January 2009

Yes--it is dang cold! Yes--there are several inches of snow on the ground. But life goes on and we endure. I am now wearing real shoes (not the size I used to wear) and walking with a cane--one of those canes that has four little "feet". It is more for balance than anything. Every day gets a little better. The cold makes my foot ache--the one with the metal in it. But it is not unbearable--after all I did give birth to four children. Still no dancing!

I am back at work but am limited to not walking much, sitting down to do my job, etc. I will see the doctor in February. Probably there will be another round of x-rays and hopefully he will release me. Everything in good time.

I am helping Nikki get the new baby's room ready. She and Matt picked a color scheme and Matt spent the week-end painting. Nikki and I got the fabrics and I have a long list of things to sew: window treatments for 2 windows, a crib skirt, a crib sheet, pillows for the chair, basket liners, a crib quilt, and a memo board. As usual, Nikki is panicking--she thinks I won't get it all done in time. I reminded her about sewing prom dresses. I always managed to get it done in time for prom and it looked store bought and fit her perfectly. This too shall be done in time for the little one.

I am not sure what reaction Charlie will have to his new brother or sister. I don't think he quite understands it all yet. He will be a great big brother. He plays pretty well with Kalub and Kalub loves to be with him. I love spending time with both grandsons and take any chance I can to be with them. The housework can wait.

The holidays were all a blur. I did not get to shop so my contribution was knitted items. While I was recovering at home I knit the following:

• 8 pairs of socks
• 2 sweater vests
• 1 scarf
• 1 hat

All were finished in time and wrapped for the gift exchange on Christmas day. Michelle flew home on Christmas Eve and stayed through the week-end. The only disappointment was we did not get to spend time with Steve's brothers and sisters. The day we were to meet them, the weather was very nasty--the whole state was covered in ice. We had to stay home. It was not worth risking anyone's lives to make the trip. We will meet up with them all in June when our nephew, Chris (Steve's sister Diane's son) gets married in Wisconsin. That will be a better time of year to take a trip.

My hopes for the New Year: a better economy, healthy bones, and lots of family time.