A Perfectly Perfect Day

Had a perfectly perfect day.  Got started about 7 on our 4th of July picnic.  Took a boat down the river to a cave + had our lunch in a nice cool place + then the gang all went swimming + I went wading + managed to get most of me wet.  The ride back in late afternoon was beautiful - the river was so pretty.  Got caught in the city going and coming in ginbows.  Had so much fun today.  - Annette, July 1941

Every July 4th, I play an orchestra concert in a nearby town.  We meet for a 3hr rehearsal, and after a short dinner break, we perform on an outdoor stage for hundreds of people having picnics with their friends, family, and loved ones.  Marches are played.  Veterans are honored.  Fireworks close out the show.  A few years back, one of my colleagues and I decided that even though we were there to perform, we wanted to enjoy a picnic, too!  Now, we coordinate our menus, pack up our picnic kits, and head out to work.  During our dinner break, we find a shady spot, spread out our blankets, and enjoy the calm, quiet moments before the concert starts.  We brave the rain, the bugs, and the heat, and it is all worth it. 

This 4th was particularly nice - low humidity, nice breeze, not a single rain cloud.  It was perfectly perfect, just like Annette's day.  Although, we didn't have river boats or swimming holes.  Nor did we have air raid alarms to worry about.  Annette was in China at the beginnings of the war, and she lived through some dangerous times.  I love that on her first July 4th away from home, she was still able to have a picnic and enjoy time with friends.  

In this country, July 4th is synonymous with picnics and fireworks.  But not everyone gets to take time off to be with their families.  I am luck to have a job that allows me to spend time with my friends and family, even while working.  I hope all of you had a wonderful July 4th, and I hope we can all be grateful for the sacrifices of others, whether in 1776 or 2018, that make that day possible. 

It Was Such Fun Having Company

My 27th birthday and the first one I've ever had when I didn't receive a single present.  Was sort of disappointed that Elsie forgot.  We celebrated Thanksgiving tonite.  I invited Mr. Chen + Miss Su + Doc + Mrs. Chen.  It was such fun having company for a change.  We had a very nice dinner I thot - chestnut stuffing + a pumpkin pie with nuts.  Our table looked very pretty with candles + the jack-o-lantern, tangerine place cards + red autumn leaves.  - Annette, November 1942

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  My family has a history of large Thanksgiving celebrations with polished silver, place cards, and delicious food made with love by all our guests.  Every year, my aunt and I start working weeks in advance to plan all the details.  This year, my Thanksgiving will be a bit smaller - just 6 instead of 20 - but I am excited for new traditions!  As I worked on my to-do lists, I started thinking about Annette's Thanksgiving celebrations.

While in China, they were never really sure when Thanksgiving was supposed to be, so they would have their celebrations when they could.  This one happened on a Sunday - maybe to celebrate her birthday as well!  I love that she used fresh tangerines as place cards, and decorated with leaves from their trees.  I love that they made chestnut stuffing and pumpkin pie.  I love that my grandfather carved a pumpkin as decoration.  I can just imagine this beautiful scene, and as I embrace my own inner hostess, it makes me feel so connected to her.

I also love that she mentioned how glad she was to have company.  And that she was a little bit sad to not receive a birthday gift.  So much of our existence on this planet is tied to the people around us, and celebrations can sometimes be bittersweet.  This will be my first Thanksgiving since I was I child that I won't be with my aunt.  That makes me a little sad.  But, I'll be celebrating with fiancé's family, whom I completely adore, so with the sadness there is also joy!  To me, Thanksgiving is a celebration of family - whether family by blood, by choice, by circumstance, or anything else.  I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with good food, good company, and love.  And maybe a place card or two.