We Had a Christmas Party

Once again Christmas was upon us and there were no parties planned for our community.  So we had one and invited the Driveway Group.  Yes, the same ones who occasionally gather at Happy Place to cook hamburgers.  

It's the Christmas season, so a few were going to be out of town.  Even so, we managed to gather sixteen who excitedly said, "YES!" to the invite.  Sixteen was about all we could handle so it didnt' get overly crowded.

I took the opportunity to welcome new neighbors to Terra Mariae with a Cathedral Birdhouse.

I didn't take a lot of photos but it appeared that everyone ate well and had a good time.

 

Our First 'Below Freezing' Morning of the Season

 It was 30° this morning, a definite confirmation that winter is just around the corner.  But it will climb to 67° making for a nice day. 

It will be short-lived, as tomorrow morning is predicted to be about 10° warmer, climbing into the mid 70°s.

At least we're not suffering from a blizzard that lasts until next Spring.

It's Starting to Feel Like Winter is Not Far Away

 The forecast is to expect a 33° morning this week.  33° is close enough to call it Winter.

Now, if we could get some rain, we would be pleased.

Clear Sky in the Early Morning

 When we lived in Houston, it was a rare night when the stars could be seen through the haze.  Even then, the few we did see were our own neighboring planets, mostly Venus, and even it was 'fuzzy' due to my poor vision.. 

Jump forward to our move from Houston to Covington, Louisiana.  We found ourselves living 'out in the country.'  The air smelled different - better and cleaner.

Our first night in our new home was glorious.  Everything was new and fresh, including the air and the sky.  The Sky!!!  Excitedly, I looked up.  I could see hundreds of stars.  I could make out a 'dipper.'  And that one may have been Mars.  I was so excited that the first thing I wanted to order was a telescope - a good one that I could dial in a planet or a galaxy far away.  I could attach my camera to take photos.  I was creating a totally new and exciting hobby.

The next evening I once again looked anxiously into the night sky and ... nothing.  I couldn't even see Venus.  Everything was marked by some kind of haze and it was bathed in the glowing light from downtown Covington, 4.2 miles away.   

I decided to wait to make sure I could see the sky before I wasted money on a telescope.

About that same time, my only good eye began to give me problems.

Over six years later I've not once seen the beautiful night sky I saw on our first night here.

Until 5:00 AM this morning.  As I looked up into the clearest sky in years, I could see hundreds, maybe thousands of stars.  Although I was alone I heard myself say, "Oh WOW!."  Then again, and again as I moved along the sidewalk.  It was beautiful.

I decided right then and there that I didn't need perfect vision or a telescope after all.  I saw what I really wanted to see - a magnificent night sky - a treasure for those who just take the time to look up into the night sky.

My Sweetie's Birthday

Every year about this time my Sweetie decides to have another birthday.  I've been around for fifty of them.  We're going to lunch with Joyce and Allen at an Italian restaurant, then back here for birthday cake.  Happy Birthday Sweetie.

Really Nice Visit From Texas Friends

 The Big Green Egg has long been an instrument in developing beautiful friendships.  Most all are people we might never have met, except for the Big Green Egg,

Two of those friends, Lora and Darian, are from Galveston.  They arrived Saturday and will be leaving tomorrow.  

We have thoroughly enjoyed their company, charm, wit, and humor, not to mention their assistance in repairing things that are beyond our own ability to fix.   

And their generous treat to dinner to help us celebrate our upcoming 50th wedding anniversary was a really nice surprise.

We will miss them.

Time for an Update

 A lot has happened lately and I thought I would bring my blog up to date:

Medically, I'm still alive, but I have three main issues going on.  First, the eye problem (glaucoma complicated by blurry vision) continues.  Then there's the ongoing problem with anemia in my legs, snf a painful problem in my back.

But each problem is being treated, and two should be resolved by year-end: anemia and back pain.  I hope to have the last treatment for the anemia two days from now.  And the back pain was treated last week using the Radio Frequency procedure that kills the nerve that causes the pain.  Both require post-surgery recovery time to heal completely.

Meanwhile, my Glaucoma Specialist thought maybe a visit to an ophthalmologist who had some experience dealing with former RK Surgery patients who are experiencing similar problems as mine.  The doctor was equally babbled but gave me some sample eye drops he thought may help increase my tear production, which may better lubricate my eyes better.

All I can say is, "We'll see."  (Pun intended).

Meanwhile, I still cannot drive (My Choice).  So I've resigned myself to accepting the possibility that I may never drive again.  Judy does all the driving.  But even she is reluctant to take a long trip.

I really didn't think "Old" would be this complicated.