Thursday, December 28, 2006

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

And, here we are at the end of another year. Due to things that have to be done at work, I've already written "2007" a few times. It felt strange, as it always does when that milestone is reached, but I know that it will only seem like the blink of an eye, and we'll be putting "2008" down on paper and wondering where that year went.

The past few weeks have been very busy. Mitchell's surgery was rescheduled for the following week, so he and I were off to Brandon bright and early the morning of the 12th. I was the same age as he is when I hade my gallbladder removed, but what a difference in the way we were taken care of! I checked into the hospital the night before - he had to be there two hours pre-op. My surgical scar runs from my breastbone to my belly button - he came home from the hospital with four small holes, stapled shut. I had the chance to talk to the nurses who were in the operating room, who explained to me what they had done, how long it had taken, and showed me the gallstones that had given me so much greif. My hospital stay lasted three weeks. Mitchell wasn't there three hours! They packed him into the car for a 100 mile ride home, gave me a perscription for his pain, and told me not to leave him alone for 24 hours. I fully agree that my hospital stay was too long, but surely one night in the hospital would be a good idea.

But, all's well that ends well; he is back on his feet and hopes to be working again real soon, although he discovered that he had better stick with eating little meals more often, rather than full meals three times a day.

Come to think of it, that wisdom would probably suit all of us after the feasting that has gone on here over the holidays. Glen and I are getting ready to spend a week in Mexico so I've been trying to finish up the goodies before we leave. When I realized that there were still five pies to go, I started to give them away last night. None of my clothes are going to fit if I keep that up!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we celebrated with the traditional turkey meals, but on Boxing Day we repeated the hay ride Glen initiated last year. There were around 30 family and neighbours who came over for the ride up to the pasture on 21 where we lit a bonfire and the kids toasted marshmallows while the adults sipped coffee and Baileys. The older kids all trooped off to the dugout hill nearby and tobagganed until the sun was setting. When we got back to the house there was a gigantic pot of chili ready to serve - it was a grest day. So far Glen has been borrowing the hay rack for this excursion, but I don't think anybody is going to let him quit this annual event; he may as well buy his own. I wonder if the weatherman is always going to be so kind?

1 comment:

Kerrie and Brad Turton said...

Wish Mitchell well. I had surgery on my shoulder 3 weeks ago and all that was left behind were 4 holes, no surface stitches and some pain. I was back at work in a week, but only behind the computer.

If this years hayride was like last years I am envious - it was a great time, long as the weather is warm (no double digit minus please). For us who are used to a slightly warmer climate, a mild winters day is all we can endure. Happy New Year!