Recuperation

On Thursday Kendall had his left shoulder and bicep repaired.  We've been laying low allowing the healing process to take hold.  With the trusty shoulder cooling apparatus, good pain medication and movies as a distraction, we've been doing OK.

The sling will be in place for about 3 weeks.

Happy Birthday Kelly

We headed home from a weekend at the cabin to wish Kendall's cousin Kelly a happy birthday at  a gathering for a few friends and family.  It was a cool and cloudy day, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the picnic Uncle Del, Aunt Margaret and Kelly's wife Jayna cooked up.

Bunko Queen?

I won at my monthly Bunko game last night for having the most Bunkos.  That's when you roll all three of your dice with the number that correlates with the round.

I got all the Bunkos at the same table that happened to be located in the living room where a football game was airing.  The football stickers seemed to be appropriate.  One of the gifts in the prize bag was a magnet (pictured on the score card) that proclaims - Bunko Queen.

Christmas Gift put to Use

I was welcomed home to the aroma of dinner cooking as I walked in the house this evening. 

My Christmas gift from back home - just the right size crock pot for dinner for 2!

Chicken Pot Pie

Cover Girl?

I've been involved with a group in the state regarding the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on The Future of Nursing, and the Arizona response.  It's good work that is rewarding.  We met at the old capitol building for a photo op and it was used as the cover of the Board of Nursing Regulatory Journal.

New Years Christmas

In our usual tradition, my family got together over New Years to celebrate our Christmas.  It was a quick weekend for Kendall and I as we flew in on Friday and back home Monday, but well worth it!

Friday evening we all had dinner at the Casselman.

 Phebe's family; with about 25 of us there we took over the small dinning room and several tables.



New Year's Eve we opened gifts - a gift to exchange as well as our Christmas stockings.

The view from where I sat.  Everyone is required to show up in their pajamas.

Chloe loved to pose as was the center of attention (and loved it!).

Rachel and Kristen

Mass bedlam!

Rachel trying out her glowing nose.

Turkey - both roasted and fried - were on the menu for dinner.

Of course naps were in order.

Chloe and Naomi

Emma made it to the Bell Ringing at The Casselman, and even stayed awake to help ring the bell.

Chloe and her Grandma

The Chicago airport Monday on the way home.  The concourse was so pretty!

A Novel - When the Soul Mends

When the Soul Mends written by Cindy Woodsmall


Human emotions are explored in this novel taking place in Ohio and Pennsylvania Amish and plain Mennonite communities. Love, betrayal, jealousy, and forgiveness are woven throughout a story line that captures the reader, making it hard to put the book down. You will follow the journey of Hannah as she works through memories of the past as she moves toward what the future holds.

Inaccuracies in the book are somewhat of a distraction. These include what the main character does as a student nurses as well as being able to transfer airline tickets from one party to another. In spite of these distractions, it is worth a read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”