Never Let 'em See You Cry

Jesse went skiing (the rat) while Toby and I went to WF to spend Christmas Eve with Mom and to Electra for Christmas Day with Toby's family. We arrived in WF Monday afternoon to find Mom trying to dig a hole to bury her cat, which had died. This was not just any cat, but Miss Jonesy who was probably 14 years old. if not older. I remember years ago when my baby sister called me and asked me why Dad always let me have cats, but would not let her have one. My answer, "I did not ask Dad if I could have cats; I just brought them home." (come to think of it, I did that with Toby too.) And so, my sister brought Miss. Jonsey home where my dad took over the care of the cat and spoiled her rotten. Miss. J was probably the fattest cat I have ever seen and the meanest. We had been expecting her to die for years, but she managed to keep her overweight self going for a long time - she was a heck of a cat. My brother, Pete, was there with Mom being very practical about the cat's death. Still, it was sad - in a funny sort of way. She very conveniently died on an old rug. So I folded the rug around her and carried her to the dumpster - crying as I went. It must be my hormones.


The weather Christmas Day was beautiful, and Toby's family is always fun. His sisters are excellent cooks and provide a wonderful meal. His nephew and brother-in-law cook tenderloin on the grill - yummy! The kitchen sink backed up, and we all took a turn on the plunger to no avail. A plumber was called in. When he arrived, he turned on the disposal and had his turn on the plunger as if we were all idiots and had not tried that yet. When he crawled under the sink, we all got a nice view of the crack of his...bottom. He left the kitchen in a mess and did not fix the sink. Another plumber drove over from WF, but did not bring his tools and had to go back and get them - is that odd? At least the second guy fixed the sink and all of the dishes could be done.


Every year, we play the dirty Santa game with Toby's family. Every year, I say that I am not going to to that again. I don't think I can explain the hurt that it causes. It is deep and complicated. So, I laughed and joked and acted like all was well when I actually felt like crying (those darn hormones again). The Grand Babies were the highlight of Christmas keeping everyone entertained. It was good to see everyone, but I'm so glad Christmas only happens once a year.