Hello, world.
I have finally found a moment to update my blog. I am sitting in my sister-in-law's dining room after helping make a traditional Czech Christmas cookie called beehives, but I'm getting ahead of myself...
Christmas Party #3 was a roaring success. My cousin, Elizabeth hosted a family gathering to celebrate Christmas and my cousins', Matt and Courtney, birthday. Wonderful gifts were exchanged, fabulous food was consumed, and a beautisimas time was had by all (yes, I realize I probably just made up a word). Gifts I received included a James Avery snowflake necklace from the Churchetts, a marcacite art nuveau necklace from Mom, an atomic alarm clock from Stepan, a bar of hand lotion from the Lingers, and a big Christmas ornament candy dish filled with peppermint candies from the TFC Karls. As always, Elizabeth's house was nicely decorated and very festive.
Christmas Party #4 was our book group party hosted by Lynn. She had taken a decorating tip from Castle Hill and hung Christmas ornaments on pretty ribbon from her ceiling fans. Everybody in the group provided an appetizer and a wrapped book for the "white elephant" book exchange. The exchange was very lively this year with books getting "stolen" fairly quickly and many were exchanged multiple times. I donīt remember the book I ended up with, but I was very happy that Stepan ended up with The Adventures of Kavalier & Clay; that's a book I suggested to the group a couple of years ago and I've been wanting to read it since. For my book, I took After You'd Gone, a book I read a couple of months ago and enjoyed tremendously.
Otherwise, leading up to our trip, I've been insanely busy at work. My last day was Wednesday, yet I still managed to bill close to 40 hours for the week. When I wasn't working, I would be trying frantically to finish my shopping for the trip which included gift shopping and winter clothes shopping for myself, wrapping gifts, doing laundry, and telling Homer how much I was going to miss him every chance I got. The book group party was the day before we left so that night we didn't get to bed until 2:30am, but everything was done by the time Elizabeth came to take us to the airport...including dropping Homer off at the O'Reilly's for his 2 week vacation with Gracy and Samantha.
Well, I think I've monopolized Martina & Urs's computer enough for one evening. Next time I get a chance I'll write more about what it's been like in Switzerland. Though I will say that we are all having a wonderful time. Stepan's family are all very gracious hosts and lots of fun. My only wishes are that I spoke more Czech (or German) and that my niece and nephews didn't like my mom more than they like me...though I do run a very close 2nd.
Posted by jfer at December 21, 2003 3:57 PMI WANT MY MOMMY!!!!
Posted by: mermu on December 21, 2003 9:30 PMI called Matthew and Mother tonight to alert them to be on the lookout for a box of grapefruit that would be delivered to them tomorrow a.m. (12/23); someone sent me a case of it and Gerry and I both hate gf. Matthew informed me that while he and Mother were counting change at church, Mother felt a little dizzy and couldn't walk straight. He was advised to take M to the hospital, which he did. They did a CAT scan...which I guess indicated she may have had a small stroke and a blood clot in her brain (I think). She also had(has?) high blood pressure. M was happy to find out she weighed in at only 117 lbs! They are going to do an MRI tomorrow. Immediately after talking to Matthew, I talked to Leah who'd talked to Mother. Mother said she felt fine. She'd earlier told Matthew she felt better right after he left the hospital (might she be implying something to Matthew?). Mom didn't want anyone to call her at the hospital tonight since she can't hear very well and she's not in a private rm. Tlkg to KK who did talk briefly to M and says she sounds fine. So, basically, don't worry until there is definately something about which to worry...just thought you'd want to know and [Rita] would be might PO'd if not informed. Mother is at Bethesda (940-764-2803, rm 803). Hope y'all are having fun; but, wish you were here. LXO, Margaret
Posted by: Margaret on December 22, 2003 8:52 PMMOM and JENNY,
I called G'ma this a.m. at the hospital and she sounded very chipper and fine. She said she feels alot better today and will be going home tomorrow. She is on blood thinners and apparently that has made her feel much better. I told her it was probably time to start going to the doctor again....it's been 66 years. She laughed and agreed. I asked her if she asked the doctor to show her his report card. She said she didn't...but I am still thinking about calling up and requesting a transcript.
In short, Mom and Jenny...don't panic. She sounds fine and in good spirits and I feel even a little blessed personally. I had thought she was in Houston, now that I know she isn't I will get to spend part of Christmas with her. The only concern of mine is that she didn't immediately know who I was when I told her I was her favorite at the start of the phone call. Perhaps the blood thinners are making her a little dizzy?
Posted by: Messenger on December 23, 2003 9:44 AMNo, Meredith, she was probably confused that my voice had gotten so feminine.
Posted by: Patrick on December 23, 2003 10:15 AM