It's been 43+ years since I had a mother. I get teary-eyed when I think about time spent with my mom and whenever I remember that I do something the way that I do because she taught me to.

My son who lives in the same town as me brought his family over for lunch Sunday and gave me flowers. The other two sons phoned, as did one daughter. Our eldest daughter, who was probably working a 12 hour shift, spending the little time she had off from work with her own children and her granddaughter, didn't have time to call.

gnu, that was our treat at Christmas, too, an orange and some nuts in one of Dad's wool work socks. As my children came along, I made a felt stocking with his or her name on it for each, then for their spouses, and now for their children. Stockings are hung for whomever will be with us Christmas Day. Santa always puts an orange in the toe of each Christmas stocking, followed by a handful of nuts before small gifts are added.