Christmas Daze

December 23/11.

Almost Christmas.
Not a single gift bought. No food purchased. Nothing cooked.
As Santa says in the old TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, "We'll have to CANCEL Christmas!" (Such is the life of an elf).

Then, all of a sudden, things change, the red nose steers Santa into place and everything is golden. (Miracles CAN happen I suppose)!

My son, Max, helped me pack up all the canned goods collected during the carolling party the other night, to take them over to the Broadview/Danforth Loblaws food drive. I was happy about the contribution, but feeling down about other things. Tough to concentrate on Christmas.

One neighbour donated $5 on carolling night. Upon arrival at Loblaws, I decided to use the cash towards their "Extra Helping" cause. You pay five dollars to buy a box of PC Blue Menu macaroni and cheese, and the store will put together a package of nutritious, non-perishable food (including the box of mac & cheese) for the local food bank. All you do is pick up a box, pay for it at the counter, drop it in the collection bin and the store takes care of the rest. (It brought tears to my eyes when Max promptly opened his wallet and paid $5 of his own because he wanted to help out too).

Following the Loblaws visit, Max took off to visit his girlfriend, Robyn, while I went to see my family doctor. I've been frightened for the past two weeks by the unexpected return of breast pain. (The exact pain that hit me this past February just before the diagnosis of breast cancer). My next follow-up appointment with my breast surgeon, Dr. David McCready at Princess Margaret Hospital, isn't till late January. He advised I see my GP, so I did.

In the words of my late friend, Patrick Spence-Thomas (and the Monty Python gang), "Always look on the bright side of life"! Trying to. My Doc tells me she can certainly feel the lump I'm referring to, - (which may only be scar tissue), but when I asked her to please file her findings/report on to the hospital, she asked, "Well, who would I SEND it to?" Filled with anguish, I sighed, and suggested, "Hmmmmmmmmm, perhaps, could it be, the SURGEON?? Dr. McCready"?

Reminded me exactly of that line from Dana Carvey as Church Lady on SNL, "Could it be...............SATAN???"

My Doc responded she wouldn't do that and I should just go home, take Tylenol for the pain and wait for my appointments at Princess Margaret. I explained that yes, I can take Tylenol, but that's not my concern. I want to know the REASON for the return of the pain. Is it a recurrence? She told me to come back and see her in a week. In the meantime, I've also received confirmation of a new years appointment with radiation oncologist, Dr. Koch to check on things. Makes for a scary holiday season. On top of that, I've been so caught up in the drama of my close friend (who wants to remain anonymous), after a horribly traumatic fall from a rooftop, which caused severe injuries. Today is homecoming day, which I'm happy and relieved to hear. I'm thinking of you and praying for a speedy recovery.

On the drive home, I was kinda dazed.

I just Twilight-Zoned out on colourful Christmas lights, trying to blot everything from my mind.

Thank God for family and some very special friends who've helped me cope, one drama-filled day at a time.
(You know who you are)!

Somehow, you always manage to keep me smiling when the going gets rough.

When I got home, decided to do just what THIS doctor (meaning ME), ordered! Laughter is the BEST medicine, right??

Invited some old animated pals for a visit,

sat down in the den with my daughter, Kate and her boyfriend, Damian,

and hung out with a doctor of a DIFFERENT kind. - The Charlie Browniest!!!
(THIS doctor is REAL IN)!!!! Happy holidays everyone!

Thanksgiving Holiday Monday - Surprises galore!!!!!!!!!

October 10/11.

The Kevio update!

Got a great surprise when I called cousin Kev yesterday to find out if he would be requiring my "special delivery Henkell services" on Saturday night at Bridgepoint. He told me he didn't need me because he's at HOME!

Yippie-yi-yo-ki-yay!!!!!!! Sadly, only temporarily, since he can't actually break out of the joint till next week, but he was able to make it home for Thanksgiving dinner! Sure was fantastic to see him dressed up in white, sitting out on the front porch of his own home - (moon-walking boots, crutches & all) and hanging out with his dog, Kalou!

I lucked out when I raced over to take the welcome home pic, since minutes later, Auntie Ray showed up by cab and I was able to witness their heartfelt, long-awaited mother & son reunion! Sure brought tears to my eyes. Gak. Auntie Ray was only able to visit Kev once at Bridgepoint and she missed him so much! (Seeing this embrace, really made me wish Uncle Ev could have been here too).

But it was great for me to see Kevan back with his beautiful wife, Marilyn (home from Malta where she'd been helping take care of their adorable new granddaughter, Sienna), - and with his Mum - (who is a tad overwhelmed)!! Love it! - Auntie Ray always knows how to steal the spotlight!!

I brought along a few beers for the celebration. (only using mine as a prop. I'm going home for a Henkell piccolo!) - I think, after this past month, Kevio will be craving Henkell!! LOL. - Cheers Kev! And welcome home!

Wanted to get a shot with Kevan and Auntie Ray, so Marilyn took one for me!

Ray and Kev - classy, classic and two of the best people on the planet!

Marilyn surprised me with a stunning silver bracelet handmade in Malta. She knows I adore silver AND lace, so this bracelet is absolute perfection! She and her daughter, Sacha, shopped at many jewellery stores to find something special. Not sure what it's called, but Marilyn explained the process of making these fabulous bracelets. Tiny strands of silver, all woven together to look exactly like lace! Ultra-feminine, sexy, and the prettiest one I've ever owned!

Marilyn also brought home this stunning TRIPLE necklace for Auntie Ray. It was bought in a Maltese shop, but made in Italy. Looks great on her!!

After leaving the family reunion, ran into my performing pals, Aubrey & Dana outside the LCBO. They played House of the Rising Sun for me. Fab. They are both outstanding guitarists and I love listening to them sing too!

Since I am President of their non-existent fanclub, AND since it was Thanksgiving, I asked the Bolton Brothers to pick ANY beer they like and I'd bring them. Dana responded, "Surprise us." I like that!

Went inside, got Henkell, (for Kev - for Tuesday and Wednesday, and for me). Chose 2 cans of Stella Artois for the boys.

The man who took this pic (no, not a construction worker from Princess Margaret Hospital), a guy named Aaron, actually hit on me in the store! (As Shatner would say, "Weird, or what???") He asked why I was buying champagne and 2 beers? Told him, - for my friends, outside! (motioning towards them). He took a look and said, "I'm looking for a girlfriend like you, and you're giving beer to THOSE guys?" I said, "Ya, they're my pals, - and they're talented!" He said, "You some kinda Christian??" I said, "Yes, I am a Christian, who just survived cancer, and I kinda like doing nice things for other people." Told him he could do ME a favour. He asked, "Carry your package to the car?" I said, "Nope....just take a Thanksgiving Day pic of me & the boys for my blog"! He did not look amused. But he took the shot anyway, then asked, "You got a man?" I laughed and said, "Yep, a husband, - and two kids." Then he ran off, but not before shaking my hand and shouting, "Nice meeting you!" LOL. Life is fun sometimes.

Aubrey & Dana with their Stellas. (cue Marlon Brando, - "STELLLLLLLLLLLA"!!!) Believe it or not, half an hour later, ran into Dana, shopping at No Frills. He wanted a can of cranberries for their Thanksgiving dinner. I directed him to the canned cranberry section. Hope they had a good meal.

And that's what Thanksgiving's all about Charlie Brown!!