Life Goes On, Presents Are Opened

We finally got to have our little opening-of-the-Christmas presents gathering today at Jessie and Vergil's house. And Maggie's birthday was also celebrated. It's a cold, gray day here but Vergil built us a nice fire and there was marshmallow toasting. 

That worked out quite well because everyone could toast their own marshmallows, no fear of cross-contamination. We grown-ups sat around or stood around and talked about memories of marshmallow roastings and about what we've been doing and thinking and all the things that we haven't been able to share in person for so long. 

Stories. We told our stories, I guess. 

There were some very fun presents. May got all of the littlest kids aprons and chef hats for appropriate cooking apparel. Levon was adorable in his little hat. 

As wonderful as it was to see everyone, to be together, there is part of me which is so saddened by the restrictions we practice. The children having to wear masks as they play makes me feel a sort of despair that I never could have imagined a year ago. But they were fine with it all and the rocket launcher was hugely popular although when we left there were at least three rockets on the roof of the house but everyone's eyes were securely still in their sockets. 

So there was that. 

We were talking to Hank and Rachel about how sometime, a little after Valentine's Day, we'll be able to hug and kiss them because Mr. Moon and I will have had both of our shots and then taken the required time to ensure immunity but none of us are really sure about how to protect our loved ones who have not been immunized. Will it be okay if Mr. Moon and I stay home for a few days before we see them so that there's no chance we are carrying the virus? Or is it possible that even though we won't get sick, we can still carry it? I've just not read anything definitive on this. 

I need to do more research. 

And does anyone really know? 

So. A cold, gray day and it's only going to get colder tonight. I covered up my porch plants again before we left for the party. I see that some of them have been severely nipped by the freezes we've already had. This winter has already been far colder than any of the most recent ones. Hopefully, my theory that if given time and a good trimming in spring they'll come back, is true. 

Meanwhile, it's cozy and warm inside and I'm grateful for that and that despite the fact that I cannot kiss most of my family, they are safe and well and one day we will most surely and joyfully embrace again.

Love...Ms. Moon