Subject: Weekend Update: December 13-15, 2002
Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 16:26:00 -0500

Last Friday night our family attended the Christmas Carol Caf=E9
at the church around tables in the church's gymnasium.  Cookies
and punch were at either end and the atmosphere was festive and
homey; a welcoming air of family.  We all sang carols, and
alternatively listened to choirs of various age groups or soloists.
I sat next to one of my favorite kids, Kara D. White, whom I've
called Kara "D-light" since she was a little girl who was full of fun,
ebullient =E9lan, daring-do, capricious comedy, boisterous brilliance,
and abundant alliteration.  Joy sta next to me on the other side.

Final exams were taken last week and the college kids came
home for the Christmas break.  Jessica and David and Brooke
Pate were already by the fire when we got home from caroling.
Brooke spent only the night before getting on an early morning
flight to warm and sunny San Diego.  I'm still basking in my
breif visit to her home.

David stayed the weekend before parting from his fiance and
heading back to his hearth and home in Virginia.  (I asked
Jessica if David told her each and every day that he loved her.
Fathers ask such things to feel more confident when they stand
and say "Her mother and I". He does, and she does too, and that's
just plain nice to hear.)  This is somewhat of a bitter-sweet
time because it will be her last Christmas at home as a Metcalfe,
and from here on out we'll have to share the couple with the
Youngs.

On Saturday, my personal odometer clicked over to 43 years,
tying my wife's record of longevity.  Forty three is a rather
unremarkable age, so I'll not remark on it further.  Rich and
Wendy brought their girls by in the afternoon for a visit.
I think "Happy Birthday" comes sweetest from beautiful little
girls!  That evening, Joy and I went to Chile's for dinner
with Eric and Linda Magnuson.  Eric's birthday is the 22nd,
so we celebrated together at dinner.  The kids went back for
the second night of the Christmas Carol Caf=E9 at the church.
Sunday was also my father's 72nd birthday.  (Mom's 70th is
on the 30th!)

Sunday substitution placed me in song leadership for the church
day activities.  The first string was sidelined, so I stood in
the gap.  In the afternoon, Joy and I cuddled on the couch for
a nap while Andrew switched channels between several football
games.  None of the teams I wanted to win won.  I'm not much
of a fan so I didn't take too much umbrage by it.  Cuddling
and napping were infinitely more satisfying.  Miranda, Emily,
and Kelly painted figurines; Melissa read by the fire.  Jess and
Dave reclined together in a chair and napped a bit, too.  It was
a very comfortable weekend; the calm before the upcoming activities.

Mark

P.S.  If you are in the area, you are invited to our Christmas Party
THIS SATURDAY beginning at 6:30 PM.  Bring nothing but your warm
wishes and festive attitudes.  Supervised children are welcome.
(If you're a young adult, your party is this Friday night.)
If you're not in the area, like Texas, Ohio, Sidney, Paisley,
or elsewhere, we wish you the deepest of Christmas joys.