My online journal sharing interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
Met a friend in Old Town when I saw this figurine in the window of a gift shop that is decorated for the holidays. I just happen to have my camera with me and shot through the window, thus the reflection. And, a better photographer would not have cropped the wolf. Anyway, holiday music has been playing for more than a week while some of us are still eating pumpkin pie. Sheesh!
As I was about to leave my daughters house on Christmas eve, I found Cricket asleep on their bed near the woodstove. I guess it was just too exhausting. Hope everyone enjoyed the holidays.
Wow, this is Christmas week! I must admit I’ve not had much of a Christmas spirit so far this season but that shifted some on Saturday evening. My good friend , Joan, and I made a visit to the Garden of Lights which is put on by the Gardens at Spring Creek. It is a wonderful way to excite all of us children at heart. Joan and I enjoyed walking along with a smile as we listened to the children “ooh” and “aah” or their excitement when they saw Santa or the reindeer. The Gardens had Christmas carolers and a magician. The young girls in the above image are enthralled as they get a look into Santa’s workshop. I think all of us kids had a good time. I know Joan and I did. In fact it lifted my spirits a bit. Have a great week!
I went to Old Town this past week to see Don Thurn play and sing at the Walnut Creek Gallery. I picked up a friend who went with me and found this Christmas Lighted truck and Santa parked on her street. Had to have a photo.
A friend of Don’s showed up and played her ukulele while Don assisted with vocals. Snacks were aplenty for those into grazing and even had drinks for those old enough. It’s one of those stores that requires a four hour visit because there is so much to shop for.
As I mentioned in my last post I had open heart surgery on Dec 5th. All went well during surgery, that was a piece of cake, but the recovery is not for the faint of heart. The valve is 21mm piece of cow and I have no idea what part of the cow. My hospital stay of 4-5 days became 9 days due to a couple of hiccups. I had a mild stroke on my left side but all is good now with no side effects. I also had retention after removing the catheter which added a couple of days. On Wednesday, a week after surgery my heart went into AFIB which extended my stay one more day.
Good to be home but do not have much energy. Doctors tell me to expect that for about 2 months. I’m finding out how little patience I have.
I cannot say enough for the nursing staff of the cardio ICU and the cardio RU. Awesome people who dedicate themselves to keepin people alive. I can also say that about the surgery staff. I was impressed when they all walked into my room the morning I left and signed the heart shaped coughing pillow for my sternum.
Thanks for prayers and thoughts and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
We are heading home today, back to the colder temperatures. I have enjoyed the family time except for all the food I was forced to eat. I have also enjoyed the wonderful weather they have here in Phoenix. Tomorrow will be my pre-op appointment, blood draws and more explanation on what to expect with the surgery on the 5th. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving !
It is a cold Christmas season for us here in Colorado. We’ve had single digit temperatures for 3 straight days which means the daytime highs don’t get very high. Santa will earn his money this year. We may have a bit of snow on Christmas day.
I’m having Christmas Eve dinner with some friends then time with family Christmas Day. I hope you are able to be with family and friends, also! Merry Christmas to you.