Dec23 What’s Remembered; What’s Forgotten Posted on December 23, 2018 by cindyricksgers Standard Starting off with what’s forgotten: I did not pack my 52 Lists For Happiness book. The one that I have been basing these Sunday lists on for all of this year. Today should be the last list of the year. Maybe even the last list forever…or at least until the author comes up with another book that piques my interest. Though I glanced at the last page, I can’t remember what the directive was. So, since I’m four hundred miles away from my book, cozy right now in my sister Brenda’s house in Lapeer, Michigan, the blog based on that list will have to wait until I get home. I forgot an envelope of photographs that I’d had copied for my daughters, sisters and brother. I forgot my medicine. One pill for thyroid function; another to control my cholesterol. It’s not the end of the world. I’ve done this before. I may be tired or a little out of sorts, but will be able to get back on track as soon as I get home. It’s just frustrating. Medicine is always on the top of my “What to Pack” list. I forgot the way to my daughter’s house. Though I’ve been there several times, I felt like I wasn’t sure of the way, so I pulled up directions on the computer. They gave me a different route than I’ve taken before, which threw me off a little, and I ended up having to circle back ten miles to get better information. I’m forgetting a lot of semi-useless information lately. Last night, my daughter, my granddaughter and I were discussing Gone with the Wind. I was trying to tell them about a chapter in Pat Conroy’s autobiography that spoke eloquently about his mother and the influence Gone with the Wind, the book and later the movie, had on her life. I couldn’t remember Pat Conroy’s name, but I knew they’d be familiar with the movie based on another of his books. I couldn’t remember the name of the movie. Barbra Streisand starred in it, though, as well as a good-looking blonde actor who’s name I also couldn’t remember. Also, Gwyneth Paltrow’s mother, whose name escaped me. And, it turns out, I couldn’t really relate with much accuracy exactly what he had said about Gone with the Wind! It was like jibberish, coming out of my mouth! Well, today I have managed to come up with Pat Conroy’s name, as well as The Prince of Tides, Nick Nolte and Blythe Danner…but would still stumble when trying to relate Conroy’s mother’s take on the book and movie up for discussion! But on to what is remembered: I remembered to pack everything my dogs will need at the kennel while I’m away. I have, in the past, forgotten Rosa Parks’s special dish. The last time I left, I forgot to pack their treats. This time, all of their medicines, with instructions, were in the bag as well as food, treats, the special dish for Rosa Parks, and a toy for Darla. Plus a Christmas morning goody for each of them. I remembered all the packages and gifts, plus the Christmas game. I remembered to bring comfortable shoes. I remembered how much I hate driving on the freeway, especially in the winter. And driving at night, with wet roads, and reflections from street lights and car lights adding to the confusion. Beyond that, I have never forgotten how nice it is to be down here, in the area where I grew up. The area feels familiar, even through all the changes that have happened. The people I’m spending time with are those that I love and feel comfortable with. And that love and appreciate me. It’s the best way to spend the holiday! Wishing all the best to all of you this holiday season! .