Dear T---,

Frigid morning here, frosty, wishing it were cold enough to freeze the pond. Remember the magical night when the Park District would begin flooding the park? No more. Two nights ago we had a thunder storm, rain and lightning, temp near 60°. It is cold now, but 40’s or higher by noon. Anyway, my ice skating days may be over, I gave away my skates. You know, as adult I went to hockey skates, because skating indoors as Tommy and I did, it was too crowded for racers. I ended up liking the hockey skates, their nimbleness. Until I whirled and fell and slammed my shoulder into the ice.

Lighting the Hanukkah candles this week. I know the Cohens thought the Meyers went nuts during this season, and we did, but we always lit the candles. Christmas was a secular holiday for us, cheery lights, my mom loved the tree and festivities. The candles were important, too, in a different, somewhat mystical way. Still are. It keeps me grounded in my heritage. It’s important, living here, to keep myself apart, separate, embrace my differentness. 

A month ago we were at Joshua Tree in CA with S & T. That place is wonderful, a giant playground. I think I told you about it already when we communicated on my birthday. A good way to celebrate 70. Seventy ain’t so bad. Though, I look in the mirror and freak out every morning. 

How are you and Jules and Ellie? Will Ellie be home for Christmas? S & T will not be. They have no Xmas spirit, poor Martha! Maybe Tom does, but he isn’t going to leave Sarah alone. He’s the kindest kid. Man. 

I’m getting over the inevitable cold, Martha thought she would escape, but no, she woke this a.m. with a sore throat. ’Tis the season.

So, friend, happy Hanukkah.  Maybe skating isn’t going to happen, but it did! We did it, we have the memories. I can hear the sound of blades on ice.

Missing you, 
Jim