It Seems Like 100 Years Ago

“You know, given the circumstances, I really think we ought to dance.” --actor Jonathan Pryce to actress Penelope Wilton in the 1995 film, CARRINGTON

Another sweet card from Barbara:

16 Dec 1995

Dear Mike,

Your package arrived this week and is unopened under by “lights” since the tree may not make it inside this year.

I am still unpacking and moving things about. It is a bit DAMP here—just a little water problem and I got my kerosene lamp working this week.

Scheduling is busy. So, I am seeing movies and CARRINGTON is good and I went to the REVELS with Alice last weekend and my friends Howard and Nancy and their five-year-old, Sierra, arrive tomorrow. We will go to THE NUTCRAKER SUITE together. I am excited.

My Christmas box is in storage at my last place, so it will take some time to feel together. I am not going to be enrolled at school in January. Too much learning at home—Ha-Ha! Well, I am really enjoying my new place.

I hope you are well, my friend. Peace to you and Alan and your family.

Love,

Barbara

And another sweet typewritten letter from Birda:

Merry Christmas Michael,

How is everything? I’m doing fine. It has been a while since I wort you and I want you to know that I have thought about it a lot. I just haven’t had the time. I’ve been working so much. Usually, I get laid off in the summer. I was looking forward to it this year but it never happened. I wouldn’t be writing now if I didn’t get hurt at work. It isn’t as bad as it sounds. I will only be off for about a week. How it happened I’m still not sure. Honda Reps. Are checking out the car it happened in. You see, I was backing a Honda Accord on my truck and it wouldn’t stop! It went right off the front of the truck. Oops! Sounds bad but I was lucky, it landed right side up. I only strained a muscle in my neck and it is already feeling better. Everyone jokes and asks me when I got my pilot license and I tell them I still need more time in the air. Truthfully, I’m scared right now to load my truck but they tell me it’s normal and after I do it one time, I will be O.K.

So, what exciting trips have you been on lately? I don’t recommend the flight off a car carrier, been there—done that, it’s not fun. I received the postcard of your trip to Hawaii for your cousin's wedding. I know that was fun. You had your Via Dolce address on it so I am guessing you have your place back again.

I’m still here in Alameda, same place and it’s getting smaller every shopping trip. But we haven’t saved enough for a house yet. Maybe if I would stop shopping, we could. Bad habits are hard to break. We went out not long ago and bought two Mountain Bikes. They are in the bedroom with the 12-speed. Now, if I could just find time to ride again. It seems like 100 years ago that I rode a bike. It’s a good think you never forget...at least that’s what I’ve been told. Have you been riding or do you still run?

I hope all is going well for you. Please write soon. Take Care.

Always, Birda

PS. Have a Happy New Year!

I also like Birda’s Christmas snow scene card, signed by her, Bill and Brian and Brittany:

Merry Christmas 1995

What a wonderful year it has been.

We have had the opportunity to spend special moments with our families and friends. Their special days were a part of our lives and meant a lot to us. Those that we weren't able to be with this year were thought of a lot and our best was with you always. We are hoping that this next year will be your best year yet and that all you need and more will be yours.

We also want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Love Always.

Birda also wrote a sweet note about the gift I sent her:

Thank You Michael, so much, for the clock. It is beautiful. It has been an inspiration in getting me back in shape. Which is something I can really use right now. I’m still off of work and am starting a strengthening program at physical therapy. It sounds bad but with my job they won’t let me go back until I am 100% O.K. Right now, I am about 95%, so I am doing exercise at home and in therapy. It has been easier to just lie on the couch all day, but every time I look at the clock it reminds me of what I used to do, and makes me get up and do those exercises. Thank you for helping me get better.

Forever,

Birda