Candace enjoyed her train ride from Boston and is here for business and leisure. After attending several meetings during the earlier part of the week, she took the day off today. She may stop by to see the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree and she has tickets for the musical Memphis. Since Candace had a few minutes I asked for her opinion on some current events:
1. On Obama's speech about Afghanistan: She supports our Commander in Chief's decision to deploy more troops to Afghanistan. She is sorry that so many more US men and women will be in harm's way for the next few years but she appreciates the fact that President Obama reached such decision after many weeks of deliberation and in order to further the safety of our country. Candace's best friend's son has served in Iraq and several of his comrades had perished fighting the war so she knows the perils and heartaches of the service men and woman and their friends and families. To all those men and women who serve to protect us, we are forever indebted and most grateful.
2. On the Salahi's crashing the White House party: They should bear the consequences, maybe not by going to jail, but by being fined or put on probation, or something to teach them and others who fancy similar ideas that there are certain things and places, like the White House, that should be off limits from social pranks. I couldn't agree more. What is it with these publicity seeking stunts from people like this couple or the family of the balloon boy?
3. On Tiger Woods: She's very disappointed by the Tiger whom she had viewed as an honorable sports figure. He is "human" after all, and a "man" I would add. Wait, I am jumping to the conclusion that he did have a mistress :p
Candace has exciting plans for Christmas and New Year. Her mom will be turning 90 this month and to celebrate, 32 members of her family, which include siblings, children and grandchildren will head to Florida, from there they will embark on a week long cruise trip. Candace is most grateful that her mother is 90 years old, healthy and that she will be surrounded by her loved ones during this milestone! Candace is from Italian decent. Her Grandfather was the first family member who immigrated to the US. When he was 14 years old, Grandpa worked in Great-Grandpa's farm herding sheep. Grandpa liked to play his mandolin, more so than following his sheep. On one occasion, he got distracted and lost control of his herd. Some of those sheep went missing. When Grandpa told Great-Grandpa that some sheet were lost, Great-Grandpa was furious, took his mandolin and smashed it to pieces. It was at that time that Grandpa decided that he wanted to go to America to pursue his dreams and embrace his passion for music. Several generations later, his children and grandchildren continue to embrace that love of music. For the past 55 years, the family and relatives numbering 100+ have gathered for a family reunion every year. They rent a hall or make reservations at a restaurant. After the Italian feast, each "branch" of the family must present an act or sketch. The mandolin or guitar definitely play a big part during the presentations. I can only imagine the sounds of music, laughter and energy emanating from that room. I am sure that planning and coordinating the logistics of such family reunions is not an easy feat. According to Candace, it takes one person who is willing to keep the tradition. Then, each of the six families take turns planning each annual event.
Families, friends, peace and love ... hope all can enjoy them as we "celebrate the reason for the season."
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