Happy New Year!

Dear Maria,

Greetings, and an emphatic apology for the delay in writing. A stretch of rainy weather put me in a bit of a funk, and then the holidays were in full force, and so now on a gray morning, I am decided to have at it and send along at the very least a wish for a very happy new year—2015, which seems somehow preposterous to say out loud.

Max managed to survive New Year’s Eve via two “relaxers”, and my left arm has but one scratch to attest to a calmer, less bombastic celebration in the neighborhood this year. I sat on the edge of the bed, he kept his head under my leg and his tail between his, and after about half an hour, peace broke out.

Christmas was festive—my sister hosting Christmas Eve dinner, and a Christmas brunch, and then in the late afternoon the adults reassembled to exchange gifts. Everyone was in good form and cheery and several times, I think, 27 were under one roof. As for news from that crew, we learned of my sister’s 17^th grandchild on the way next year, as is the 16^th.  The slogan “The More the Merrier” comes to mind.

Were they in Japan, my sister might be declared empress and the entire family named royals for life. Of course, my kid brother has five children and so that branch will sooner or later add to the ever-expanding roster. At least a city-state in the offing seems deserved.

As for me, health good, no obvious headaches on the horizon, and always glad to set my feet on the floor in the morning. The very early morning. I did think that perhaps the Winter Solstice should mark the beginning of the new year because the days begin to lengthen, even if only by a handful of seconds. Regardless, everyone will experience the harder edge of their winter’s weather in the upcoming weeks.

To my surprise, the bluebirds continue to hang about the neighborhood. The other day a female disappeared into the condo, and a few minutes later a young male set himself outside the opening and finally after what seemed due deliberation took the plunge into the box. Within seconds he came streaking out with the female fluttering wildly at the entrance. Don’t know what the faux pas was, but it was definitive.

I hope this letter finds you well and rested from all the family fun. May the future be bright—the days lengthening—and marked by many blessings. Happy New Year!

Yours, srk