Morning Folks!It is another rather chilly morning here in Flagstaff, AZ. The temps have been in the single digits every morning since our bit of snow last week. There was not enough snow to go XC skiing; that is unless you have what some locals call "rock skis," a second set that you do not mind getting "scarred up" from less than ideal conditions. I do not have but one set that I love and would not think of using in that fashion even if I am starved for the action.
Having mentioned the early morning temps I should say that for the last few days the mid-day temps have risen to a balmy 41 degrees (F). However, it is still brisk enough with our breezy days to wear your fleece. It is my favorite time of year, late Fall and Winter but you must dress in layers.
As for the holidays, I am not sure what to make of them this year. I feel somewhat disconnected. I have done those things that should put me in "the spirit," but seem to be lacking in it anyway. My 4ft Christmas tree is up and is much less pitiful than the small table mounted one my dad once put up faithfully each year. The presents are under the tree ready to be loaded up and taken to California for the holiday trip there to spend time with family. Not only that but the Christmas package for Tasha and Jason has long been sent to Okinawa. But somehow, tidings of the season have escaped me.
I am not sure why I even bother with the tree. Have only been doing it the last couple of years. For most of those previous times I did not have one because I headed out to southern California where all my relatives had decorated trees. That seemed enough for me. Even Mom put up one even though those last few years of her life she did not feel much like doing it. She told Norma and Marlene (my sisters who actually did it for her) that she wanted that because I was going to be there. So, for me, Christmas is a melancholy time for me with her gone. I guess, in a way, my tree is a symbol of my parents and family in earlier, and what seemed like happier times spent with family members who are no longer with us, or have moved on to their "other" families. I know this blog entry is not full of happy holiday cheer but it is how it seems to me.
I do wish all of you out there a Happy Holiday however you recognize it. I hope it is spent with family who are glad to see and be with you, and kids that are excited over the prospect of Santa coming. I remember how excited we were as kids, Norma and I sneaking out early to get a look from around the end of the couch to see what Santa had deposited for us. Later, seeing our own children, and sometimes their children do the same was the essence of the day for me.
As for movies: After several prods and some good reviews I went to see The Muppets. I found it amusing and rather nostalgic, but not of my taste. For sure it is a nice film for kids and adults who were children growing up with them. A movie I had been anxiously awaiting, The Descendants, with George Clooney, finally arrived in Flagstaff. It is an excellent film. The story and the acting are superb. Although those seeking something with a lot of action should skip this movie. It is about relationships between the characters. The story takes place in Hawaii and is about a family coping with crisis. George Clooney, who I believe, like Robert Redford, is a much under-rated actor, does a great job with his role. His performance in this film is his best ever, very nuanced. All of the players are wonderful, especially the young actress playing his teenage daughter. I highly recommend this movie (with the proviso mentioned above).
Not to be redundant, but still being so . . . Have a safe and Happy Holiday!
Adios from Flagstaff!
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