This New Years for some reason had an unusual peace about it, at least in my mind. I did not look ahead, did not plan, I just took one day – no – one minute at a time and lived it. I just was.
And no I was not stoned or under any influence, or zipped or zapped on enthusiastic thoughts, I just was. I am wondering why such a simple thing is so difficult to explain. You will just have to take my word for it. Every thing seemed as it should be.
Dec. 29th we, my brothers and sisters had our annual Brothers and Sisters dinner at S &D’s house. You may recall last year this same brother in law created raucous laughter and joy that lasted the whole year when he tried to compliment my sister, his wife of 46 or so years on the new recipe she used for the lasagna, by saying how moist it was and that for 35 years he had always found the lasagna dry and how perfect this one was – at which time she yelled ‘WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT FOR 35 YEARS YOU HAVE BEEN EATING DRY LASAGNA?’
That line lasted for the year and when we arrived by BIL said he wondered what he would say this year at which point one of my brothers said it was his turn. Mind you his line which I shall not repeat here did not bring roiling laughter mostly because his wife did not find it as funny. It was a fabulous evening and my BIL and Sis are great hosts.
Normally if there is not a house party somewhere I don’t usually go out and my sis J and I will spend a quiet eve. This year my other bro and SIL got last minute tickets to my fave place The Commercial Tavern in Maryhill. I’ve posted on some of the past concerts that took place in this very old, very quaint country bar. J & I succeeded then in getting what probably were the last 2 tickets available.
We did rest up during the day because sundown comes relatively early for us and on this night we were ‘going to be like big people and stay up late’
Like our Brothers and Sisters dinner the evening was delightful, effortless and perfect.
The Commercial Tavern as you may know is owned by Paul Weber. He and his family are incredibly talented especially his sister Sue for whom I feel a particular attachment. Not for any definable reason, just one of those things that happen occassionally when you meet someone. A very spontaneous reaction.


And don’t believe for one moment that sax in country music isn’t sexy. Steve Richtaritsch who manages and plays in Black Forest Band is the best. Steve said that many years before when he first met Paul he suggested they play together and Paul hesitated wondering how a sax could ever fit in with country. Well fit in it did.