The sweetest years won't tarry*
Pictures moving back in time
Long time no write. I’ll ignore the “Vanilla ISIS” domestic terrorist news for now.
Here’s a long overdue update, moving backwards by month as you scroll down.
December is our celebration month: Chanukah, Christmas, and all the birthdays.
We watched Jupiter and Saturn grow closest on Asa’s birthday, the solstice. Known as the great conjunction, it heralded a new era of change. Let’s hope.
In mid-December, I had a stable MRI. We celebrated with some solo dog walking, ha.
Moving back to November, Thanksgiving was a welcome break from virtual school and work. I made a delicious mirliton dressing. Mom made fluffy rolls. David cooked a fall apart brisket. We ate on the back porch then traded leftovers and recipes with our neighbors. THESE LAMON BARS
After Thanksgiving, I started a low histamine diet which has me eating a lot of stews and salads. No caffeine, sugar, nightshades, alcohol, gluten, corn, and on and on. It’s fine now that I’m more used to it. The hope, according to my new nutritionist (thank you Sarika!) is that for many people, chemo side effects are lessened or eliminated.
In October, thanks to the generous Marshalls, we stayed in the historic bay town of Apalachicola.
That’s it for now. I’m going to change this newsletter, or whatever it is. I want it as a space to write not just health and social media posts. Still thinking it over. You can always unsubscribe or share, the options are at the end of the email.
Music, anyone?
This one for high school nights on the river.
Finally, this song will make you cry. “Hold You Dear” by the Secret Sisters - watch it with Brandi Carlile live below (my favorite version):
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CI4QMmBhvWt/?igshid=1jw1zcvmh0twc
Or here:
"Hold You Dear"
To the lover of my youth, the solace for my age
My protection from what harms
You will reach for me on our darkest days
And I will come home to your arms
And I will hold you dear
While my shadow's long and my eyes are clear
I know these days will pass away
So, I will hold you dear
Oh, blessed mother and the father I adore
There is time upon your faces
I will cherish you until you leave me for your eternal holy places
And I will hold you dear
While my shadow's long and my eyes are clear
I know these days will pass away
So, I will hold you dear
You're a part of me and the one I love
The sweetest years won't tarry
You will reach for me when my arms are full
And I will lay down the things I carry
And I will hold you dear
While my shadow's long and my eyes are clear
I know these days will pass away
So, I will hold you dear
I know these days will pass away
So, I will hold you dear
I am sorry, I forgot to attribute where I saw "Vanilla ISIS" - it's from Aminatou Sow's Instagram. She's on Substack as "Crème de la Crème" at https://aminatou.substack.com
Your boys! They remind me of my two boys, just the innocence and energy and freedom of youth. Thank you for the quiet moment where I can reflect on my family/friends that mean so much to me.