Polishing Spoons and an Obit.

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Christmas was lovely; we did all of the traditional things. Including, Chinese food on Christmas Eve, earning the right to get downstairs on Christmas morning, a stocking for the pets, lasagna, cranberry blush, completely overwhelming the children, and baking cookies, of course.
One of my favorite things from Santa this year (among others) is a set of silver spoons that belonged to my great-grandparents. They’re engraved with the initials of their last name (also my middle name) and once I polished them up, they’re shiny and beautiful. Seems a bit silly, I mean, they are just spoons, but it's nice to have something special from that side of the family.
But, don’t think that spoons are a sad choice for a favorite gift. It’s not like I chose to highlight the spoons out of an array of unusually mundane gifts, having to think to myself: “Well, what can I say was my favorite? The empty box, the spoons, the pack of lined paper, the sock, or the extension cord.” I received normal things too, well, aside from an unusual amount of toys for a 22 year old.

Sadly, one of my mice, Pepper, died yesterday. Salt and I had a small wake and burial this morning. Zoë the cat came too, although she wanted to eat both Salt and Pepper. An excerpt from the obituary:

Disgusted by the intolerance he experienced and that of his kin in such establishments as houses, apartment complexes and shopping malls, he headed the Baltimore chapter of SAFM (Society for the Advancement of Fancy Mice) and served as president. He was appalled at the fact that he and his brother, Salt, have been forced to live in secrecy and disguise, and decided to unite his mouse brethren, and encourage them to fight for their universal acceptance. He made several public appearances including at the first annual SAFM conference at the 1st Mariner Arena, where he gave his famed “Are we men or are we mice?” speech.

Pepper also met with celebrities such as Stewart Little, Fievel Mousekewitz, Jerry, and Mighty Mouse to discuss and gain their support of eliminating mouse intolerance. Also, utilizing his exercise ball, Pepper risked his own life as he ventured out into public places to perform research for his cause. Pepper also supported SPEW (Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare) serving as the only mouse member. His valiant efforts will not be ignored. Salt has already taken Peppers’ place on the SAFM board of directors, and plans to continue the fight for oppressed mice everywhere.

Pepper, you will be missed.

Comments

Anonymous said…
It is with deep regret that we learned of Pepper's passing. Only a container from Colonial Williamsburg was good enough to house his honored remains. A donation has been forwarded to UMBC, where much of his valuable research was conducted. I have paid a condolence visit to Salt, and he is bearing up admirably under the circumstances.
29 December, 2005
Anonymous said…
poor pepper... i cry for you...
29 December, 2005
Anonymous said…
Whoopee! I found your blog...with major help from Meredith (and a cheering section from Shannon).
31 December, 2005
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