids were in bed (and then put to bed again) Laura and I caught up over a few glasses of white wine.
It's funny, about my family. My Newfie family at least. We don't see each other for years, but fall easily back into friendship without missing a beat. I think poor old Aaron is having a somewhat different experience, however. People aren't quite matching up with his memories of them, and he's sort of at loose ends. I guess his crowd has been through a lot more changes over the past few years than mine has, just by the virtue of the age. |
