By Doris S. Fisher, Cape May.
Lovingly preserved in my Treasury of Joy is one memorable evening. It was Christmastime in the early 60’s. We were a party of eight and it was my first trip to Smithville Inn.
The night was brisk. The sky alive with sparkling diamonds. Quaint village shops all aglow with their own twinkling lights mimicking the awesome heavens. Beautiful carols filled the air, being amplified everywhere. The true Christmas story I have loved many years was proclaimed loud and clear. Joy to the World, the Lord is Come.
After complimentary hot cider as we checked our overcoats, our party was providentially seated at the choicest table. It was adjacent a large picture window that extended almost to the floor. Each meal, a feast, to say the least. My husband enjoyed his favorite dish, Roast Duckling.
During our dinner, to our amazement, the scene outside had been silently transformed from a clear starlit night to a surprise snowfall glistening and bright. (I could hear Silent Night.) How beautiful to see a delicious serving of thick whipped cream frosting liberally decorating everything everywhere. A blessing of beauty by our Father’s great power, timely delivered at just the right hour, artistically swirled in His great love, and showered upon us, His gift from above.
Then, lo and behold, another blessing to unfold: A lively of waddling, web-footed creatures in their snowy camouflage – at that unbelievably late hour – was boldly advancing right to our window. Each performer attempting to be center stage closest to the window. As if on cue, they delivered the most adorable, noisy, comical, quacky, ducky program to our utter delight. When finished with their show, they all turned around and quickly marched away. Mission accomplished.
What was that all about? A protest en masse concerning the dinner my husband had just consumed? I want to believe they were joining us in praise and celebration of the greatest gift to all the world, away in a manger in the little town of Bethlehem. It was their Hallelujah Chorus as our Amen to one memorable evening.
Avalon – The lights in New York Times Square on 37th Street are shining brightly once again. However, they are a nuisance and very unattractive. This is known as light trespassing and it affects migrating…
