November 3: Spaetzle With Schnitzel … and Sisters

Last night it was spaetzle with schnitzel and sauerkraut as I invited my German ancestors to join me. I have few clear memories of my father's parents and nothing new came about before I nodded off.

I've been going through old photographs, as I do this time of year, and came across a few from high school. A couple of days ago I came across two poems written by one of my best friends. One was titled, "Dedicated to Lynn, for everything." Even though it was dated – 12/11/70 – I could not pull up a memory of how I'd helped her. Her curvy printed lettering that was so familiar. And then I found other senior yearbook photos with messages on the back from classmates. I sat with them long enough to want to give them and our first 70 years a night of its own, so that is probably tonight. I took photos of photos, an obituary, and other bits from my high school years. More of my classmates have died since this was taken at our reunion 18 months ago, including some who were my best friends. They're not my ancestors, but they were family. I think I can scare up a Fresca to sip while listening to some old songs, including Simon & Garfunkel's "Old Friends" with the lyrics, "How terribly strange to be 70."