Hey You.

I  imagine this is how my 90 year old hearing and sight impaired grandmother Capers felt when we all gathered in the kitchen before Sunday dinner.  We always had appetizers and a glass of wine before sitting down for dinner. Conversation with grandmama was so difficult that we would give her a glass of wine and a snack plate, then yell at her every few minutes pretending to keep her in the conversation.

There is an elephant in the room.

The week of Christmas parties and dinners has given me a close up of hospitality. Guests, no matter how old or likable, are guests. They should be treated with respect and welcomed if they are invited. Otherwise, don’t invite them. We are fortunate to have friends and family who are so hospitable even though we may take each other for granted some times.

It is a lesson for me to remember come party time. Don’t let grandmama Capers sit at the table by herself. Send a grandchild over, or I’ll go over and talk to her myself. It is the smile, the body language, the eye contact that mean the most.  I want her to feel welcome every single time she comes to my home.

Have a sparkly New Year.