Lotsa Contemplation Going On

 Thinking about it, Fio realized that although January 2, 2019, was when she legally became a widow, she had, on and off, been in training for the past couple of years as Husband's activity level and health deteriorated. Still, having to go full throttle was both a shock and a challenge, but your girl has survived and maybe learned a thing or two--like how to take it easy. Last year, Fiorella nearly gave herself a nervous breakdown trying to make Christmas bigger and better than every before, but this year, she was cool.
     It helped that she toned down her decorations and expectations, but even more important was that Minneapolis son and his lovely wife helped not only with Fio's attempt at clearing out the house for resale, but also with the Christmas dinner and clean up. Also that Bastrop son and Granddaughter decorated the tree beforehand, and that the whole family  showed up not only for the dinner, but stayed for the dang clean-up that used to take Fio and Husband two days. Then, of course, there was Daughter, who planned and supervised the dinner with the help of Fiorella's brother and his wife and nephew Barrett and his wife. All your faithful correspondent had to do was set the table with the Haviland china and Sir Christopher silver--both of which she hopes to sell, by the way.
     So yesterday, for the first time ever, Fiorella started taking down Christmas decorations on New Year's, when the rest of the world does. It will take a couple of days more, because she isn't hurrying the process, but everything should be packed in H-E-B bags and stored in the garage by Sunday 🧡