I could hear them from home, last night at midnight ... church bells chiming from nearby Trinity Church. I could/should have been there — at any one of the many churches in Newport, or in church anywhere — but I was otherwise occupied, wrapping presents. Yes, I tend to put things off ...
I called to my daughter, but she couldn't hear them (the bells); she was awake but otherwise occupied, listening to her iPod. My son couldn't hear them; he was out at a local bar with a collection of friends including his bar-hopping grandfather. My husband couldn't hear them; he was asleep.
But it did occur to me how many people had heard church bells ringing in the wonder of Christmas over the centuries in Newport ... a vast assortment of church bells, since RI is a true seat of religious freedom, even though Massachusetts gets so much of the credit. There are five steeples visible from my home alone, including a tiny blue one with a tiny bell (that never rings) and a sign saying, "First Lutheran Church." Was it really the first?? First in what way?? Just one more thing to figure out if/when I get around to it ...
I do realize I shouldn't be doing this (this!) on Christmas morning, but the kids (kids?) are still sleeping. And how and when did that happen?? That they sleep late ... even on Christmas morning?? We'll nudge them at 11 and say, "C'mon, plleeeeeaase?? Can we open stockings??"
Meanwhile, Mr. Betty and I sit sipping coffee by a cozy fire. It's even a white Christmas for a change. Peace and love to all ...
