Just in Time for Christmas

I am getting an up close and personal tour of America's medical, health world these recent weeks and months. I have the benefit of fantastic individuals doing yoeman work to bring healing and repairs to me. I almost said "to us" but that would include all those citizens without access to what I have and/or those who will soon lose it. Since it is Christmas Eve, I hope this season means a renewal, a recognition of our common responsibilities to one another, whoever and wherever we are on life's journey, that will swiftly grow and give new depth and meaning to: "Do unto Others as You Would Have Them Do unto You".

Thoracic surgery is my lot not far ahead to remove the spot and portion of lung with an excellent prognosis in view. January 9th is targeted for it to take place. The medical teams taking care of me are extraordinary and I feel confident there will be the best possible outcomes for that and for determining my other issue that so far confounds diagnosis. In the meantime, it is surreal that I feel very well, and yet this is happening; as though I am getting ready to go somewhere to get a pedicure.

Besides Wendy, John and now Keoni who is home for Christmas, many friends have stepped up to provide transportation to myriad appointments, studies and tests; even taking me to Aidan's PYAO concert.

First, he had a concert one evening at his school...

Then, came last Sunday's PYAO concert...

Taking his position as Principal Cello.

Warming up. No pictures allowed during piece.

Taking a bow.

After the concert.

Around home there were a couple of things to remind me what time of year it is...

Simple decorations here at Marge's hearth.

Keoni came with my pony Subaru to take me back to the farm one evening to decorate the family tree. But, first, the boys and I had time to take another walk together around the farm pastures...

Aidan testing ice. Keoni recording.

I missed the ladybugs all over the outdoor wall at the farm this year, but not entirely when one fell from the light fixture where she was wintering...




That's Aidan practicing in the background.

John, Aidan, Keoni.

Kennedy Center where Keoni was for a month last summer and the summer before.

Aidan adds the angel.

Karma seems quiet now but will watch for a chance to denude the bottom branches of ornaments.

A week or so ago Aidan, The Ice Man, sent this...



It was around that time that Granddaughter Sonja called and said they were heading off to a drawing for a Chevy Trailblazer. She said she almost thought it was a hoax but knew she'd entered some local contest. Some communication said she was in the top five drawing. So they went. This video didn't arrive very well, but you get the idea. She is the last name called. That's Jeff with her at the end...





She sent a snap, too, of her beautiful new car.  It looks like young Kingston just escaped out the back end of it...

Coming back from an appointment in Philly my friend stopped her car so we could watch these geese crossing the road...

There were perhaps 12 times as many birds in this flock. 

Carol and Janie sent me a newly published book of Jim Waid's art that I love. It's a wonderful presentation of his work. I know him from the last year he taught at Pima College when I took Drawing I & II from him. That's when I got to know Carol.

It's a Wonderful Life.