2019
Well, I made it through another year. As usual, the holidays were not fun. We spent Christmas with our neighbours, 2 couples that we know well and who didn't have family to celebrate with.
We spent New Years in Edmonton with Andrew. I find Christmas there too stressful with Tiina's noisy Greek family. So we had a late Christmas turkey dinner and had Tiina's mother join us on January 1. She is very stressed as Jim, her husband and Andrew's father-in-law is awaiting a bed in a care facility. His dementia is progressing and she and Tiina are having a very hard time coping. I do the best I can to help but I can only suggest as I am not there.
Andrew had a bit of sad news. The owner of the comic shop where he works part time (augments his writing salary) decided to close the store. The shop is really a community hub for comic geeks and Jay (the former owner) does talks in schools etc. encouraging kids to read and draw. Graphic novels and comics are also reading as Andrew will tell you. His collection is huge as is his collections of novels! Anyway, the media got wind of the closing and arrived at the shop. Andrew in his wisdom decided to go to work in his housecoat - to lighten the mood. He got the majority of the air time. He is getting quite good at interviews.
As luck would have it, another shop owner saw the news and contacted Jay. Within a week, Andrew still has a job and the new owner wants to continue to promote the community aspect of the business. I hope all goes well.
I miss not being with the twins at Christmas but that would be stressful too. Over 30 people celebrated their birthday - that was enough. We did get to see and talk to them via messenger. They did very well in the gift department. We got the easels which they enjoy.
I do not handle winter well so we have booked a trip to Mexico to visit our friend who lives there. Winona gets itchy feet so we decided we had better visit before she is off to some other far flung country!
I am getting less nervous walking outside alone. It took almost a month before the bruising on my face was gone, and over a month for the bump on my forehead to disappear. I am determined not to let the fall stop me.
We continue our weekly exercise class where I get to hug another mom who lost a daughter. We don't chat a lot but we have a bond.
Wishing all my SOTH a peaceful year of health and happiness.
Lisa: I miss you always and love you forever. Mummy
Replies
I am also relieved that the holiday season is over at last. Fortunately now life can just go on again. Good news that you can move around more confidently! You are a very brave lady! Take good care of yourself, my friend. xxx
Oh, Marlene I had missed that you had fallen and so very sorry about that. OY! It does take awhile to build up one's confidence again, I know.
Happy you have a trip planned somewhere warm as I know Joe and you adore traveling. :)
Hoping things open up for Andrew and that Cevyn and those precious twins continue to thrive. I know you miss them and try to connect every chance that you get.
Loving care to Lisa's mummy from Douglas and me. Today as I walked I heard a mockingbird sing so many different songs and I thought of your Lisa.
Big heartfelt hugs always, Marlene! You are one very special lady, please always remember that.
XO Joanie
Glad to hear you've begun walking again, and glad you're healing, although it's been a long, slow process!
Hoping, wishing and praying for the best for those you hold dear to your heart. There's certainly a LOT going on and everyone's plate seems to be filled to overflowing.
Enjoy your warm getaway in Mexico!
Tight heart hugs dear friend~
Hi Marlene, I'm glad you are finally healing and are going out walking again. ♡
I love Andrew's sense of humor, wearing his house coat for the interview! Too funny. I'm glad he's getting other offers.
Your family is dealing with a lot and as you said, you can only do so much being far away but I'm sure they feel your support.
Love to you and dearest Lisa, Linda
Boy would I love a picture of Andrew in his bathrobe LOL The twins must be growing so fast. I know my grandies are 13 so fast those days go. Keep up the walking you know how important it is to keep moving.
When is your trip??? Have fun enjoy the local trinkets
Sending love your way Penny
Marlene, I happened to see a picture of you on Facebook after you fell. I fell on my chest and face a couple weeks after. I only had a small bruise and a cut on my inner, upper lip but I still have some aches and pains in my chest and back between my shoulders. Most of all, it zapped my confidence as there was nothing except my own big feet that tripped me! Since then, Dave has been walking with me. I am not sure if it is to protect me or because I refuse to walk our new little dog we inheirited from my father last summer. (I already walk our two other dogs). She is a wonderful dog except on walks. She came to us very obese so I am not sure if Dave feels sorrier for me or for the dog who doesn’t get much of a walk if he doesn’t go on walks too. Lol!
It is nice to read about the twins and see their cuteness on Facebook. I don’t comment much on Facebook. One of my knitting friends got hacked and I snidely told the hacker to go away and she/he tried to hack me so I tightened security so much even I can’t figure out how to loosen it so I can post more. Sometimes I can and sometimes I can’t. More laughs....
It sounds like things worked out for Andrew and I would have loved to see that interview.
Sending love,
Leda
Ah, the falling times. Both times, well, all 3 times, my fat bounced me back. Luckily my bones are well protected now. It’s organic.
We are not doing better, but I did have a bannister put next to my front door. Have to compromise with the situations. Today my husband is sick, coughing the week all through. And today I woke with head aches, and basically feeling ten years older. This too shall pass. Nothing stays the same for long.
Love you dear Marlene. Sorry the times are hard, except for the politics, they’re horrendous. Keeps me laughing.