This week my physical therapist discharged me, my periodontist said my oral surgery was all healed up, and my rheumatologist said I was doing so well I don't have to come back for a year. I am feeling so blessed to be healthy. I love walking around the house and up and down the stairs. It feels so great just to be able to move without pain. I haven't felt this good for ten years at least. It's amazing what a difference physical well-being has on your outlook on life. I'm promising myself to keep riding the exercise bike and doing the stretches until I feel twenty years younger instead of just ten.

The Escondido Sculpture Garden

Which is the totem pole? Carl had a great time taking photos of these unusual sculptures. All were inset with different kinds of marbles, tiles, beads, etc. It was an interesting afternoon.

The Escondido Sculpture Garden

Halloween

Eagle and Jasper came to show off their Halloween costumes (Power Rangers) and to get a treat from Grandma.

Spring Vacation, 2008

Here we are at Arlington National Cemetery near the former home of Robert E. Lee. The view of Washington, D.C. from here is spectacular. We loved our trip and only wish we hadn't been cheated out of a whole day of it by the FAA grounding American Airlines planes in Chicago. Oh, well, just one of life's little adventures.

Time for New Year's Resolutions

I'm late writing them down, but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about what I want to work on. This year I have loearned so much from my children and grandchildren that I want to try to incorporate some of the qualities that I admire in them in my own life. This will probably take much longer than one year, but at least I can begin.
From: Jonathan - calm responses and unfailing politeness.
Vivi - spirit of fun and enthusiasm.
Mindy - toughmindedness in the face of difficulties, plus optimism like Carl's.
John - adventurousness and cheerfulness
Ryan - steadiness in working through problems
Lianne - courage
Jeremy - devotion to family
Nancy - thoughtfulness
Katy - willingness to serve others
Carl - generosity
From the grandchildren: Acceptance, affection, quick to forgive, energy

A New Month

Here we are in December of 2008 with just a few days to go until we start a new year. How can that be? We have been immensely blessed over the past year, but what have we accomplished. I guess just getting from there to here in one piece is accomplishment enough. Watching the Grandchildren grow, seeing positive changes in the lives of family and friends brings great joy and makes the journey worthwhile.