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Joined: 12/5/2005 Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: stella41b I'm just sitting here wondering how this OP is being perceived by those among us who don't have families or even good contact with their families and who are spending the holidays alone. This includes those who don't have someone who is close to them. How many mothers and fathers out there have been waiting for a call from their offspring which never comes? How many out there don't have families they can spend a day with, let alone time like this? How many Christmas Days have been ruined by a trivial argument? Some perspective perhaps? This is the first time in many years that I have not been invited by relatives. My mother is down with a bladder infection. Today I walked with two friends and one acquaintance through Amsterdam. If only I had known that was the plan, then I would have brought a cap for it was cold. We went eventually and sat in a church, waiting for a free meal. But we were early, so it was at least ninety minutes before we were served. Luckily one of my friends had two books on him, so I spent the time reading. Then we got water, apple salad (I cannot eat apples, so I picked out a couple of grapes and many currants and raisins), boerenkool (potatoes and a vegetable) with sausage and bacon, wine (and I did not have any), and bavarois (some kind of pudding; I had two), and two chocolates and a cup of coffee (no coffee for me, as I do not drink it). I will donate them some money next week. Next I left with one of my friends for his place, had some tea and cookies and wine. Then went back by subway, and got my bike and cycled for half an hour. One of my neighbours unexpectedly got a Christmass card from his parents, whom I gather he had not seen for years after some kind of break, with their phone number and an invitation to call them. I hope that he did. I do know that tonight he is at home and in bed (early for him). Tomorrow I will visit my friend again with some cans of ravioli. If you happen to be alone, then take heart, stella. Here on CM you are respected and have many friends.
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