Swimmin Frog

Monday, December 18, 2006
Alfred Street and 12/25

The jingling of the sleigh bells when the patio door opens and closes. Hand prints of every size and shape draping the windows.

The aroma of burning logs and subtle musk cologne mixed with cookies and a hint of "basement". Brown marbled shag covering the floors.

Warm hugs as you bury your nose into soft cheeks to take in her familiar scent, inevitably tangling the bows of your glasses together causing laughter and more hugs.

A sweatshirt with a cardinal, a denim shirt and leggings, a holiday sweater and slacks. Puffy slippers. Snowflake earings.

The best wooden rocking chair in the corner. Perfect for 5 year old Stephanie to put her legs through the back until an adult notices and perfect for an older Stephanie to snuggle with a cousin or baby brother on her lap.

The shutter doors reminiscent of a saloon leading to the kitchen. The coffee table propped on its side over the stairs blocking a potential fall.

The veritable playground down the stairs that saw hours of mischief and laughter. Each room filled with character; the benches along the wall with the green cushion, the nook with the beaded curtain, the game closet. Frightening picture on the far wall causing your heart to leap as you turn off the light and run upstairs.

Anis candy in every dish glistening like rubies in their clear, red cellophane wrappers.

Nuts still in their shells in the round wooden nut bowl. A metal cracker and 2 metal picks residing in their homes in the middle. Piles of discarded shells falling everywhere and blending with the shag carpeting.

Stockings on the mantle each one with a name written in glitter. Inside... an orange, some nuts, an ornament and a surprise.

An old tattered copy of Twas The Night Before Christmas sitting on the piano bench. The top cut out in the shape of Santa's hat.

Relish tray, bread in the bread dome and water from the silver pitcher as we all crowd around the table. Three kids sitting on a green piano bench.

Santa in the Kitchen, Angels and Nativity in the Dining Room, Trees in the Living Room.

How did her tree turn out so perfect? Each ornament belonging together even though they were acquired at different times and all had a precious memory attached.