The final days of the year: Unexpected turns and holiday plans

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It’s already been four days without a post. That’s what happens when real life catches up with you. Combine that with a bout of writer's block, a nasty cold dragging me down, and the nagging suspicion that nobody really cares what I write anyway unless it’s specifically about Hive (well, most people, at least)... and it becomes very difficult to find the motivation to hit 'publish'.

The year is rapidly coming to an end. Just two more working days left, and then a week full of festivities begins. But I already know that this year will be different from others.

Christmas Eve is traditionally celebrated at my parents' house. Even last year, I had the feeling that hosting was slowly becoming too heavy a burden for them. But Mom insisted on not having that taken away from her just yet, so we left it as it was.

This year, however, it will be without Dad. He is currently in the hospital battling infections in his blood and other parts of his body. We had to rush him there yesterday after his legs just wouldn't cooperate anymore. It’s frightening how, the older people get, the more unpredictably the body reacts to infections.

So, instead of just relaxing, the coming week will mean daily visits to the hospital.

Amidst the worry, life goes on. Yesterday we realized that New Year's Eve—which we are hosting at our place this year—will bring some extra guests. A couple we are friends with saw their own NYE plans fall through, so we offered that they could come and celebrate with us. Yesterday we heard back that they would love to take us up on the offer.

So, that means some extra organizing. My wife is working until about 4 PM on the 31st, so I will have to do my best to get as much prep work done as possible beforehand.

We are happy to do it, though, and it will probably be a wonderful evening. Now we just have to decide what to serve. The first thought was a winter BBQ, but the weather here is far too unpredictable for that. Next idea: a big oven roast. But in the end, we’ll probably fall back on what most people do here: "steengrillen" (stone grilling, similar to gourmetten or raclette). It's social and easy.

Time will tell,
Peter

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Ugh, I am sorry to hear about your dad. I hope they get everything figured out. This time of year is rough in general. It's just hard to be motivated and life gets so busy. You kind of feel like you are just phoning it in sometimes. I hope you are able to have a Merry Christmas despite everything.

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Thanks. We hope that he will be back on his feet before new year.
Indeed busy days. And the weather here isn't actually helping.
We will do our best, to make the most out of it.

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Happy Christmas Peter. I'm in the same boat with the father. He's in a nursing home now but we will take him out for his dinner and then drop him back after it. Pretty bleak. Old age is horrible.

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Same for you. Let's make the best out of it! The biggest problem for me is that you more or less see your idol helpless 😢

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It is one of those things here on Hive that unless you write about Hive or Splinterlands it can feel like not that many people care. Knowing that at least some do really helps though.

I hope your dad gets better soon! Enjoy The Holidays Peter

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Thanks. Happy holiday season for you too.
The problem is that when hive is about hive, it won’t get any exposure!

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Life is unpredicatable and we simply have to deal with it. You are so right about people of age. Their bodies aren't dealing with whatever happens to it, in ways we expect. I myself getting very similar experiences with my dad, who is in the second part of his 80s. Simple things turn into bigger things. Fortunately, his hospitalisation a few weeks ago is over and done with, for now. So he can celebrate with me and some of my best friends.

"steengrillen" (stone grilling, similar to gourmetten or raclette). It's social and easy

I usually say: Why take the easy route, when a difficult one is possible 😆 But yeah, fully agree and go with the steengrillen. Added to the simplicity for the hosts, no one can blame the cook, but themselves 😆🎶

NJOY coming days and year end

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Thanks.
We will have to make the best out of it. Great that you can enjoy the holiday season with your dad. I hope that mine will be out of the hospital before new year!

Considering the circumstances we will take the easy way out on New Year’s Eve.

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Considering the circumstances we will take the easy way out on New Year’s Eve.

Even simpler would be: Tell all visitors to bring food and drinks along so all have something to do. Gives a little surprise as well, usually not knowing what all will bring.

I do hope with you your dad will all be ok in a few days!

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