Holiday

 

“Without a family, man, alone in the world, trembles with the cold.” ~Andre Maurois

We are approaching a series of family-centered holidays in our part of the country. Of course, that assumes and there are some non-family-centered holidays somewhere, and, at the moment, we cannot imagine one. Nevertheless, the kids will bring us through Halloween, Mom and Grandma (and, occasionally, Dad and Uncle Carl) will fill the Thanksgiving table, and you know what comes after that.

However, most of us will celebrate “family” with rakes in hand, or when Junior helps bring in the first load of wood for the fire. Sissy will cheer at her first homecoming game, and Mom will supervise the mothballing of summer clothes and the depressing survey that proves last winter’s wardrobe is no longer suitable. Family is constant, and it’s not always composed of people who are related to you by blood. Blood may be thicker than water, but so are work, neighborliness, fond memory and a common purpose.

That’s why we are pleased to offer you some observations of family in its many forms as you prepare to celebrate your own little unit of men, women, animals, friends, and warmth, as Mr. Maurois observes.

Of course, you can do puzzles together, or plan a family dinner with our food column (A treasured recollection from out vaults). You can prepare for a holiday get-together with our dining guide for Murray, or check your plans with the calendar. You can do it online, if you like, at www.mymuraylife.com.

John Pasco returns with his invitation to plop down in the couch with pets, progeny and popcorn to enjoy recorded movies treats. You supply the popcorn and he’ll supply the great suggestions. Leave to nature to supply the chilly nights, ideal for indoor fun.

Kate Burnham is back with a close look at Murray State’s Arboretum, as we write, in the final stages of summer. You’re sure to hear more about this wonderful respite from city life that seems remarkably remote to be so close. Meghann Anderson takes another swing at our “Coming of Age in Calloway” series as we visit Hazel, and Royce Williams takes a look at a ballot proposal that, some say, will predict our future as a community. There’s more, too.

But you can see it by turning pages. As people gather indoors at night and rejoice in the brisk air and warming sun of autumn, we all share in another dose of Murray Life.
Welcome home.