December is noted for being a joyous time of celebration - Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa - but in spite of the uplifting spirit of these special days, our lives can spiral out of control in unexpected ways.
I mentioned here several days ago that a long-time friend, Ferguson McKay had passed away. Exactly two weeks to the day after he died, his dear wife, Jane followed. Jane had celebrated her 100th birthday a few weeks before Ferg died. I missed these two special people after they moved to the Rutland area to be close to one of their daughters, but I heard from Jane by email occasionally, and I will miss that. They were both special friends, and my thoughts are with their two daughters and their families. Jane's obituary.
There were two other unexpected deaths I want to let you know about. Many Joe's Pond folks know Tim and Jenness Ide who live in Danville and had a cottage here on Joe's Pond for many years. Their son, Doug Ide, 56, passed away at his home in Maine a few days before Christmas. Our thoughts are with Tim and Jenness at this very difficult time. Condolences may be sent to them at 154 Mt. View Drive, Danville, VT 05828.
Also well known to Joe's Pond folks was Wendy Somers, Danville's long-time town clerk. Wendy died on December 22nd from complications of influenza. She was always helpful and very pleasant when I went for information at the town offices. I'm sure the folks at town hall are reeling from her loss. Wendy was 64 years old and active in the Danville community. She will be dearly missed by friends, co-workers and family.
I was thinking how sad it is when loved ones pass away close to some special holiday - that seems to compound the loss; but every month has special days celebrated by family like birthdays and anniversaries in addition to the national holidays, and realistically the degree of grief is going to be the same regardless of when our loved ones depart. We remember them and celebrate them on special days, but they are always with us in memory.
December 2023 will be remembered by many as a particularly unusual and even harsh month. The weather has played a huge part in everyone's life this month, starting with three big weekend snowstorms in a row, the rain and flooding, and the few days of sunshine I think could be counted on one hand. I don't recall more than one or two full days of sun. We have had fog 24/7 for the past week with gloom and intermittent misty rain showers each day, all day. This is traditionally November weather. There is a little good news - now the days are beginning to get longer after Winter Solstice! The daylight change now measured in seconds continues to increase daily into minutes and we'll actually begin to notice a difference probably sometime in late February.I have no doubt we'll pay dearly for these very mild, snowless days. I also expect our weird weather patterns will remain and intensify. More snow, rain, wind and havoc than normal. However, it's really hard to figure out what "normal" is anymore. Like so many other things in our fast-moving world, circumstances change quickly and all we can do is try to keep up. And try to stay safe as we near the close of 2023.
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