December 27, 2005
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Christmas Dinner
We 'flew' up to Huntington Beach for a dinner party. I say 'flew' because Cathy was driving us in her new truck and Delia always says something about the velocity at which we travel. Cathy was doing a good job with her driving and not travelling at an excessive rate, in my opinion, but she did give some signs that she was less than pleased with the way others were driving.
We were told to be there at 14:00. We were among the first to arrive when we got there at about 18:00. We brought a substantial portion of the vegetables (string beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes) for the meal, returning home with a good amount of meat in its place. Others brought their specialties and there was enough in both quantity and variety to satisfy everybody, so I don't need to list what was on the table.
The usual collection of people attended, for the most part.
At the dinner table, the woman sitting next to Delia was pontificating on the subject of cancers, particularly lymphoma, when Delia started to cry. I had to explain that Delia has lymphoma, which brought a momentary silence to the table. Delia stepped in to fill the silence with her explanation of what had happened to her. Having Delia openly discuss the subject raised the comfort level for all present.
We exchanged presents. My hopes of being ignored were dashed when I was handed a large, heavy package. I have, over the years, established my discomfort with gift exchanges (it contributes to my annual state of depression) by a constant failure to provide gifts, but Delia more than makes up for my lack.
We left as early as we could, Delia trying to hold on to the party experience until forcibly persuaded that we must depart. Traffic was light on our return but the trip was marred by several drivers who either lacked the season's spirit ... or had consumed too much of it. We encountered annoyances, though, not any hazardous situations. arriving safely shortly before midnight.
