We have done this many times, you and I. And here we are again: setting the things out, to make it easy to SHARE at the TABLE. As we move through the familiar routine, we chat about the long-gone days of having to prepare the space for children who play during a meal, treating a straw or carrot like a LANCE to jab at anything and everything. And then how those growing and grown children made us get more chairs, put the leaf in the table, make room for all the plus-ones. And then for their children. You have made cottage cheese pancakes; I have brought fruit and MAPLE syrup. Our families will gather shortly, bringing their own contributions in covered dishes, boxes, and voices. Oh how I VALUE this moment, these relationships, and above all, you.

Georg’ann

Long DRIVE to the state park
little girls in the back
talk of what’s in VOGUE.
On the trail they squeal
with delight at every dog,
and there were many!
River wading, horse riding.
Lunch at the inn, 2 for 1
still not a good VALUE,
they ate two bites and a sprite.
Exhausted from the day,
the ride home was silent
as each laid her head
against her door, quickly asleep.

Heather