Togetherness

  David Brooks in his August 31 column refers to a scholarly review of happiness research by Elizabeth W. Dunn, Daniel T. Gilbert and Timothy D. Wilson.      They suggest  "buy experiences instead of things. . ."
Our recent family trip to celebrate our fiftieth anniversary was an example, for me, of an investment in an experience leading to happiness!    More money, more things, bigger and better  objects. . .nothing like
quality time together.    
      One night we played a game, "Life Stories",  in a crowded cabin living area with people answering questions such as "Describe a time when you felt proud of something you have done" or
"Tell a story you were once told about one of your relatives."     We laughed and laughed, sorry to have to quit at bedtime.
       In the same editorial, Brooks speaks of a Yiddish word, haimish  "which suggests warmth, domesticity and unpretentious conviviality".     Memories of the very best of fifty years!

Hiking on the Red River ski area

Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration

Four families in four cabins  (we shared with Susanne and Jens and boys) - 24 of us altogether.   The kids fished from 6 a.m. until after dark using a flashlight.   Visited the Taos pueblo, white water rafting. . great fun for four days.