Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008 is just about over. It was a whirlwind couple of days. So much work from so many people go into the preparations and it seems to be over so quickly. So, that is why we blog...so we can remember the events. Let's see...Christmas Eve: got a call from Ron to come over to help to make the gnocchi for that evening's dinner. Ron always love to do something traditional for Christmas Eve dinner. We have done ravioli, home made pasts, breadsticks...just to name a few. Gnocchi reminds us of Noni Dolfa and how you had to use dirty potatoes to make the dough and then roll, cut and flip. With the help of Giorgio, Caitlin, Arlene and Bob, we got them done in about an hour. They were wonderful. Noni would be so proud. We all started gathering about 4 for drinks and appetizers. It is about this time that we start remembering Dad, the chair he sat in and how he always had his picture taken with Lala Elsa and Uncle Al. When the feast was ready and we all sat down, Giorgio in his usual style said the prayer and got us started. Yummy dinner Ron and Colleen. After dishes Arlene and I played the accordions while everyone sang loudly (gratefully). Then right on cue Santa rang the doorbell...funny he usually knocks. But in he came. Giorgio and Joe sat on his lap. Aiden got closer than last year, but did not really want to have much to do with him. After we opened presents, it was off to church where we all were reminded of the real meaning of the day.

Christmas Day was a blustery day...cold, windy and raining. Joe and John were both working, so I decided to go to the movies with Ron's family, and Rick and Renee. We saw Marley and Me and I think we ALL were crying. I guess it is a good movie if it can get that reaction from all of us. A visit to Lala Jo and Poppy Al's house on the way to Arlene and Bob's for dinner was fun. Got to see cousin Joan's family.
Bob and Arlene's house was really full. Another huge but great dinner was had by all. I told Ron I felt like "saco ruto maligo" don't know how to spell it, but it means broken sack badly tied. It was a swearing phrase Dad used...not sure why it was bad, but I just felt so full.

So, I hope all of you had a wonderful couple of days too.