A really enjoyable jam session!

I don't know how to make jam. But I'm always ready to jam.

@MALUSE Yes my dad's side is half Italian straight from near Parma. We've been making these ravioli for as long as I've been alive and for generations before that.

Can I stop by this year? My extended family no longer gets together.

@MALUSE The food sounds really good. But if you and I both show up, we'd probably ruin the party with our arguments. (smiley face emoji)

@TheHorse I don't know what harmonies are...I am not a harmonious person..

I bet they wouldn't mind @FourWalls.. I think your username is funny... there is no roof and flooring there...and well, restroom is essential ..especially in the nights...and early mornings.. I mean..you never know what sort of critters are out there..

Acoustic musicians ten to be kind people. Singing harmonies is a "metaphor" for wanting to communicate.

How come you all eat the same things as the Americanese? I don't know anything that Pony eats..

@vandana7 we eat American food because Americans were here before I was born.

Heh. I threw that in there to remind myself that the most basic pleasures (I love to eat) are a part of the story.

I am glad I have "good people" in my life.

Helping Tony out provides meaning, yes? There is nothing more noble than helping others who are struggling.

@TheHorse yeah. He don't got no one to trust.

I want to hound my step-brother (who has a pretty large house) to host a family Christmas. Many of our elders have moved on, but I miss family Christmases. It's up to the current generation (I am quickly becoming an elder) to maintain the tradition.

@oahuwriter I sometime feel like an orphan. The generation before us is gone. My older step-brother used to host Christmases in Montana and then Washington, but they stopped. I'm cool with preparation and clean-up. But there has to be "the place." And someone who wants to host.

@TheHorse Well, you got to do what you need and would be good for the family...most of us when holding a family get together is pot luck, but the host has the heavy foods like main dish, bread or rice. Or what could happen is to get those catered ones per se Safeway, and family picks up or have it delivered and the expense and clean up shared by everyone. It's hard to get a get together, if only one person pays and cleans up. What do you feel about sharing the expense and clean up? Maybe you could speak to your family about it and see what everyone has to say about it. When party givers pass, it's hard to get it going again, like with our family, like you they all passed and we just don't celebrate it with family any longer and are on our own for the holidays, now...all orphans.

@TheHorse No, we will be my husband and I, my brother never joined even when we went to Italy to spend the day with my mother. Better alone than in bad company.

Now that she has passed on, will you continue the tradition? I miss family get-togethers. Even before I visited MyLot this morning, and read your comment, I was thinking of calling my step-brother in Eastern Washington, and asking whether we can have a family get-together at his place. I live "like an artist,"and don't have enough space to host such an event.

Exactly... and pony smiled...he still didn't show his yellow teeth...but well... those muscles got a chance to look different from Big Ben guards' cheeks.

Kathy (the one with her arm on my knee) sets the tone. She's such a positive person.

I suppose they know the meaning of "Carpe Diem."

Yeah...he is looking devastatingly handsome....wonder whose heart he is targeting with that smile.

@just4him You are very kind Valerie... Pony is a brat. LOL

@vandana7 Maybe no one in particular.

When I was a kid, I attended a few of those monthly "poornima music sessions" that a family friend's relative used to host. It was kinda one month this person, next month that person. We children got to sing, or show our talents too. Plenty to eat and good music. That is what I remember of the two or three I attended or recall. I was much too young.

Maybe some year I will visit. A part of me wants to "retire" and do whatever the hell I want to do.

I suppose anything that's safe and familiar is a ritual in my book. Kids like rituals too. It makes them feel safe. When they see me come to work, the bring an Elephant and Piggy book (or whatever) with them, because they know I like to read Elephant and Piggie books.

@TheHorse How sweet.

There are any ways in which we can relate.

@TheHorse you’re right! I guess I’m good with something else. Like teaching? That’s where we can relate (I think).

@mlgen1037 I enjoy teaching, no matter what the "level." What age do you mostly teach?

Hey, I have rituals "by myself," like Tom Kha Gai at least once a week.

@CarolDM Yep. Thai soup. With chicken, mushrooms, coconut milk, and a hint of lemon.

@TheHorse Never tried that before, Thai correct?

I actually wish I had more such rituals. I miss family Christmases and such like.

Being together is the most important part. Amen to that.

The world can be a lonely place at times. It's good to have good friends that you feel "safe" with.

@TheHorse It is nice to have friends. Mine live a bit far so it's been hard to get together. We are going to in two weeks though.

Do you see each other more than twice a year?

@TheHorse We both have very busy lives so sometimes we e-mail and if we can we meet other times too.

It really does.

What are your favorite things to do with friends?

@TheHorse only party and outing in hilly area.