Dear Liza,
Cousin Jasper turned 12 last Saturday!
Auntie Katie, Uncle Dave and the Cousins all met us down at Pastini Pastoria on Division Street. Our waiter, Austin, took good care of us. He took our picture. He made sure we had wine and pasta. He made sure we had a knife for the birthday cake I made and brought in. He was funny and efficient and made Auntie Bridgett a tasty Lemondrop cocktail.
We chatted and laughed, playing with words and being silly, like we always do.
Since all of us, including the kids, are vaccinated and boosted, we felt comfortable enough to be in a room that was pretty full of folks. Then this morning, I read that a new virus variant may cause more lockdowns. Well, poop.
So, life is unpredictable. We knew this. The greatest intelligence, said Darwin, is the ability to adapt. So we will adapt and see you at the other end of whatever is coming up.
Stay happy!
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 
What a lovely lovely birthday celebration. Happy Birthday cousin Jasper.
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Thanks, Peeves! He is a very special young man, growing by the day and ready to whip his grandpa at chess.
Sent from my iPad
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Oh Chess !! My dad and I used to play it often. Then John learned. He has two trophies on the shelf in the cupboard. Haven’t played for a very long time. Interesting I may even try. (or not). Loved seeing the photos.
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Chess is more Nelson than me, but I can lose along with the rest. It’s fun to see Jasper getting in the swing!
Merry Month before Christmas!
Jude
Sent from my iPhone
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