The WABAC Machine

Does anyone else remember Mr. Peabody and the WABAC Machine from Rocky and Bullwinkle? Briefly, it was time travel with a dog and his boy. I delighted in it when I was a kid and I still love the concept. Cue Quantum Leap.

So last night, we got to go on our own personal, but not so distant in time nor life-changing, experience of having dinner with dear friends. They were neighbors, moved, we kept up with them, we visited, we went our separate ways with growing children and ailing parents. Every Christmas card would include the line: THIS year let's get together for dinner. Then, the next year, I'd write the same thing and so would she.

Well, enough of that. It had been at least 10 years since we'd really visited. After all, these were the people we had brunch with once at a hotel, looked up from our talking, and lunch was being served! We ordered.

However, the last time we'd visited was at a wedding two (three?) years ago and you know how much catching-up can go on there. Not much. So, I called, we picked a date, and last night we had dinner halfway (or so) between our homes.

Rick's Chophouse in McKinney is a much awarded (and justly so) place to dine. We spent two hours there, walked around a bit, then settled into their vintage 1971 Caddie for our second time travel experience of the evening, tooling around in a big sturdy car. There were definite differences: no shoulder harness and no metal frames around the door windows, and so much room!

So next Christmas card I write, I want it to say: "Know we just saw you in October, but what do you have planned for January?"

Carding Christmas

I grew up decorating for Christmas the first part of December, then removing all traces on the 26th. I mean, it is over. Right? But a favorite part of it remains with me for a few days longer, as I reread all the cards and notes.

When the traditional Christmas greetings come in the mail, often I'm so busy I give them only a cursory glance. If I haven't already sent a card to the greeter, I'll make it a response one and post promptly. I always check the addresses, lest the envelope disappear into the trash. So, after Christmas, I have time to sort through them all, read the letters, and put the photos in our album. I get to watch everyone's family grow up and expand--and I love it!

Then, in my special Christmas diary, there's a place for Favorite Christmas Card Received. Sometimes I have to put in two. I like the clever and quirky, but also the sentimental.

I am so looking forward to going through my cards again. But first, I have to un-decorate. Hmmm... don't guess I can do that until I finish this post.

Duty calls.