Peace on Earth

Office Christmas Party 2011

The annual Christmas party at Jackie's house. We had the traditional meal: lasagna with spinach/strawberry salad, and a bunch of desserts. Susan, who retired several years ago was there, as was the other Susan who retired earlier this year. And we welcomed our newest employee, Sharon. I was so glad that Denise could be there. She was able to schedule her chemo a day earlier so that she would feel well enough to join the party. It was wonderful to see her. She was in good spirits, as she always is, and she looked like she felt pretty good. My coworkers are wonderful. I know how very blessed I am to have a great job and great coworkers. Believe me, I've been in situations where that wasn't always the case and it makes for a VERY LONG painful work day.

I don't know what this is...

but it just looks so cool. I suppose it's some kind of fungus. Nature is wonderful. Me and Mal set up the telescope the other night and I saw the moons of Jupiter. That was so amazing. I really wish I lived in NM again...lots of sky out there. There's too many trees and clouds here. And too much light pollution. THANKSGIVING: I didn't get pictures of the kids this year, but you know what they look like. Not much change since last year. The menu: baked chicken and stuffing casserole, apples and cranberry in the crock pot, baked sweet potatoes and greenbean with mushrooms. Later I baked apple/cranberry/spice cake. I'm so thrilled to have an oven finally! Dad ate at his cousin Clingman's house. He went to see Taumi last week. And let's see, what else is going on...it's super busy at work, but I like it...Mal got worked up for his allergies and it turns out he is allergic to beef, pork, lamb and cow's milk. Bummer. The meat is not a problem, but avoiding dairy is tough. Jon's been coming over and doing my yard work. It's a big help. And little Bert is still in school, working, and breaking up with her boyfriend. Life goes on...

The Scripture Chain

The kids in Primary have been working on this all year. They put their name on a link each week if they read their scriptures. We had the chain up on the wall in the Primary room and it went around a couple of times. After they performed their program during Sacrament meeting we stuffed them full of sugar then went outside to take pictures of them with the chain. Luckily no one jumped off over the railing, although several of the little boys came close. It's been a good year in the Primary. Very busy, sometimes challenging, but always fun.

Studio Remodel

Mikey is doing some upgrades to the studio. Turns out one of his students, Brik, is an expert carpenter. And his friend, Laurie, loves to do painting and drywall. It sure is a blessing to have talented friends who work cheap. They have put in a wall and worked on the sound proofing. Another of Mike's friends, Hresko, is coming over today to do some more painting. I think I'll spend the day doing what I do best--reading and sleeping. Hey! It's my vacation!

Mal with Sophie and Honey

S O P H I E is about full grown now. She had a hysterectomy, so no babies for my baby. The neighbor's dog, Honey, came to visit. She's getting older and fatter, but she is still a sweetie. There are a lot of nice dogs in the neighborhood and Sophie loves all of them. As a companion, she's the best...as a watchdog, not so much. Mal will be going back to UNCG in January. We're SO glad.

Medical Policy Development Department

It's the whole department. Neecie came in for a quick visit, so we had to get a picture. She is powering through her chemo. What a trooper. She is such an inspiration. I have a new position now...still in the same department (at the same pay) but I got a new title...Senior Coding Analyst. It sounds impressive enough. Things have really been busy the past month. And we had an earthquake and a hurricane, in the same week no less. Very strange. If I were the more superstitious type, I might be kind of worried.