I skipped three days of posting, but not because I wasn't grateful for eight-million things during these holiday days. I'll start with backyard soccer, which is always fun, but extra-so when three generations  play together, and the goals are marked by two trees on one side and two overturned buckets on the other. Subs are called frequently. Moms are teased for not showing mercy to their own children. Everyone gets sweaty and out of breath and the game is called when the urge for Mississippi mud pie outweighs the urge to kick.