The New Napster

Nanny calls us “the Grands” as over Thanksgiving she also has a lot of baby grands running around. Mostly in the 40’s middle age range, last year we carved out an hour for ourselves.

Dinner was done as were dishes. It was mid-afternoon in a darkened room where my husband went to lay on the floor to help his back. I joined him, then his cousins and brother and we all told stories.

They were poignant ones as one uncle had died that summer. We also told funny ones.

For ten years I’ve tried to carve a niche without stepping on any toes. You wouldn’t believe the lengths these ladies go to make the best dessert! I’ve primarily done it by making nuts and boursin and spinach balls (I gave that one up to a new wife because they were always a hit) that just sit on the kitchen table all afternoon. All the women gather there while the guys watch The Game.

Now the cousins are asking me about nap time. I told them the Grands are all invited and anyone else has to promise to tell a good family story to get in. I told them if they call me the Napster I’ll make it happen! I’ve found my niche!

In a 16-hour day (12 of it at Nanny’s, the rest prepping and packing up) one hour of down time is key to survival. The sweetest moment last year was one of the younger kids running through and saying that his cousin, twice his size, “disobeyed” him. His mother and aunt said “they’ll work it out” and laid there, blissfully aware of their spouses and offspring but craving down time.

Napping is a good thing. The New Napster, a napping maven. Dee