All is Calm, All is Bright

Things are going well! My husband is off oxygen and breathing well on his own. Today he had his first solid food, and is taking his medications orally instead of through the IVs. Really great progress. Though it is rather dismal to be in the hospital at Christmas, he has a very positive attitude.

By the way, Pyewacket is doing great, too. The cone came off on Monday and his paws are beautifully healed. He is back to his fun and happy self and enjoying a Christmas squeaky mouse from his friend Walter the Beagle. Pixie received two little roly-poly mice with bells, and Gwennie received pumpkin dog biscuits. Walter is a very generous doggie.

A white Christmas but very cold.

Happy Holidays! Take care!

Briefly and Belatedly

Blessed Yule!! I am missing it by a day, but better late than never, I always say, belatedly!!

My husband endured a difficult six and a half hour surgery, but is doing okay. We want to get him through these next few days without incident, and then I think he will be "home free". Continued positive thoughts and prayers sent his way would be gratefully received.

Obviously our holiday celebration is on hold. I am sad to say little to no decorating or baking has occurred. We will just delay until things are better.

Sending warm wishes to all. Be safe.

Pixie Reports In

Meow! Hi! Pixie here. I am hanging out on the stairs because I am bored. My brother is stuck in jail. He can't play. But he is doing a bit better. Thank Cod! He has been me-OW-ing like crazy. Soon he will get out of jail and be able to walk around.

These stairs are kinda comfie. I think I will stay here for a nap.

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone sending good thoughts to my brother.

Uh-oh. Here comes the dog. I better scat. Meow-bye!

Some good news, some bad news

Snow is very beautiful, isn't it? The evergreens painted with crystalline splashes of pure white. Snowflakes glittering like diamonds. Clean, fresh air with that crisp, cold sharpness. Cars stuck in icy snowbanks. Treacherous trips down the driveway to get the mail. Risk of frostbite while shoveling. Get the picture?!

Anyway.....medical update: my brother had a successful procedure on Monday, and hopefully this will help him for a while. That's good news!

My husband is really ready to get on with his surgery. December 19th! All will be well.

In the bad news: Our sweet little Pyewacket kitty jumped up on the flat surface of the wood stove chasing a moth, and badly burned all four paws!!!! Terrible. I rushed him to the emergency animal hospital. He is on pain medication and antibiotics; the vet recommended a special kitty litter called "Yesterday News", which is made from recycled newspapers and is smooth, soft and in pellets. He is also afflicted with the "Cone of Shame", and I have isolated him in our old kitty condo that they lived in for the first few weeks after we brought them home from New Jersey. (That was 17 months ago!!) We are miserable for him, poor little Pye-Pye.

Poor Pyewacket (and he just tipped over the litter box)

Frosty, but Fine

Blessings and peace to his family, and the world all over, as Nelson Mandela passes.

Ice and snow and blizzardy cold across the US. Stay safe and warm, people. Be very careful out there. We had icy rain here this morning. Not sure if the forecasters know what is coming next.

Medical news from the HomeFront. My brother is scheduled for surgery, Monday, December 9th. It is a procedure for his kidneys, which suffered during the two strokes a couple of years ago.
My husband has been cleared for reconstruction surgery on his colon on December 19th. New surgeon of course, and All Will Be Well!!!!!!

So hospitals are in the immediate future for us. Yule will still be observed, in and around and through these various events. I have met worst challenges, that is for certain!!

Gotta run. Keep those bird feeders full, and watch out for frosty weather.

source

Snippets

So here we are full-tilt into that typically American season of "Holiday Shopping". Ugh. Maniacally obsessed consumers hunting for all those "fabulous" deals. I won't go near the malls and big name stores for at least a month, if then, really. I like to shop the small business, local craft fairs and online. And we do not go crazy with the credit card. We prefer simple things. I know there are a lot of people out there who believe, like me, that the Season is about peace, family, and celebrating the return of Light.


I got a haircut, which is not normally newsworthy. But, I swear to you, when I looked in the mirror the next morning, my hair looked like a Briard. I am not kidding.

Hair of the Dog source

Turkey leftovers are gone. Good sandwiches, a delicious turkey soup (if I do say so myself) and now I am fine without turkey until next Thanksgiving.

cute turkey kid source

Now it is time to start moving everything around in the house to fit a Christmas tree somewhere. I think the house shrunk. Do you have that problem?

Hugs from Robin.