We heard the parade this morning as it marched by a couple of blocks from our house. I used to LOVE a parade. I haven’t been in many, many years. We decided to leash up the dogs and head over…unfortunately, by the time we got there, it had passed. We lamented about how close it was to us and how NEXT year we will surely attend.

I used to LOVE holidays! Hosting parties was my jam. I remember summers when my kids were growing up where we had people over all the time! Times where we literally only ate party foods–and leftovers–from week to week. I haven’t had a summer party in ages.

My kids are grown now, but they would come. WE HAVE A POOL. Why don’t we host summer parties? No time? Too expensive? Too much cleaning and prep? But–I did all that when we had less time, less money, and more mess! Just kidding about that last one, although my mess may be different, it’s still messy.

Maybe after two years of NOT socializing, of NOT being able to hang out casually with friends, of being forced to be isolated and alone, the party in me is ready to plan again?

In all honesty, I have to laugh at myself. I doubt my holidays will change. Once I get past the nostalgia of it, I find the concept overwhelming. A quiet lounge by the pool with zero prep sounds divine.

I did add the 2023 Memorial Day Parade to my calendar, though. It’s a start.

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