At 5:47 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time (that's 11:47 a.m. Central Standard Time) on December 21, 2009, just for a moment, the sun stands still. Our ancestors lived in a world where everyone believed in mystery and magic. Every year, they gathered together to celebrate the seemingly miraculous return of the light.
So our long-time friend Lorraine throws this annual Christmas party, this year on Solstice eve. (Helps in my new quest) She and hubby, now gone, Jim have been doing this ever since I can remember. It's part farewell party too, as right after New Years, she will head to Tucson until April. She invites an eclectic group, part long time friends from BSU where she and Jim used to teach, part DFL, part neighbors. I guess we started off as DFL, but became extraordinary friends. Always will be. Some friends stick. Some don't.
Lorraine hires a student to help her serve and put things together so she can be the great host she is. Always has some of the best ham and turkey you ever ate with white and dark buns, plus something I call cheesy potatoes which are very, very yummy. I always overeat. It's a good time seeing old friends, see who is added, and who has dropped from her list. Our friends Derrick and Rachelle just live two doors away, but made Lorraine's list for the first time in '08. They got to know each other better during the '08 campaign, and they can't help loving each other.
Barbara isn't feeling well today, so I call up Rachelle and Derrick and ask if I can walk over to the party from their place and not show up alone. Not that I mind, but it will also insure a good parking spot. I spend more time thinking about good parking spots than I should.
Cinnamon, a dog. Decides to lay down next to me. Makes me miss our dog.
Ashley Elizabeth, a daughter. She won't be going to the party, but she's a pleasant presence for the pre-party.
Derrick a husband and father. He lets me sit in his red chair, so he's chosen this one. I keep wondering if I'd let him sit in my "lazy boy". Never mind, I don't want to think about it. Don't know why I brought it up.
Here we are at Lorraine's, she greets neighbor Rachelle and long-time friend Judy. Judy and husband Art have a place close to Lorraine in Bemidji and in Tucson.
What's with the red sweaters? They abound. Rachelle has red shoes, I'll spare ya the photo.
They're happier than they look. It's enjoying what's on their plate got them close mouthed. Sue and Lori, they are members of the Ya Ya Sisterhood, so is Barbara. Made the front page of the Pioneer one time for their eccentricities. 
John. He's married to a lawyer and a state senator. No, he's not a bigamist. Like many pols, wife Mary is both. Spends a lot of time being part bachelor with she in St. Paul so much. He's a workaholic route driver, delivers Tombstone pizzas and other types of food to grocery stores. He can sleep standing up.
Lorraine lives on a houseboat, but the rocking is ignored. Somehow Art (blue jacket) is the only one who compensates.
Derrick eaves drops on Rachelle (and Mary) so he can counteract later any bandy legged liberal ideas presented by the state senator.
Mary politics on her way out the door. I fielded her for the senate job. Several women I've worked with for elective politics are present here, and couple of men.
Art quizzes me on the Red Lake Indians. He's a storyteller, and a good one. But here I tell the story. He flatters me with his interest, his questions, and his attention.
Lorraine. DFL Matriarch. An eloquent mentor. A true and loyal friend.
Cinnamon, a dog. Decides to lay down next to me. Makes me miss our dog.
Ashley Elizabeth, a daughter. She won't be going to the party, but she's a pleasant presence for the pre-party.
Derrick a husband and father. He lets me sit in his red chair, so he's chosen this one. I keep wondering if I'd let him sit in my "lazy boy". Never mind, I don't want to think about it. Don't know why I brought it up.
Here we are at Lorraine's, she greets neighbor Rachelle and long-time friend Judy. Judy and husband Art have a place close to Lorraine in Bemidji and in Tucson.
What's with the red sweaters? They abound. Rachelle has red shoes, I'll spare ya the photo.
They're happier than they look. It's enjoying what's on their plate got them close mouthed. Sue and Lori, they are members of the Ya Ya Sisterhood, so is Barbara. Made the front page of the Pioneer one time for their eccentricities. 
John. He's married to a lawyer and a state senator. No, he's not a bigamist. Like many pols, wife Mary is both. Spends a lot of time being part bachelor with she in St. Paul so much. He's a workaholic route driver, delivers Tombstone pizzas and other types of food to grocery stores. He can sleep standing up.
Lorraine lives on a houseboat, but the rocking is ignored. Somehow Art (blue jacket) is the only one who compensates.
Derrick eaves drops on Rachelle (and Mary) so he can counteract later any bandy legged liberal ideas presented by the state senator.
Mary politics on her way out the door. I fielded her for the senate job. Several women I've worked with for elective politics are present here, and couple of men.
Art quizzes me on the Red Lake Indians. He's a storyteller, and a good one. But here I tell the story. He flatters me with his interest, his questions, and his attention.
Lorraine. DFL Matriarch. An eloquent mentor. A true and loyal friend.If the sky above you
should turn dark and full of clouds
and that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together and call my name out loud
and soon I will be knocking upon your door.
You just call out my name and you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer or fall
all you got to do is call
and I'll be there.
You've Got a Friend. ~ Carole King
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1 comment:
Yes, you spend too much time thinking about parking spots, agreed. :o) This was a fun day! Good food and interesting people. Love the song you posted at the end.
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