Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature is stirring...because it is 4:30 am and everyone should be sleeping. I cannot. I think the jetlag has subsided and I am getting plenty of rest but somehow deep slumber alludes me.
Christmas cliches and songs fill my head. I cannot get that particular James Taylor stanza out after waking up to a lovely snow yesterday morning - "the Berkshires seemed dreamlike on account of that frosting". It felt like Christmas two days early already as we all ate breakfast in front of the large picture window looking up at Day Mountain. Russ and I took the day to drive over to Northampton and Hadley, gasping in wonder at the barren tree silhouettes sparkling with new snow. We like that drive regardless of the season, but it was worth it yesterday just for the drive.
Abruptly, the whiteness ended on the east end of Goshen as we descended into the valley and we were greeted with green grass. Our bliss subsided when we pulled into the Whole Foods parking lot which is when I realized that it was indeed the day before Christmas Eve. Crowded, frenzied, and a little pushy. We scooped up what we needed to and prepared ourselves for Trader Joe's, which was more of the same, but people seemed to be in a friendlier mood. We picked up appetizers for the weekend, treats to take back to Kuwait, and a few staple items for friends there. We also bought up tuna steaks and edamame for last night which is a favorite go-to dinner and not one we have enjoyed in Kuwait.
A quick stop at the area's best Sally Army store netted a few cool weather clothing necessities before heading to lunch at the Brewery in Northampton (Joe's was closed). Mussels, toasted bread, and beer made the perfect lunch. We absolutely cannot eat enough seafood while we are here, and frankly cannot drink too much beer. I never knew how much I enjoyed it until it was not available anymore.
We are enjoying our time here which is going by amazingly quick. We are very much home at 10 School Street where Liz, Fred, and the kids have taken us in. We appreciate the everyday life of just being in a very comfy, familiar space. We have been able to keep up with our workouts at the CRA which feels great. Some highlights from this first week - having lunch with Heather at Kripalu, tea with Karen, Alexis and other friends from LMMHS, talking with Lynn, watching the Patriots, going to see our former pastor at his church in Northampton - a church with an outstanding organ and choral program, and listening to Russ' mom's band concert. It was good to see Steve and Maria and we'll catch up with the kids soon. There has been much Christmas cheer to go around.
We have seen wildly varying temperatures from below freezing to mid-40's and with the right clothes on, we are slowly adjusting to the dramatic temperature change. It is downright chilly. The snow from yesterday has already melted but the temperatures are dropping again for the weekend.
The tree is decorated. Sue and Lily are coming in sometime today. The clan is preparing to gather with undoubtedly massive amounts of good food. Everyone has a song on their lips, and Christmas is about to happen.
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