Alone now again. Daisycat went home this early afternoon. We had, the two of us, a very good time Christmas Eve, but the mulled wine we enjoyed did not agree with her system come morning, and she went home early this afternoon still feeling green.

Post-Christmas, I'm always left feeling blue. Three hundred and sixty four days I like my balance of solitude and company, but today I miss the big family gatherings at Grandma Cat's house, where my uncles and aunts and my many cousins congregated for the day. The adults held the main floor, and we kids either occupied the second floor or the basement, depending upon where Grandma's roomers were staying at the time. It was a hugely anticipated event--not so much for the food and presents, but for the infrequent occasion I had to visit with my cousins.

Grandma died years ago and everyone moved away. Dad died a few years ago. I never had kids, and my nieces and nephews, cousins and second cousins are scattered across the country. Now it seems only special occasions even bring Daisycat out here.

This song sums it up for me.

I'll be home for Christmas,
If only in my dreams...

Someone, somewhere is snugly ensconced in the midst of a big extended family gathering, nibbling yet another bit of dessert or one more bite of that wonderful stuffing, basking in the glow that only a gathering of good kin can bring.

Unfortunately that is not me, not this year.

Thanks for coming around, my dear readers. Here is hoping your Christmas was indeed merry and bright.

Labels: heart, wist