A Day of Significance

'tis the last 20 minutes of that little known holiday(?), Groundhog Day. Of course, I celebrated by watching the movie of the same name. I really enjoy the movie, every time, no matter how repetitious it may seem. (And the report from Punxatawney Phil is 6 more weeks of winter! North America.) http://life.us.newsfutures.com/market/market.html?symbol=ESHADOWY

Today would be a great day to repeat over and over for some of us out there in Blogland and Bloglessville. Engagements, baby namings, and... our anniversary. Many ask, which one is it, because it seems as though we have been together forever,... in a good way. But it is only 1 year since the Wanetik wedding bash and our "10 years" worth of stuff on display and the toilet seat cover and matching bathmat would not support that reality one bit. The honey drizzle year has come to a close and we return to salting our Sabbath challah. But let a tear not fall, we have many simchas in this upcoming year and we will eat honey at their tables, or ours if they accept our invitations except of course for our vegan duo, maybe maple syrup is okay?

Today also has the opposite significance assigned to it, the passing of my cousin Menachem. I did not know him well but I know he was a great man. The extended family will come together tomorrow at his funeral. Births, bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals- the life cycle. (There are also the "snipping"s but my endearing term didn't fit in that list.)

And so, we start off our anniversary day, Kaf Daled (24) Shevat, apart and come together to mourn for a passing while sharing life and our memories.

Then we will drive to Tiveria to relish in an extravagant anniversary meal courtesy of our Oregonian chum.

We will remember that we have reached this day in this land because of the sacrifices of our families. And we thank them.