And Winter Break Begins

A big breakfast, a pizza party for lunch and gifts. By the time dismissal arrived, I was more than ready to get on with the vacation. I am beat, and tonight Laura is arriving. Quincy is in the house for the week while we have his foot bandaged for an infected paw pad. Our gracious neighbor, the vet tech who knows as much as the vet, came by with antibiotics and wrapping tape. Laura's itty bitty pups will have to stay in their crate the entire time they are here. And that is fine with me. They empty their bladders and bowels on our carpets and hardwood floors. Every time they arrive, they tell us the dogs are now housebroken, and every time the dogs void themselves on our floors. But we are excited to see Laura. It will be fun to have a weekend in the house with her without Dad. We'll have a little non-Christmas together, just a few gifts, maybe some interesting meals.

Generous friends have extended so many kindnesses to me through actions, phone calls and notes. Yesterday a teacher copied all of your medical records for the cancer reimbursement policy. She also offered to run errands if I should need---just call her from Idaho. Another friend asked me to call her to go bike riding. It isn't the time of year; it's the people in our lives. People for whom I will be forever grateful. We are blessed.

A week from today we will go to Idaho. We have booked the flights but not the car rental or the hotel. I think it will all come together. But you never know. Two years ago the weather was freaky and the airport was closed for much of the time we were there.

Carmi came over and we talked about when we thought Dad should come home. We finally decided the PT would come to a home check on the 27th and then Dad could come back on the 28th. That will give him a week to get acclimated to keeping the door closed and keeping his nose out of here before we get back on the 4th. I still don't have a sub for that first day back but I know it will work out. But it is now vacation, and I am looking forward to the time at home.