I am an only child; whereas I have cousins in the area, I seldom have felt like part of the family. For many years I didn’t do anything with them. Then, after many years, I started visiting with them some Thanksgivings, Holidays and maybe some other “celebrations.” For 5/6 years I’d go, and for a week and a half or two weeks I’d wonder why in the hell I went . . .

So, in Oct 2004 when I had my leg off, I thought “well, this is a good time just to try and separate the forces.” Did a damn good job of it, too!!!!!

Of late, two of my oldest cousins came and helped take things from my house to the Thrift Shop, came by here and talked a while and invited me to Christmas dinner at their home. I accepted without a second thought. Everything went really well. AND I had a really GOOD time.

House full of close to 40 people ... everybody talking, laughing and teasing ... this group of folks have always had a great time together.

God Bless Them Everyone
I had a great time
Mandala

My Christmas present to me is eggnog ... I love a country farm brand that is here in Krogers and then after the new year I go get a calendar or two at Barns & Noble ... it takes A LOT of will power not to go get things that are out at Christmas. But after some years of practice, it’s fairly easy now ... I ignore as much as possible . . . !!!

The only day my clinic does not work is Christmas day ... so being as I run MWF ... my M run will be tomorrow (SUN) and our city transit does not run where I live on Sundays but they do have ParaTransit buses for wheelchairs ... so that bus will pick me up in the morning.

Then Christmas day I’m going to my cousin’s for dinner —> you know —> the best food in the world is at family gatherings and Wednesday nights at church.

Being as Christmas is right around the bend, I hope you are all ready.

When I was growing up, we would put up our tree and have it ready for decorating on Christmas Eve when the community would come over and bring ornaments and visit a while.

After our move, I‘m working through cleaning up all the small stuff and TRYING to pass things on to our Thrift Shop ... geeze ... it’s amazing how long it takes me. I have so little energy and I’m happy when I wake up with the interest to get up and get things done!!! The decisions that have to be made!!! It’s called slimming down!!!

Ya’ll have a great time now, ya hear.

thank you
Mandala

. . . next week ... 28th. So, we’ll see after that.

I’m not doing much of anything for Christmas. It seems that when there are no children and I am the end of this family line ... that’s about it!!! The last time I was decorating, I was still putting snow on the branches on New Year’s Eve!!!!!

Now, if it would SNOW ... that would be a different story!!!

A good friend has been living with me since August and I’m just beginning to realize how much money he is using for beer and cigs ... I have a broken elbow where he is concerned ... I also realize that he needs both to feel ok. Sad story ... I don’t know what else to do ... I’m up against a wall ... so is he.

I’ve always been able to control the thngs I’ve needed to ... stop smoking (now/check) ... quit drinking (now/check) and never did do a bunch of the things that sooner or later you really do need to stop doing!!!

Separate subject: I wrote a while back about those of us who are ill and how we do consider death far more than the usual person (I would think). Right here at the holidays is also a period of time that far more people do consider death —> so much emotion builds up and the dreams of the past have deminished. It was a longer entry before; but, for now, this is it!!!

Ya‘ll have happy holidays now, ya hear
Mandala

Well, now I know!!!

A few weeks ago where my TX scar is felt too sensitive . . . so, I felt it and after about two weeks, I finally saw my doctor and I have a hernia!!! Sometime this week I’ll get tested and then a surgery . . . there you go!!! a hernia . . .

that’s all I know right now . . .

thank you
Mandala

So, on my way to the bedroom, went out side on the porch and called and on down the porch and called some more ..... oh well .... came back inside and was shutting the door and leaving it a bit open so Simon would come on inside when I saw the door move, a nose trying to push through and Simon was home .... 12:11!

thank you
Mandala