Trying to get caught up

Yes, it's been a long time since my last blog. I've been busy, although nothing like everyone else!

I've had two treatments on my cervical spine. Radio Frequency Ablation. It actually denervates (burns) the nerves. Hopefully, before Christmas, I will have 2 more done on my lower back. I am praying this helps. I am trying to co-ordinate meeting with a new doctor, a Physiatrist, ( a Physical Therapist Doctor) to help me get some strength back. I feel terribly deconditioned. All this waiting for hearings, insurance authorization, and appointments has worn me out. Not to mention, pain is exhausting. I keep trying to work through it, but, I have to accept that is not going to happen. That's been the hard part.

Ok, enough of that, Thanksgiving was wonderful! We went to Amazement Square, the "Mazoo" as Noah call's it. He loves it and I know Sophie did, too. It's mostly hands on stuff kids can do. From balancing a ping pong ball with a hair dryer to listening what the guitar, keyboard or drums sound like when you play them.

The park was another big hit (Check out my web album)Sophie is one fearless little spitfire! AND she is the sweetest little thing, too!

Ellen & David did everything they could to make Thanksgiving special. Having Elise, Peter, Noah and Sophia was "icing on the cake" for me. I had my family all together. That IS the best thing ever! I stayed there, at Ellen & David's, as I didn't want to miss a moment with all of them. It was fun! David's cousin Marie Mona joined us. Her english is fantastic! Please encourage all the kids to take up a second language. Ellen & Peter are so lucky to have it spoken in their homes.

Ellen, Kevin & Alex joined us joined for

Thanksgiving. Noah was very happy that

Aunt Ellen brought her famous coffee cake!

(El, I need that recipe! Please.)

Sophie liked the whipped cream, too! (Thanks to Daddy!)

We will all be together for Christmas in Florida, too. I can't wait! Maybe then we could get a picture of all of us with eyes open AND smiling while looking at the camera! I swear I don't know how Mom & Dad did that with all three of us, uh, four, wait-five, six and seven!!

After a week away from home I was greeted by my Christmas Cactus. When I woke up for some reason I went into my livingroom. The sun was shining on it and I couldn't resist this shot. This has got to be the most neglected plant on earth! I've had it for years and water it from time to time. It spends the summers on the porch in the heat and I bring it in when it gets cold at night. Thank you little Christmas Cactus for bringing this small joy into my home. How does it know when to bloom?

A little thing happened yesterday,but it gave me such a thrill. I was outside in the garden trimming dead flower stalks and leaves and such when I heard the woodpecker that has evaded me and my camera since I have lived here. I've tried numerous times to capture it with my camera and yesterday was the day! He landed on the huge tree across the street from my driveway. I watched him for a little while and went in to get my camera. Of course all of me SD cards had pictures from Thanksgiving week (Here's the link to Thanksgiving Pics)(http://picasaweb.google.com/katch52/ThanksgivingWeek2008?authkey=pL_5pYeXBDI#

So I quickly downloaded them onto the computer to have some space on the card. I got back outside and he was still there! I turned on the camera and the ill-timed message of "change the batteries" came on. Oh damn, the frustration! I ran back in changed the batteries and he was STILL there when I returned. He even let me walk around to get different shots. Now, I will share them with you

I think he was checking out the possiblility of a nest in that tree. He didn't peck at all. I almost thought he was just catching the late afternoon sun.

Speaking of late afternoon Ellen, Lucie and I are going to the Christmas Parade downtown tonight. It's cold now and at 5:00 pm I'm sure it will be colder!

I wish my editing would "stick". The pages seem to have a very strong mind of their own! The pictures don't want to stay where I want them to stay. I suppose I'll get the hang of this sooner or later. Or not.

Ta, for now.