Miscellaneous confessions…

…after attending a Christmas banquet.

1. Sometimes I am filled with a desire for hysterical laughter at the least opportune of times, and for no apparent reason; such as right after arriving at a fancy party.
2. I am not entirely sure who this Shari Zook person is, but her name was on my place card, so…
3. Bacon. Deep sigh of delight.
4. I could have skipped every bit of main food and just eaten sweets from the dessert bar–on which a Red Velvet Cake and a Chocolate Bavarian Torte reigned as queens. Delectable.
5. I find printed menus charming.
6. I find human folly irresistible.
7. I love read-alouds and recitations well done.
8. It’s easier than it used to be, convincing three children to sit through a formal banquet. They actually liked it. We did too.
9. I feel so sad about Connecticut. There we sit, happy and healthy, our worlds intact.
10. I really like scarves, though they are entirely impractical except to cover flaws. Such as muddy paw prints from your dog. This really happened to me last week.
11. Seeing your son dip his mouth toward a punchbowl is cause for three extra gray hairs to sprout, in the interval between “seeing his intent” and “calling his name loud enough to effectively prevent experimentation.”
12. Also cause for panic is watching said son realize he is, in fact, standing before a large crowd of people. The look of devilish cunning and Hmm, how shall I do it? is more than enough to inspire the breaking out of a cold sweat.
13. I love bright red. Think sparkling beads, radiant dresses, and fresh poinsettias.
14. I am becoming known as “Jean’s sister,” in addition to the familiar “John & Barb’s daughter.” My list of credentials grows.
15. People are usually nicer than you think they will be.
16. I’m getting old.