Monday

 The Michigan kids are back home after an almost 11 hour slow ride.  Jared did add that there was about a 1/4 tank of gas left in the tank.  Great gas milage I would say.  at 45 mph. The car went for an evaluation this morning and Wed. the transformation back to normal begins.  

            Christmas came big with a new mug and a Stanley to hold my coffee hot until I want it.                                        No cold coffee in my new mug. This girl needs nothing more.

The house continues to be quiet.  No bringing out food, no loud card games so it seems things are back to where they were last week.  

        More card games.  I think a 2 yr. old might be able to count the games Jared and pardoner won.  

The weather is extremely cold today with wind wanting to capture anything loose or tied down.  Woo.  I saw that Copper Harbor had blizzard warnings.  Kimmy said the ice was still with them as it had been before their drive to Carmel.  I wanted to do the Y but whimpered out.  Another day for that.  I did get to IU North early this morning for the monthly blood draw and heard that numbers have improved enough to start another three weeks of medicine.  That's just super news and worth the giving of a little blood on a Colder in Nome Alaska morning.  

                                    Dear little Thor, a rescue dog.  A friend to all of us begging.

So what else is going on...I U North has the sweetest caring ladies greeting cancer patients every weekday of the month.  Today was really busy having not worked through the Christmas Day weekend.  I gifted one who does the billing with a pink scarf.  She always has a beautiful smile when meeting patients. One just can't help but return that smile. It's important to take care of those who take care of us. 

A blue scarf came off the needles and another pink one jumped on the needles.  The goal for today and forward is to eat more protein.  Lunch was a little Christmas ham, cottage cheese and some leftover egg salad.  I'm trying to maintain weight. The weight loss is diabetic not cancer related. The afternoon attempt at the supper meal meant the menu would offer green beans, potatoes and ham.  Now that's pretty good.  And when needed a protein drink.  I don't think it's needed today. 

This pot of ham, gr. beans and potatoes were sooooo delicious.  I was going to send some to R and B but it was just toooo cold to ask Doug to move it on down the road.  Maybe tomorrow.  There is plenty. In this case it was a little left over Thanksgiving dinner ham.

And today another goal is staying warm.  That means more clothes now and maybe my electric throw tonight.  A few birds have been by.  Even noticed on the feeder was a blue bird along with finch and a woodpecker.  My friend Patty living closer to the big city saw two healthy looking coyotes.  She and Hank's dog were back in the house immediately this morning. 

                                    A poor little bent over iced apple tree at the Michigan Farm.

So today is a take care of a lot of things day.  Tomorrow I'm meeting Heidi and we will begin our care of nativity sets.  That will take some time.  There will be a few banner changes.  It's the coming of the Kings Sunday along with Communion. The beat goes on.  Or perhaps I should say the Church Year moves forward. 

                My tallest grandson Adam, looking like a gentle giant standing beside his SHORT grandma.