I picked up Kate at 10:30 AM this morning and we went to the Nugget to help serve. We were signed up for the 11:00 to 12:00 shift on the serving line.
We were assigned to the rolls and butter detail. Which was perfect. What a joy to see so many people, of all persuasions, enjoying the generosity of the Carson Nugget.
We developed a routine (being the first on the line) where I grabbed a plate and turned right where Kate loaded the goodies.
I then turned and welcomed the guest and gave them their plate.
Amazing how many people were in line and how fast we were able to serve them.
But best of all, right in the middle of the rush, Kate turned to me (all smiles) and said “what a good team we make”.
Having woke up the other morning with very similar thoughts, I just smiled back.
It is hard to become too attached. The scars from our last failed attempt at the “relationship thing” are still much on my mind. It hurt.
But this time seems different somehow. Neither one of us are drinking quite as much and we seem a little less stressed in our lives.
But, none the less, it seems prudent to just enjoy the moments. On the way out of the Casino she was just beaming and really happy when she hugged me from behind and said “I love you”.
That is as much emotion as I have ever seen from her. Her demeanor is very self controlled and in all things - professional.
All this is said simply to give you an idea that by the time I arrived at MAs - I was in a very good mood.
November 25th, 2010
Carson City, Nevada
I arrived at MAs in the early afternoon after dropping off Kate at her home. It is brutally cold but there is no new snow. I have a ton of mixed feelings about today. First it is good to share the day with MA and I have grown to love our time in her study. But also, I am a little reluctant to breech the subjects we have, thus far, downplayed.
I brought a gorgeous pecan pie as a gift along with a bottle of Frangelico (sort of traditional with us). MA was sitting in the study as usual while her housekeeper finished the meal.
MA: James it is so good to see you, thanks for coming.
J: Would not have missed it for the world MA.
MA: Would you care for a cocktail or coffee?
J: I would love a Crown on the rocks if you have it. Or any whiskey would be fine.
MA: Crown it is then.
She left to go in the kitchen and fix our drinks, MA almost always has Frangelico and tea, as I settled into the big chair by the fire.
While it is the cowboy lifestyle that has most defined my life and career - there will always be a deep appreciation for the rock solid life of others. Here in this womb of warmth and comfort, a man such as myself cannot help but wonder how it might have been.
A different decision here, a little more patience there - could I have ever ended up like this wonderful lady? Sitting in a family homestead, content with my lives’s work and reading in the afternoon before the fire.
Nice thoughts on a Thanksgiving day - and without a lot of recrimination. It is what it is. I have long ago found peace with my choices - but it is nice to daydream now and then.
MA: What a great day for a big fire.
J: I was just thinking the same thing MA.