Friendship is a sheltering tree.

last year in review

“What are you most proud of this year?” I ask around the full eight-person table.

My sisters, our husbands, and I are finishing up a nice meal out, awaiting hot decaf after dinner. Since kids have come along, a distraction-free dining experience is the gift we now give each other at Christmastime.

Round robin, they answer. They’re proud of their kids, the…