Christmas PJs

This year we had the privilege of getting thirteen pairs of Christmas PJs! What a blessing! The three older grandkids got one of a kind, but all of the preschoolers got matching PJs. It's not easy at all finding six pairs of matching boy's PJs and four matching girl's PJs. We went into Costco and they had a very fresh shipment of neatly folded PJs. We stood picking them out and figuring out sizes. We got more than one curious look, but I think we did OK with the sizes. The girls got cute pink one with a cupcake on the front. The boys got the always flattering red and brown horizontal stripes. Sadly, this year they were not all together, but we managed several partial group PJ dances.

Disneyland

Speaking of going back.....Karen and I had all kinds of schemes. We got Disney season passes last Spring. We had all kinds of plans, unfortunately that ditty about best laid plans blah blah blah reared its ugly head. She and the kids and Randy flew in from Virginia. We planned one day to go to Disneyland...and it actually happened! Karen and I and the little boys drove in one car and Lon and Randy drove in the other. I guess we were short sighted in giving up the van.
We got into Anaheim and checked into our hotel right across the street from Disneyland. Walking distance. Sure. But if you are going to walk around Disneyland for 12 plus hours the walk to Disneyland was really insignificant.
We got there just as they started setting off fireworks. Since we were on the eighth floor the explosions were really loud. Multiple car alarms went off and we enjoyed the show.
The park opened at nine, so true to form we were there at 8:30. One very fun thing about going with Karen and the little boys is that she (and I) have absolutely no shame or reservations when it comes to getting the kids excited. Yes, once in a while we get and odd look or two, but what's the use of going to the happiest place on earth if you're going to be serious and boring?
We always start off in Fantasyland--Dumbo to be exact. One year old Tyler loved the ride. He had a huge smile and was very reluctant to move to the next line. We moved on to Casey Jr. train ride and of course sang along with great enthusiasm. Lon and Randy didn't join in, and had the good grace not to pretend to know us. Karen couldn't go on the Teacups, but Grandpa and I went with the boys after warning them not to spin up. With big grins they readily agreed and spun us as fast as they could while we screamed away! And so the day went.
We love Disneyland!

Looking back

It seems like a lifetime ago, but just a year ago in December I was in Texas helping Robert and Marie when they had their fifth child, sweet little John. Everything was "normal" then. I was performing my "proper" duties--playing with grandkids. My biggest gripe was no Christmas tree when I got home. Lon was supposed to get it while I was gone and he totally failed. It's funny how my perspective has drastically changed in only a year. I want to go baaaaccckkkkk!

Thanksgiving

Alan and Ellen were kind enough to invite us to their new house for Thanksgiving . It was kind of tough for us. We have been doing Thanksgiving for a long time and it was probably time for a change. It was great. I don't know how they had that house organized and all moved in and decorated so cute, but they sure did. We had a lovely (and yummy meal). The best part was after--the Thanksgiving Extravaganza. In third grade Alan learned a Thanksgiving poem, "If I Were a Pilgrim Child." It has taken on a life of its own. It is a legend. Sometimes even hilarious--he does it so seriously. He has taught it to his three year old daughter so it has returned to its proper roots. She recited it flawlessly. There was also a reenactment of Indians ,Lincoln and Teddy, showing the little pilgrim girls, Alice and Natalie, where to find cranberries. It was a thespian delight-as only two three year olds and two one year olds can do. What sweet, sweet kids. Thanks kids for such a nice day.

Off to the Dentist in November

Another thing that needs to be addressed before a transplant is making sure all dental work is up to date. I spent the last 50 plus years dreading the dentist. In fact I was a real proponent of crisis dentistry--there's no motivation like a throbbing toothache! But the last few years have been pure magic! I look forward to visiting the dentist and have a great time going there. Why this drastic reversal? While our youngest son was on his mission he decided dentistry would be a great career--and it is. I love going to see him. He is in Oregon and the drive is always beautiful. We start out with the best intentions of driving straight there, but we get into Northern California and the Oregon Coast beckons us. Sure enough we detoured over to the Coast.
The first thing we always look for is a turnoff to visit the elk. Down a gravel road less than a hundred yards from Highway 101 is an elk preserve. Every time we have been there except once the elk have been right there--grazing in a field. This time there were at least two dozen. We loved watching them.
Down the highway were the redwoods. They are so majestic. We stopped for dinner at a seafood restaurant that had a lot of cars in the parking lot--usually a good sign. We love seafood, but are usually reluctant to order it in a restaurant just because fish is so easy to cook and so easy to mess up. This was OK.
We spent the night in Gold Beach. The motel we usually stay in backs up to the ocean. We like to turn the heater up and open the door. I know it's not very environmentally good, but we only do it for a few minutes. It is amazing--the loud surf and the biting sea breeze!
We got to Brian and Christine's the next day. They are absolutely so sweet to us. I appreciate their TLC. I may not be terrified, but I'm still a little leery.
We went to the office the next day. Brian gave us the grand tour, and the receptionist asked if we were the doctor's parents. I don't know if we will ever get used to that. He cleaned my teeth very carefully and even filled a little filling without novacaine. What a good dentist! They treated us to dinner that night and we took off for home the next day.
Of course the best part of the trip was visiting the grandkids. They are growing up so fast and are so smart. Great job guys!

THE appointment

The long awaited appointment at UCSF happened on Tuesday. This is the short version. The summer before last I was called to jury duty purgatory right after Lon broke his leg. I went for three excruciating days, and didn't get called or interviewed or anything. Just sat. This appointment was like that, except not as much fun.

Slacker, slacker, slacker

It's been a while since I posted. Nothing much has happened on the amyloidosis front--just a couple of blood tests. My kidney function is getting lower and lower. It still stinks.
Christmas and Thanksgiving were great. When I get back to posting I will expand on this.