Dad and Jane always hosted a Christmas cocktail party. It was more of an open house really, with neighbors and friends coming and going over the course of several hours. Dad enjoyed a good cocktail party as much as, and perhaps a bit more than, the next man, but what he enjoyed even more was the preparation of the Christmas cocktail party’s signature drink: the infamous “Fish House Punch.” The main ingredients: three types of rum, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Powerful stuff. Dad loved to explain that the recipe dated from colonial times.
One Christmas, the party its usual success, the last of the guests gone, Dad, holding a cup containing the last of the punch, sat on a cushion next to the Christmas tree and told semi-coherent stories of his Christmases overseas as a Marine. I had never seen him so relaxed and happy.
These days, when it comes time for a Holiday toast, I always try to include a toast “to those, who in service to their country, are separated from family and friends on this holiday.” I must have gotten that one from Dad

As you all know...Dad could get easily frustrated!  One Christmas when we were home from college he got so frustrated trying to balance the Christmas tree - he nailed the stand to the floor!!! That took care of it

Snow has been falling all day today.  I’m remembering Mom and Al’s Dec 24th magic wedding night when Bing Crosby woke them up a little after midnight to sing White Christmas to them over the phone. Who gets THAT wedding present! 
Rest In Peace AWS ❄️