I suppose my 2 month... oops... 3 month holiday sabbatical from blogging must come to an end. Okay the truth is, I never went into the holidays thinking I wouldn't blog for a few months. But, that's how it turned out so it sounds much better to declare that I was on "sabbatical".
A lot has gone on since we last chatted. Or rather, you last read.
As many events have been these past 2 years, our holidays were limited a bit. While our Thanksgiving with Abby's family was a fun and full house, Covid showed up in both the Sanson and Leefers' families, and that kept many from joining our Christmas gatherings. It sounds selfish to say that Jack and I were still very blessed by the presence of AJ, Abby and Reilly in our home Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Reilly was apparently very good in her first 4-1/2 months as Santa was very good to her. The car was full as the new Sanson3 pulled out the drive Christmas evening. (I hope many of you get that reference to the "new" Sanson3.) Because of that full car - a few weeks later on the occasion of Reilly's baptism, Jack and I, along with my mom and Aunt Donna made room in our car to deliver the few Christmas things that had to be left behind.
In case I haven't told you lately... Reilly is the light of our lives. She is a happy and content little girl who is already living the dream. We just can't get enough of her.
Best quote of the last few months goes to Abby's nephew, Carter. He is 4 years old and while he adores his "baby cousin", it seems he wishes she would grow up a bit faster so they can play. At Thanksgiving he asked if Reilly would "be a baby all day?" Yep, all day. Sorry, Bud.
Speaking of quotes. In our 2-3 times weekly phone conversations, Kelley and I can come up with the most profound of statements. Besides all the hard work we do solving all the world's problems, we discuss many other social and relationship issues. Occasionally one of us will say something that causes the other to say, "Wow, that's good. We should stitch that one on a pillow." Yes, we are both word geniuses. We may launch our own "Inspirational Quotes on Pillows" decorating business. We just have one little glitch. The next day, neither of us can remember what was said the day before. What was the exact wording that was so awesome and on the mark? Who knows? I think it may be a while before we come up with enough quotes that we both remember to even begin this project. But, stay tuned! You just never know. And all blog readers will receive a friendly discount.
In case I didn't let you know, at the end of September last year, I turned 64. Will you still need me? Will you still feed me? Here's a little something for those of you who may not understand: You only have to listen for about 30 seconds to get it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCTunqv1Xt4
But if you consider that paragraph with the previous one, it adds up to.... well, almost Medicare.
Between Jack and I and my mom there were nearly 50 various medical appointments between March and late June 2021. Then when September rolled around, we were at the 6 month point for some and went back again on the medical appointment roller coaster. I once shared on Facebook that if your phone automatically connects to the Wifi in all the medical facilities within a 50 mile radius - you might have elderly parents. We still have one of those... but now there's also us. As of January 21, 2022, we'd all already had 7 various appointments this year. A couple of mine were old lady stuff. You know, the bone scan. I told the technician that neither of my grandmother's had ever had this done. My mom has never had this done. This is my 3rd - and LAST! I just did it to shut up the doctors office. Another was my pre-colonoscopy visit. The "procedure" is scheduled in February. Again this will be my 3rd.
The day before that actual "procedure", I realized I'd be back in that same room at the Carlinville Hospital Clinic with my mom for her routine cardiologist appointment.
An increase in specialists and doctor visits is not why I retired. I retired 3 years ago to travel more. The first year, wedding planning kept me busy. The last 2 years, our travel plans have been stolen by... you guessed it... another medical issue. I'm mad at Covid for stealing some of my twilight years Okay, maybe not quite twilight , but my early senior years.
It's 2022. Screw it - I'm going to plan some travels!
If you want a more musical account of how I feel these days, just listen to this: