MIAGD: Make it a great day

The wind chimes are dancing in this brilliant breeze that would have made sitting in Far Hills Avenue, alongside the Bane family, a most perfect time to watch the traditional Holiday At Home parade that attacks thousands for our festival.

Tony and Angela Bane, along with their three children, Jacob, Ellie, and Noah, have been my parade companions since 2008 when the older two Bane babies were piano students.

Now, Jacob and Ellie are college students, leaving Noah the lone sibling participant in the Bane home.

I am so-so with traditions; some I can allow to slide but others are a piece of my individual fabric.

Through the years, I’ve altered my Thanksgivings and Christmases. With family generations passing on, some traditions have naturally changed.

July 4th, I always watch The Americana Parade from the second floor window of McCutcheon Music Studios at 18 Franklin Street in Centerville. It’s the best view for taking photos and I get to spend time with Jim and Debbie McCutcheon and their family and friends.

The Labor Day parade in Kettering, as mentioned above, is the other.

This summer, two of my favorite traditions were cancelled. It’s not so much the parades I miss as it is the folks I spend time with during the parades. Plus, before or after the parades I get to see tons of other friends.

Today is a gorgeous day and though I miss this particular tradition with the Bane family, I continue to celebrate and cherish our special friendship through the years.

Safely and intelligently enjoy your holiday, even if you’ve had to alter your own traditions.

Make it a great day!