Silver Bells ringing in the Snow!

I hate to admit that it's been so long since I've posted anything. Life has been exciting and full of busy-ness. My granddaughter Arleigh has been spending quite a bit of time at my now "child-proofed" house. She's almost 9 months old and is into everything she can reach...and believe me, she has a boarding house reach! (Like a Conyers.)

All my CT scans have been "NED" (no evidence of cancer) as well as my latest at the end of September. The cough was out of control (radiation pneumonitis) and the prednisone didn't help or heal...just made me gain about 18 pounds!!! Ouch (and yuck).

(As you can tell from the pic, I have eyebrows and eyelashes again...also still have a smear of blackness from my black eye under my right eye. The doctor said I'll have to go to a plastic surgeon to get rid of that dog-pulling accident! I'm not sure if it's worth it.)

Went to a pulmonary specialist at the end of October and got on Advair as well as an albuterol inhaler and "ta-da" no more cough. Also, no more excuses not to go back to work. Now that I know work is just around the corner, I'm finding so many things to do!

I'm healthier and wiser than I was last year at this time. Joyful and thankful for my wonderful friends and family. The kids are all coming home this year for Christmas since we now all live in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois (no more Arizona kids). I think I'd rather go to Arizona for Christmas. First snow of the year, first shoveling of the year, and already I'm ready for summer...and more summer vacation at the beach!!!

Visited my big sister in Vancouver, WA. What a relaxing, great, motivating time. Thanks, Anne Marie.

Just wanted to wish one and all a very Merry Christmas and joyous Holiday Season.

West Des Moines

December 14, 2010

3:01 p.m.