I recall my Mum saying that November is a grey, dull, miserable kind of month. Not surprising as both her parents passed away in that month and as she grew up in Belfast which was a grey dreary place for many years. So the day after Hallowe'en often signifies the start of a quiet month for me.
That was my story for many years but lately I have shifted that perspective and have started looking forward more to the season of Christmas. It's almost time to put away the Fall decorations and get festive and when there is a child in the house it is so much easier to do that sooner than later (I have been known to wait until Christmas week to decorate).
Having said that I will always observe the anniversary of some dearly departed members of our family, especially Cappa, my grandfather who left us when I was 25 and my grandmother who departed 20 years previously.
I heard myself explaining to DJ that Cappa's anniversary - which falls the day before Remembrance Day - is a chance to celebrate his life as opposed to mourning his death. A much happier state to be in. So this year I slow cooked a leg of lamb (a treat Cappa would often bring us on his visits to Dublin) although he may not have approved of all the garlic that was rubbed in to it or the onions that were part of the vegetable tray and enjoyed it with some of the Family. And as is the tradition (always, regardless of the day of the week it falls), a scotch & ginger toast, which this year made a lovely dessert along with some fine chocolates.
I wish he could be here to see us all today, he would be 102 if he was :) but I know he is looking over us all and I am sure he would be proud of us all. Cappa & Gramum (Tommy & Nell) - wherever you, we love you and we miss you. Forever in our hearts and in our memories which will be passed down to the next generation.
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