It was the beginning of the winter solstice, the wind blew and the sky was gray.
The lakes were frozen, the earth was frozen, and the air had a chill.
It was the shortest day of the year, only eight hours of daylight would show today.
Even the little fuzzy creatures were scurrying around getting ready for the winter snows.
It was the time of quiet, the time when all became calm and all would soon be reborn.

The Great Gumba awoke to a bright and crisp day, grouse were seen dancing in front of Castle Catalano, much to The Great Gumbas delight.

The Great Gumba sat and had a hot beverage, overlooking his vast kingdom and remembering:

Remembering Racing Ma, and the White Haired Hermit, those, which had, bore him, brought him into existence as it were.
Remembering Solstices past, when all the immortals were present and much merriment and feasting was had by many.
Remembering how Racing Ma would prepare great feasts of love, for food was love and when one ate with family and friends, their was always much love to be shared.
Remembering how The White Haired Hermit would carve the great beast, and many green things would be passed around.

With glasses held high, the White Haired Hermit would extol to all, how important family clan and friends were. How they, above all, made everything else worthwhile.

He would proclaim, LA FAMIGLIA: to family, friends and health.

Then the feasting would begin, the great table would rumble with the sounds of feasting,
The great beast would soon disappear. Much wine would be consumed and family members past, present and future would always be welcome, at this, the solstice table.

Racing Ma would rant; rant about whatever she could, for this made her feel good somehow. The White Hair Hermit would then begin to rant about Racing Ma, and so forth.

And so the day would go, Immortals and Mortals alike would come and go all day, paying respect to Racing Ma and the White Haired Hermit, bringing food and wine and then eating said food and drinking said wine.

Gifts would be exchanged… many gifts would be exchanged, much paper would need to be disposed of and many games would be played.

Then we would eat some more.

This is what the Great Gumba remembers.


To all the Immortals and Mortals alike,
Who, have helped shape The Great Gumbas world,
Who, have been a friend, in times of need,
Who, have defended Castle Catalano,
Who, have feasted with The Great Gumba and Kerry the Bard,
Who, have helped heal the Great Gumba.
To family and all who the Great Gumba calls friend.

I, The Great Gumba, thank you for all that you have done, for during this time, NOTHING means more to me than you.

LA FAMIGLIA, to family, friends and health.