[Filter: Private]

... Haha.

An opportunity for him. One that... so many years ago, I would have gladly urged him to take. And yet now I sit here with Greg and all I can think of is how empty this house will be. Sure, we have the kittens, but they'll be getting large soon and desiring less attention.

Eblar is simply... so far away. And with Corrina ... gone, and Lila gone for goodness knows how long, without Robbie it would just be... so different, here.

An opportunity. But can I really watch him go? It's obvious he's thinking about it now. The first time he's seemed truly interested in such a thing. I wonder ...

I do wonder. There's hardly much time, is there?

Now Robin, I am beginning to think that some day we will be eaten out of house and home, and that time may be coming sooner than we're prepared for! Not that I don't mind the company; it's been rather refreshing to have Gary here. He'll probably be heading on his way soon, now, won't he? I'm certain his own family must be missing the chance to put a good meal in him, haha...

[Filter: Private]

It's always just that one little thing...

Another year.

Corrina would have liked him. He's very like Robin, in some ways. I can even see the way she would have smiled at him, laughed at his jokes, and given him something of a big brother treatment. He seems to have that quality...

It's just... so disorienting, coming into contact with people who don't know. People who are are so removed from these journals that life just goes on unchanged for them. Especially for one who seems so close with Robin. They seem to get along so well. It's... good for him. He needs this... friends his own age. He's always needed that.

Dragons preserve us.

[Filter: Private]

It's... been nice, to see Robbie interacting with one of his friends. It's not something that I've seen for quite a while. He's never really had company over before, not with the girls here.

And it's been so long since they've all been here...

[Filter: Public]

Haha, honestly... with the way you boys keep eating, I'm going to have to make trips to the store more often! There's hardly been any leftovers, and I feel as if I'm making twice as many desserts now.

Robin, have you seen Peaches? Cream showed up when I called, but I just can't seem to find her anywhere. You don't think she could have snuck outside, do you?

Honestly, it's like having a small child in the house, sometimes.

[Filter: Private]

Even with neighbors popping in all day, this house still gets to feeling empty when I have more than a few moments to myself. Even when we had those pies delivered to the church for those who are in less fortunate positions than ourselves...

It's just not the same without family close. Without this family. I had come to forget how ... lonely festivals could seem. And Greg ... haha, he certainly changed all of that for me. He still hasn't talked about that time, either...

Mm. But there's no reason to darken the day with these thoughts. Not when it's meant to be such a positive day.

[Filter: Private]

It's funny...

Even after conferring with Juniper, all we've really seem to have come to the conclusion of is that we truly are not able to have such a strong role in the lives of our children that we would like, after all this time. Allison is her baby, much as Corrina's had been mine, and yet she and Lila are still far away. Knights, even, and taking that step... it's certainly far from the hands of worrisome mothers, isn't it? And Robin... well, it isn't as if I truly do get far with him. Lately he's been more responsible, but...

Still here at home at his age, with so little responsibilities. I haven't sent him to find work for a while, either, and for the longest time it was because I needed him here, needed him close. And while I still do... there has to be more I can do so that he really will be able to manage, once Greg and I are too old. Greg especially has been feeling it lately, and I'm not exactly young. It won't be long before the true reminder of that sets in, and then where will we be?

And everyone here complains about reaching thirty. I remember thirty. Our lives were so different then... and the sea of years in between can feel like an ocean. Even watching the cats play, as if they were my children... it shouldn't feel this tiring.

[Filter: Public]

It occurs to me that something like this has not been done for a while... but given the time of year, it seems fitting to ask.

Most people seem to have someone or ... something, in their lives ... that means a lot to them significantly, whether it is something in the moment, or something that has been their for their entire lives. While some of these can be intensely personal, there are various things that could fall into that category... even if it's just being thankful that you have one of these journals to keep in touch with those far from you.

So ... what are you all thankful for, this year? What is it... that keeps you going forward, each day.

[Filter: Private]

This is one of the only holidays that can get quite tiring. I'd appreciate celebrating the gift of fire much more in the winter.

I'm just glad that the day is nearly over. I am exhausted.

[Filter: Private]

It was difficult not to notice that entry. I had no idea our birthdays were even that close ... it's rather strange, isn't it? And he's so hard, now. ... Bitter. I never was happy with the idea, but I know that Corrina would not be happy with that.

Haha, and I really have no right to say anything at all to him. Surely he has others around him who would? Or perhaps they're simply too afraid to tread those roads, as proven by the way that discussion went. I wouldn't blame them.

... It isn't really my place.

[Filter: Robin]

You did such a fantastic job putting everything together the other day! Everyone keeps going on about how it was all your idea, as well. It really was just wonderful. Thank you, Robbie.

[Filter: Private]

It's nice to be able to spend such a day reminiscing with old friends. It's always a little shocking, thinking of how many years have passed since those days. Another birthday this month. The time just passes, despite whatever roadblocks are in the way. An afternoon of Greg and Garrison trying to outdo one another with their recollections, with Juniper quietly correcting them both once they've gone too far... well, I do have my own tidbits to slip in, but they're only thankful that I've learned not to do it too often. Far be it for me to ruin the mood. I suppose it isn't even worth it to let those thoughts here ...

It is refreshing to remember the good in those days. It especially helps when my memories are more suited for the worst kind of details. Lighten up, indeed. I remember when Alyssia used to say that, when I'd get particularly sullen. I can even hear her saying it now, and that's a voice long lost to time itself. 'Lighten up, Suzy.' Perhaps I have all this time with Robin to thank for that.