Midwinter night

/ J. F. Riordan

The French invasion has commenced. Last night we celebrated winter solstice with candlelight, vin chaud, and a warming stew made with beef, brandy, and root vegetables.

A long night seemed particularly appropriate since 2/5ths of us were jet lagged, and the rest were sleep-deprived after a 2:30 am bedtime. The kids, almost too tired to eat, took baths and went to bed after dinner, while the adults sampled champagne options for Christmas and walked together in the cool night, engaged in overdue conversation.

When we came in, the boys were not asleep, but giggling together in the dark in their shared bedroom. They’ve been apart for a long time.

Winter lies before us, but we look ahead all the same to lengthening daylight.

Personally, I’m praying for snow.

Happy Solstice.

14 thoughts on “Midwinter night”

  3. Sounds lovely! I wonder if you will miss the day to day life with a young teen in the house? I am sure he will miss his stay.

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  6. Happy Solstice, Jan. It sounds like a perfect night. I’m sure your grandson was happy to be reunited with his family. And, it’s so wonderful that you will all be together for Christmas. Auggie and Eli will have plenty of fun with the boys.

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  12. “Art is how we decorate space, music is how we decorate time.” — Jean-Michel Basquiat
    merry christmas JF, charlie, eli, auggie, and the frenchies! 🕊️💚
    PETE!

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