Christmas Day

I have been taken out of my every day real life and dropped into a movie scene.  Well, at least that is how it feels.  Gerry was born and raised in New York.  The Bronx, actually.  He has this accent that I have already gotten used to and don't really "hear" any more.  Well, not much, anyways.  And, he is a Catholic Italian, all the way.  Put New York, Catholic, Italian and family gathering together, and I have been transported to a place that is so foreign to me I wasn't sure what to do.

I ate at an Italian restaurant once that served a 13 course dinner.  Wow!  I didn't count them, but I think it was close last night!  The family welcomed me with open arms, trusting that Gerry had made the right choice and was happy.  Therefore, I was accepted as family right away.  Now, I am quiet and shy, Yes I am!!!  And these are 2nd and 3rd generation Italians that speak loudly and with their hands.  It is hard to explain, but the noise level was extremely high, but yet, all good.  The dinner was served course by course, with our hostess filing our plates one at a time.  Dishes were not passed, exactly, but plates were.  I don't remember the names of the food, but it was all truly Italian with pasta and special meats and, omg, it was all soooo good.  Wine was free flowing, so I, of course got into that!  Later we opened gifts.  Even I got one!  Nice.  Lots of ooos and ahhhhsand thank yous all around.  Then, dessert and coffee.  I think that made the 13 courses, right there.  When it was time to leave, we there were hugs all around.  Wow!  I think I finally got my quota of hugs, yesterday.  It was a wonderful day!

And, Rock and Ellie, thank you for taking us into your home for great time eating, drinking and talking WoW!  Sometimes I feel like such a noob!  But, I still enjoy listening and, perhaps even learning something.  The best Christmas evah!!!!!