Sometimes, You Need a Nudge

Christmas has come and gone once again. And I didn't put up a tree - well, okay, a little ceramic one. And a wreath and a couple of my favorite old Christmas items, but nothing approaching a full-blown, all-out, ring-a-ding Christmas of old. I decided last year that it was over. That I was no longer willing to put myself in such a stew over one day. So I didn't. Oh, I baked cookies, and gave my kindly neighbor a gift. He does much for me, quietly. I gave my grandchildren cash gifts. They are teen-agers who have their own tastes and styles and I wouldn't begin to even think of selecting something tangible to open. One little girl got a gift because she's so easy to buy for and loves what I buy. One little girl got a promissory note for something she's scheduled to need come Summer. I spent the day alone and watched TV and read and enjoyed not having to pretend that I have a Leave It To Beaver family. My children found other pursuits for the day and let's hope that it begins a new tradition for them all. I visited with them later in the week and it was up to someone else to provide the food and libations and the tree and the atmosphere. It went well. Mainly. And the sun continues to rise in the East and the world continues to turn. And I feel content. Sometimes, you just have to get a nudge.

Where You Been?

Yes, you may well ask, "where you been?" Had a few bumps in the road. Last month, I had to call 9-1-1 to haul me off to the hospital, suffering from pains in my chest and arms. What would you think? Heart attack, right? And I with a replacement valve in my heart have concerns at every twinge. Is my valve failing? Well, they tested and they tested and my valve is fine. (Side note:) on the 20th of January 2013 it will be eight years since the little piggy gave up his life for my aorta) They tell me that I have arrythmia. Idiopathic. Which just means that there is no actual physical abnormality causing it. So one new medication and the beat goes on.