I woke up to 48 degree temperatures this morning. It was misting a bit too but never really rained. Snowdrifts have melted quite a bit and everything is just dripping. Now, with our luck, it will start raining and snowing and then freeze.

I took breakfast over to Dick this morning. We had the leftover Strata and fruit that I had prepared for Richard and Brenda. He liked it a lot and it was a good morning to do this as they were being served a hard boiled egg with bacon for the Center's breakfast.

I finally got a hold of Plymouth Plumbing and they sent a man over to check the water heater. I met him at 10 AM. The water heater is failing. This was installed in May of 2000 and he said the national average for water heaters is 8 years. We go an extra 6 months. They will come Monday morning. I can call them as soon as we are back from Dick's doctor appointment with Dr. Sharon.

I took a nap next. I was really tired. Not for lack of sleep, I don't think. I slept really well last night.

Dave from Wolf's Chrysler suggested that we reschedule the appointment I had with him to look at van's to next week as the fog was really heavy on the highway and he felt it was dangerous. Probably not the best time to be looking at cars out in that lot anyway. So I spent the afternoon cleaning, computering AND cutting out squares for two quilts that I need them for.

Bart and Barb called. I received their present yesterday. The overnight delivery did not work, probably because of the weather. Bart remembered how much Barb and I enjoyed his GPS while we were driving around in Dallas so they got me one. I can hardly wait to try it. I figure I will set it up today and/or tomorrow and then use it driving locally so I get used to it. What a fun toy.

I went to the 4PM Mass. Saw lots of friends after Mass who are praying for Dick and are concerned, but I still managed to get home, feed the critters and get to the Plymouth Center with my chili to have supper with Dick. I got there at 5:20. He was already in the dining room and served, but some of the others were already being served so it was OK. They were having chili too.

Now I am home for the night and perhaps maybe for tomorrow too, if the weather gets bad. Otherwise, I will have a meal with Dick and go spend an hour or so with Mom as I will not see her on Monday.

Roxie has positioned herself on the desk like the old days. I have the lamp there and she likes the warmth and being close to me. Makes me feel good.

Love

Mary

Just for fun:

Isn't this the truth!

Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater.
If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby.
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.
So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.

It got too late to post last night. Hope no one missed me but on the other hand hope maybe someone did. It is nice to be noticed.

Yesterday was a superfragilistic day. I set off to see Dick for a good morning HI, at about 9AM. Then headed over to Sheboygan Falls to visit with Mother and take her Christmas present and her stollen to her. We had a nice visit. She is kind of weary and tired but looks good. Randy, Donna, Erin and Jessica arrived shortly before I had to leave so I got to visit with them too. Donna, Erin, Jessie and I all discovered that we are tea drinkers as we looked over all of the neat teas that Mom received for Christmas. Someday the five of us should have a tea party.

I left there and came home to check the critters. Jim and Michelle had been there and dropped off the dinner goodies. My counter and refrigerator were full of the bounty. They "rearrived" shortly after I go home. They had gone over to visit with Dick. Bret called as I was preparing Dick's lunch. We had a nice visit and he liked his present. He sounds good and will be out at the River over New Years. He was spending Christmas with Mary and her family at his home.

Dick and I visited until 2PM then I came home as I figured that Richard and Brenda and Bobbie and Bill would be arriving soon. I was right. Bart had called also. I called back and had a nice visit with Barb, Bart and Marlise, Barb's Mom.

We unwrapped presents at about 3PM (except for mine, it had been decided that Dick and I would unwrap ALL of ours while we had dessert at the Center when we all gathered with Dick.
It is such fun watching people open presents. Everybody seemed very pleased with their gifts. That made me feel good.

Bobbie and Bill took appetizers over to Dick at 4 then had a SUPER dinner. Michelle and Jim prepared a wonderful array of appetizers, then followed with Spinach/Mushroom Manacotti, green bean casserole and a delicious salad.


When we finished Richard and Brenda took Dick his dinner and we all cleaned up and loaded up the presents and dessert and joined them.

The next two hours were spent together. Dick and I unwrapped our presents and did we ever get a lot of thoughtful, fun and beautiful gifts. Everybody was so generous and caring. Especially nice, Bobbie and Bill donated to Fr. Mike's Sarnelli House in my name. I was thrilled.

After pie with whipped cream and mulled wine and samples of my homemade Grand Marnier we closed down for the night. Jim and Michelle headed home first as they had to get back to Oshkosh and Bootsie. Bobbie and Bill went next. After Dick was all settled, Richard and Brenda and I came back here. Richard did a lot of cleaning up and fixing on my computer which is now working much faster and seems to be working cleaner. I am SO grateful. I have so many things that I depend on that computer for.

Dick is now in the Modern Hep age. Richard and Brenda got him an IPOD. Richard loaded it with LOTS of old movies and radio shows for him.

Anyway I did not get to bed until after 10 and Richard was still working on the computer. We had a glass of wine AND dried the nice decaf tea that Brenda had bought for me. It is a nice Irish Breakfast tea.

This morning, I baked a nice egg strata and fixes a pear/orange bowl for our breakfast. There is enough left that I am taking breakfast to Dick tomorrow morning.

Richard and Brenda left shortly after 11AM. I took lunch over and ate with Dick in the dining room. Then I came home because I had to wait for the Culligan Man. I don't know if I mentioned it but there was a leak of Something in my basement. It looked like it was under the Softener unit but when he came it appears to be under the water heater. Since he got here after 4PM, I left a message at Plymouth Heating and Plumbing. They have an emergency number but apparantly don't check it often because it is after 8PM and I have not heard yet.

I had supper with Dick too. We discussed the car situation more. I am going to Wolf's Auto tomorrow to check out a couple of cars that can be converted for easy access.

Now it is after 8PM. I am home and glad to be here. Critters are glad I am hear too.

I received this the other day. I wished a Merry Christmas to everyone that I met. Did you? Happy holidays could actually be all right but not with the avoidance it implys.

Sad Christmas News From
Washington, D.C.

The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene in the US capital this Christmas season.

This isn't for any religious reason, they simply have not been able to find Three Wise Men in the Nation's capitol, nor could they find a virgin.

P.S. There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable.

God love you all

Mary

Another busy day. I went grocery shopping this morning in the snow. I was beginning to think it was going to pass us by but no such luck. I went over to spend the morning with Dick after the groceries were put away.

They had the Center's Christmas party at 10AM so I went with him. Merry knew better than to give Dick the red and green beads to wear, so I got them. It was fun. Santa came with gifts for all the residents and dis he EVER bring nice gifts. Dick to two new crossword puzzle books and three nice new shirts. Wow, were we impressed.

Then I went home because it was snowing pretty good and getting slippery. I vacuumed a bit and watered the plants and tidyed up a bit and waited for the snow to stop. Miracle of miracles, it did and I was able to get to the 4PM Mass and then got back to the Center to have supper with Dick. They were serving soup and grilled cheese sandwich with fruit and a Christmas Cookie. One of the nurses said that their suppers aren't really worth the $5 they cost, but as I told them. Dick is worth it.

I brought our Christmas stockings and one present for us to unwrap tonight. I brought one from Bret that was kind of torn and we could see part of it anyway. It is a tea for two set, with a pot, two cups and two kinds of tea. Really nice. I can hardly wait for Mom to come over to share it with me.

I left for home at a little before 7PM. It is really slippery out there. I hope it is better tomorrow because I need to get to Sheboygan Falls to see Mother and take her the stollen and her present. I couldn't go Monday because of the weather and today was bad again. Tomorrow is the big day.

Christmas. Do you know the story of the Polar Express. The author says that the silver bell that Santa gave to the boy could only be heard by the heart of a child. They boy and his sister were the only ones who could hear it that first Christmas morning. Then the boy says that all of his friends could hear the bell but as the years went by they all lost the ability to hear it.

The Capucian priest we had say Mass for us tonight also talked about the ablility to be a child. He said that we all need to hang onto the freedom of a child. After all Jesus came to bring us that freedom. The freedom to be us and to belong to God.

Happy Christmas.

Love

Mary

See who is under the tree? Our Roxy has settled in just fine. I sure did miss them.

Love

Mary

Twas quite an exciting day.

I had my appointment for my reflexology treatment at 8:00AM at Joan Kramer's home. She lives right off of Hwy 32 just this side of Howards Grove. It was snowing, BUT Mary decided to attempt it anyway and once I got out onto Hwy 23 it seemed silly to turn back. I saw on car in the median. It was on it's side but both passengers were on their feet and talking on their cel phones so I guess it was not too serious (except for righting the car and fixing it.) Whe I got to Joan's Richard was shoveling. I stopped to thank him for doing that "just for me." He got it. So I didn't feel goofy. Joan wondered what I was thinking coming in that weather but as I told her once I got out on the highway it was just as easy to keep going as to turn back.

So I had a wonderafully relaxing session. She does such a nice job and told me that from what she can tell, I AM doing the right things to take care of me. That is important if I intend to be able to take care of Dick.

When I left there I came home and took care of critters, fixed a quick sandwich and went over to the Center so we would be ready to leave when Tim came to take us to the Clinic. We got to Dr. Morales office at a bit before one and were the first patient after the lunch hour. Our friend Brian came specially for us. He was actually working at the hospital today, but came to assist Dr. Morales as Dorothy is on vacation. We always like seeing Brian. He is one of the best RNs I know and is a wound specialist.

Anyway, Dr. Morales had the graft material and had plenty to cover both wounds. Now Dick has to be non weight bearing for two weeks. Dr. Morales will look at the wound next Tuesday. It will take four weeks for complete healing. Then we will have to get special shoes made to keep the pressure when he walks where it is supposed to be.

Pray. The next two weeks are very crucial. We are really putting all of our cards on this.

I came home shortly after f0ur and just stayed. There is supposed to be more snow and it is really slippery out there. Three critters are glad that I am here anyway.



IF A FAT GUY GRABS YOU AND PUTS YOU IN A BAG, DON'T WORRY I TOLD SANTA I WANTED A GOOD FRIEND FOR CHRISTMAS!

LOve

Mary

Another cold day. It was -2 when I got up. (That is not counting the time Chelsea woke me up at 2:30AM. I don't know what is happening to her these days. She is not at all consistent. This morning was the WORST. At least after I let her out and SHUT HER OUT OF THE BEDROOM, I get to sleep until 6AM every morning.) Actually it is -4 right now. Now it is supposed to be warmer tomorrow BUT there is going to be more snow. The lot is already full. Where will they put it. If Mark builds two units in that lot, I don't know WHERE they would go with it all.

I sent a bunch of email cards this morning, frosted the stollen and cut out some denim squares. I need them to make our denim bedspread bigger. Then at about noon, I went to the post office for stamps and then over to spend some time with Dick.

We had a talk with Carrie, the social worker. Dick's insurance status is changing and we needed to be made aware of that. I am also investigating getting a vehicle that will be suitable for Dick. He needs to be able to get into it so that we can transport him to doctor antherapy sessions and maybe EVEN out for some fun.

My friend, Joann Miley stopped by the Center hoping to see me with Dick. She is such a dear. She brought a basket with fruit and candy and a card for Dick. Dick called while she was there so I could talk to her. I DO have the best friends.

Got a message from Bobbie this morning. We WERE going to have a liver dinner tomorrow night, but she cracked a tooth and asked if we could put it off. (No kidding.) I hope she got to see her dentist. She can't chew on that side and it hurts to brush. That would be NO fun at a wonderful Christmas dinner and it will only get worse. Pray for a quick fix.

Tomorrow will be VERY busy. Dick gets the graft on the wound on his right foot. This is a very exciting thing. and should really promote speedy healing (we hope). So pray that all goes well.

I am very tired tonight and am just waiting until 9PM so that I can crawl into bed. I would go now except for Chelsea. If take her out at 9PM and she wakes me up as early as 2:30AM. Whatever would happen if I went to bed SOONER than that.

Bret's package arrived today. I opened it up and a lively white Bear wearing a green stocking cap and a green quilted vest popped right out of the tip. He is wearing a sign that says "You look like you need a hug. So I hugged him.

The unwrapped presents went under the tree. Only two more days til the festivities start.
Good night, Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite.

Love

Mary

Can you believe that the highest the temperature got today was minus 1? And the wind is still blowing. Even Chelsea is not eager to stay out for any more time than it takes to do her duty.

Dick and I decided that I should not leave the house today because of the cold. So I did not and I am grateful. I put a heater on in the garage to try to take the chill off and it got all the way up to 19 degrees.

The plows DID come through and the poor guy that does the sidewalk shoveling did too. I am glad that I did not see him, I would have been worried. But maybe I could have given him some hot chocolate or something.

I did a lot of stuff today around here. Everything is pretty much put away and I am actually almost done with my preliminary stuff for CWI. The main thing that I have to do is recruit another person to be on the board.

I called my friend Nancy today too. We had not talked for some time. I found out that probably the best Mass to go to on Christmas Eve will be the 6PM. It will be busy but not as busy as the 4PM whish is for the kids. I am reminded of an Irish priest who was the pastor at a parish that I belonged to in Costa Mesa. I think the parish was St. Joachim's. Anyway. Christmas came and the church was, as usual for the holiday, packed to the rafters. Every seat was filled and there were chairs along every wall and every aisle. The priest gave his sermon and with an Irish twinkle in his eye said that none of the parishioners would mind being crowded at all as long as everybody came back the next week.

Wouldn't that be something.

When we were really little, Mom and Dad would store presents over at the two sets of Grandma and Grandpa's Houses. Dad would go to Midnight Mass, which was actually at midnight then. Before he left for Mass, he and Mother would decorate the tree and he would pick up all the presents. When he got home at 1PM, they would sort all the presents and then he would have a T-Bone steak for breakfast.

How they ever got up with us at 6AM, I will never know and Mom had to fix a big Christmas dinner too.

A house full of love and it was go good thing. With all those people in the house it could have been a disaster if we did not love each other.

Mary