44 Years

Yikes! Who would've thought we'd last this long. We must be two very tolerant and patient people.

Gram got what she calls good news and bad news this morning from Dr. Barhamand (her oncologist.) He told her that they haven't been able to detect anything significant enough to warrant surgery, but that she would need some very extensive time off of her leg in order for it to heal, although he said it would never really completely heal. She'll probably have to go back to Westbury for at least a couple of months. She seems very resigned to this, and is determined to do whatever he says. The thought of the pain she's experienced in that right leg is enough to subdue her. She knows that she will need a lot of care and isn't even clamoring to get out of the hospital yet. My heart aches for her.

I did something monumental, for me, the other day. I told my boss that I only want to work 3 days per week. This will begin next week, and I am feeling pretty good about the concept. I'd feel even better if I had some written confirmation from the Social Security folks, but I guess I need to have faith. It was confirmed when I applied online, and verified when I telephoned about a month ago.

Pop and I are planning to go see "Charlie Wilson's War" this afternoon and then have dinner at a Chinese place we haven't been to for a long time. Gotta' get home by 8:00 for an Illini basketball game :-)

Got an email from my cousin Linda Bond. Her son Andrew and his wife Joy had a baby girl on Christmas Eve. She was 8 lb. 10 oz. and they named her ------------ Ruby Vitina Bond. If anyone wants to see her picture, let me know and I'll forward the email.

Talked with Sue Weds. night. They're all doing OK, and it looks like Tim will be discharged from the Navy in perhaps March. Apparently they have so many men in his division that there's no room for him to stay in any longer. Doesn't make sense to me, but neither does anything else our government is doing lately.

I managed not to take any pictures over Christmas. I'll chalk it all up to the Grandma situation. One of the things I want to learn is how to manage pictures. Pop is the only one here who knows how, and I'm not sure that I'll be able to learn from him. 44 years and I know my limits.

Love to you all, and a happy 2008 as well. Keep in touch!

Mom