Draft 2021

Two weeks ago we had some snow. And it was kind of cold for a day or two. Yesterday it hit 60 degrees here in Iowa. In January, no less. Weird. Unfortunately, it wasn't the right kind of snow for a snowman. But it was the perfect kind for making a snow Vulcan. I've loved Star Trek ever since I started watching the reruns on our black and white TV after school when I was in fourth grade.  That, by the way, was a looong time ago. My older sister and I watched those reruns for years. She was quite taken with Captain Kirk and was from time to time moved to kiss the TV screen. I didn't truly appreciate the captain until I was older, and by then, my sister had figured out how to disconnect the TV.  A great weapon to use against me when I wanted to watch Star Trek and she wanted to torment me. (It's possible she has a different version of this story.) My kids can't bring themselves to watch the original Star Trek - it moves too slowly and the special effects are too hokey

This is what I came downstairs to find the other day.  Apparently, no one else remembered to keep an eye on the babies. Gus figured out how to open the cupboard door in the front room. Floyd and Henry got in on the action, too. Fortunately, this was cheap, store bought yarn and we got to the scene of the crime before Elmer discovered what was going on or we could have had a real disaster.  Elmer has a thing for "twing" and would have downed a hunk of this in the blink of an eye. Don't ask me how I know this. Gus was pleased as punch with his prize - it was hard to take it away from him. Everyone who was supposed to be watching the baby got a good talking to from yours truly.  After all folks, this kind of lax supervision leads to tragedies. Ahem.

I have a thing for snowmen. Sarah painted this adorable snow family for me - I love them! After a winter virtually sans snow, we may finally get a dusting this evening... but not enough for snowmen. Melissa crocheted and felted this incredible basket for me - it's huge!  She spun the yarn, designed the basket, crocheted and felted the whole thing - all without me having a clue what she was up to.  It was a great surprise.  Unfortunately, we haven't been able to get a picture that does it justice. We also haven't been able to figure out how to get good photos of the jewelry Sarah makes.  Here are some of the earrings she gave me for Christmas: Aren't they beautiful? And then there are these guys...   Sarah whipped up these cute, primitive, scruffy owls - they now sit on my window ledge, ever alert for squirrels and robins. Last, but not least, Melissa crocheted these gauntlets for Sarah...   and for Michael. I love being surrounded by my girls' creativity.  They

Wally and Henry This is Wally, our really old dog. He's either 12 or 13, we aren't really sure. We know we adopted him on Dec. 31 from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, but no one can remember if it was in 1999 or 2000. It's hard to believe Wally has been part of our lives for so long.  My youngest daughter, almost 15, doesn't remember life without Wally.  She and I used to sit in our big rocker/recliner and read after the "big kids" went to school - and Wally was always draped across our laps. He's always been a goofy dog.  When he was a puppy, he loved to steal the kids' toys - Legos, stuffed animals, what have you - and dash away with them.  He loved those games of chase. He first injured his shoulder by climbing up the steps to the slide and sliding down, over and over again.  That shoulder injury has stayed with him, often requiring medication for pain and inflammation.  I think, however, Wally would say it was worth it. In the early days of his p

  So, I can honestly say I'm not at all sorry to bid 2011 farewell.  This year has not been kind to myself and my family - at all. January found myself and three of my children diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type, a genetic deformity in collagen formation.  While this diagnosis explains so much, my years of pain and fatigue, my son's gastrointestinal issues and upper back pain, pain and fatigue my daughters suffer, foot and ankle issues we all have, etc., it takes a bit of getting used to "having" a genetic disease. In 2011 we saw a geneticist, podiatrist, orthopedist, physical therapist and neurologist.  On tap for 2012 are rheumatology appointments, more physical therapy, massage therapy, etc. I am tired of doctors, tired of hurting, tired of being tired, and worried about my children. As if this wasn't enough, my family has a long-term history of anxiety disorders and depression.  Apparently determined not to be left out, these decided to r