Loose Strife

Not much to share, but I’m wide awake. Long before Laura’s diagnosis I fell into a bad pattern. About the time I put the kids to bed I’m ready to collapse and I often fall asleep while reading stories, much to Lily and Naomi’s frustration. But they poke me and I read another line or two and finally I finish the story, tuck them in, sing a lullaby, and send them off to dreamland. If I also succumb to dreamland then I’ll sleep for maybe 2 hours and then be wide awake for hours in the middle of the night. If I fight it, I usually will fall asleep at a normal hour and get a reasonable night sleep… but sleep is a tempting siren.
Anyway, Laura and I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas. Unlike Thanksgiving, we’re spending Christmas in Ashfield with just the four of us. It’s something we’ve never done and I hope it will be nice, although I have mixed feelings about being away from our extended family at this time. But Laura didn’t want to travel, she’s scheduled for more chemo on the 27th, and she didn’t want the stress of guests around the house.
I’m not the guy who’s ever been much involved in “putting on” Christmas, but I found the decorations in the basement, put the tree and lights up, and that sort of thing. I’ve been thinking about what to cook for Christmas. Maybe a small bird and some other conventional dishes, but planning meals is not much fun when I’m essentially cooking for one. The kids would be much happier with macaroni and cheese.
But Laura’s appetite is really improving, so I’m becoming more eager for a “real” christmas meal. Laura had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich today. Sandwich bread is the first baked good she has had in several months! So I think she’ll be up for stuffing by Tuesday.
Being far from Virginia has not kept the quantity of gifts down! Our snowy driveway has become a daily stop for UPS, Fedex, and the postman with boxes from family and online purchases. I’ve yet to get around to unpacking everything. I think the kids will be thrilled to see the tree, currently without presents, suddenly littered with pretty boxes in a day or so when i finally do unpack and wrap.
Laura is doing OK. Not feeling quite as well — her well-being closely related to the migraines. Still no cancer/chemo-related nausea and, as I said, her diet seems much better. She’s out of bed a fair amount and has begun knitting.
We had a scare a few nights ago when she suddenly fainted and became sick twice. We considered going to the ER again, but decided not to. I spoke with her oncologist who didn’t know what was going on and her neurologist is away until the new year. Luckily there haven’t been any similar episodes and we’re hoping that it was an isolated incident.
Although reluctant to go out, Laura joined me and the kids this evening and we all went to a solstice bonfire at the town common. There were songs and morris dancers and friends. We stopped at Elmer’s for a bite to eat. (I didn’t bring my camera, so these are links to pictures during summery weather. Perhaps an enticement to browse old photos.)
That’s all for now. Our best to everyone.