Looking over the events of the past year, I'm puzzled as to what to make of it -- don't know whether to laugh or to cry.

Politically a mixed bag. The 6 January riot was apalling, the 20 January inauguration inspiring, the infrastructure bill heartening, the continuing obstruction, infighting, lies, and partisanship apalling. One can only hope.

The big event of the year was the arrival of Caleb Joseph Moylan in March, a fifth grandson -- healthy and happy. Corinna and Patrick have their hands full with five lads under nine, but from all evidence they're up to the challenge.

Visits from family have been a big source of pleasure. Niece Carol Bailes came for a visit in February and spent a wonderful week with me. Son Stephen came the end of April, did some good projects, and kept me company at the cribbage board in the evenings.

Michael, who had been living here, left with his cat Freyja in March to resume life in Arizona, came home to accompany me to the Westbrook F&D muster, stayed for my birthday party, returned to Arizona, but then reconsidered and has come back to live in Massachustts.

It is a comfort to have Annie living near by in east Brookline.

Patrick, Carol, and Stanley all came in September for my gala 93rd birthday party at the Legion hall, as did my Raytheon, Mitre, and Sudbury friends. A number of musicians from the fife and drum community came as well and livened the event with their Ancient music -- what more could one ask?

The fife and drum musters I attended were few, but the few that were were great: William Diamond Juniors, Westbrook, and of course The Sudbury Faire.

Sean continues to keep me well fed and happy with the produce of his farm in sunny California -- nuts, honey, fruit, peppers, etc. His generosity is boundless as is my gratitude.

Healthwise I'm doing as well as could be expected, and not suffering any major calamities. I did have a fall, tripping on an uneven sidewalk and wound up with a frozen shoulder (or torn rotator cuff), but Baystate Physical Therapy just down the street exercised me to where you'd never know I was injured. My appetite is great and I sleep like a log. Life is good.

May we emerge from this accursed pandemic to a happy and normal life, and may you all enyoy a bountiful and beautiful holiday season.

Love,
Ole Dan