Saturday, December 22, 2018

Christmas Cheer

We lost some incredible people over the last few years and most of them left us around the holidays.

May the seven in heaven keep the pasta hot, the finocchi cool and the wine room temperature

 I know most of them would like to be remembered with mirth and song and a tip of the glass.


I say most because I remember old school Italians wringing their hands while wearing black and saying the rosary until it's been long enough (a year or to a real Italian OG, "There is no such thing"). 


Aunt Ginny and Andy, always up for a song, a dance and a seltzer down your pants followed by a shot of Jameson

But I've also seen these people spear spiedini with one hand while rolling a cigarette and drinking wine with the other.


My dad, Clarence Francis, holding his Fantasy Football prize, crackers and a hunk of Irish Cheddar

That may explain some skills I developed in my twenties.


Merry Christmas to all and to all, Cheers, Sláinte, Salute 

30 comments:

  1. Yes, this can be tough. We lost my father in law early in the year and he hadn't been very well last Christmas so I hear what you're saying. This year will be a little tough without him. That said, I wish you all the very best for this Christmas and the year ahead. #mysundayphoto

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    1. The first few seem the most difficult but I'm almost grateful for the pain because it means they haven't been forgotten. I really didn't mean to be maudlin, more celebratory in remembering. The Irish and Italian families sometimes seem polar opposites in how they mourn loved ones although they both seem united by the love of spirits, Christmas spirits and otherwise.

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  2. I'm missing my brother-in-law who died in August. My sister is a little lost this Christmas. After 50 years of marriage, it's not Christmas without him. Sending you warm thoughts and Christmas cheer! #mysundayphoto

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    1. I'm sending you and your sister warm and comforting thoughts back to you, Carol. That's a very long time and this is probably the worst time of year when you've experienced that kind of loss. I think your sister is very lucky to have you. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Carol. Cheers!

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  3. Hard to not see the empty chairs. So many memories. The creepy Santa lives up to its name. Was he banished to the corridor for a reason? Anyway, Buon Natale! May La Befana not fill your stocking with coal.

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    1. Yes, literally, in our case it went from one to two empty chairs in a few years time. I think of both my father and nephew every day so in that sense they're always with me, Hallmark card sentiment or not, it's true.
      The crazy creepy Santa was a gas and was in a very nice nursing home, new at the time, with lovely Christmas decorations (it's Catholic) except for that evil thing, lol.
      Buon Natale, mia amica. The old Italian women who left me presents at Christmas were always covered in flour and smelled like bread and cookies. But watch out for that other one, Cheryl.

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  4. I've been thinking of loved ones that have gone too, I guess it can't be helped this time of year. It's always good to hold the happy memories close though. That Santa at the end really knows how to move his hips, well done Andy for having a dance. Merry Christmas Jeanna xx

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    1. I like what you said about not being afraid to be happy, Anne. Losing your mom on Christmas is inconceivable. I agree and do hold the memories close, they're always floating around in my head.
      Andy was always the funniest one in the room and I'm so glad he danced with evil Santa that Christmas.

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  5. Beautiful photos to remember those that have been lost

    Have a very Merry Christmas and thank you for linking up to #MySundayPhoto

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    1. Thank you Darren, and thank you for hosting MySundayPhoto, it's sad to think it's over.
      Merry Christmas to you and the family, Darren!

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  6. A time of year where we all remember absent family and friends Happy Christmas #MySundayPhoto

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    1. It is and should be that way I think, Fiona. Merry Christmas to you and all at Coombe Mill, hope the ponies didn't rob you blind and you all have a wonderful, stress free holiday.

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  7. It's a time to reflect indeed. We do the same here.

    Have a blessed Sunday. ♥

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    1. Christmas used to be a big ol' Italian free for all growing up and I cherish every minute of it still, Sandee. You have blessed and joyous day and holidays, sweetie.

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  8. We understand, the holidays can be tough sometimes.

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    1. They can be sweet and sour, Brian. Hope Santa Claws brings you as many scratchers as you can scratch and as much nip as you can chew.

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  9. I like to imagine the parents, uncles, aunts, friends, and all who've left their bodies behind are dancing and soaring freely and joyfully through the Universe. The sound of crows (like right now) and the sight of butterflies are them visiting me. A very big Merry Christmas hug to you, Jeanna. :-)

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    1. The idea of soaring is very appealing, Susie although I do worry about my ears popping (assuming I'm heading up). The Simpsons had an episode featuring Catholic Heaven with the dancing, brawling Irish and the eating, drinking, smooching Italians I enjoy thinking about.
      You're hearing crows are you, anyone you know? I think my family appear to me in domesticated pet form or bottles of whiskey.
      I wish you a million sweet butterflies and all the Christmas cheer you can handle, Susie.
      Smmoooch.

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    2. Jeanna, your wish came true. This was one of the best grown-up Christmas Days for me. :-)

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  10. oooooh a big Italian family. When I found out I was adopted, I was told my father was Italian and my mother german. I just know somewhere there is a big Italian family who would want me (to fatten up, or that's just my dream)
    LeeAnna

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  11. Ha, yes no matter how tight those fat pants get there's still someone trying to make you mangia. "I made this cannoli cake for you, Jeanna and it would offend me if you didn't eat it." (All, in front of the person who made it.)
    You are welcome to mine, but not until I've eaten every last spiedini I can stab my fork into tomorrow. Truth be told, the Irish side are more fun.
    Merry Christmas!

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    1. okay, I'll take them too... I know there must be some Irish somewhere in the woodpile!

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  12. I think most people feel it more at this time of year than any other. Glad you have memories to make you smile. #MySundayPhoto

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    1. Happy New Year, Elaine, stay out of the water (:

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  13. So many good memories around Christmas .....it is the time to remember the fun times and your family obviously knew (and knows) how to make great memories. Cheers! I hope you created lots of good ones this year.

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    1. Hope you're sucking down umbrella drinks and slurping down lobster today, Sallie. Happy day and New Year!

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  14. May you be well to remember them always with fondness and love, Jeanna!
    Thank you for linking up with the "My Sunday Best: meme.

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    1. Thank you Nick, keep posting those lively photos so full of color from the other side of the world.

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  15. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. All the best for the new year! :)

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    1. It was pretty good, won a few bucks, ate some speidini, couldn't ask for more. Happy New Year to you too, Nikki-ann.

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