Busy Time

I skipped doing my blog over Christmas due to our busy schedule and to just enjoy the holiday.  Monday morning found John and I out bright and early to take care of some errands in Bemidji before his eye doctor's appointment.  By the time that was done, it was lunch time and we thought to grab a quick lunch at BK.  It seems everyone else had the same idea so it took a little longer to get our food than usual.  Matt, Sam, Hanna, and Rachel were already at BK when we got there, so we were able to visit with them while we ate.  They had been doing Christmas shopping for Sara.  Our next stop was the grocery store to pick up a few items and then we headed back to Bagley where I had a PT appointment.  I received a TENS machine to use at home.  This uses electrical impulses, administered through attached pads, to relieve pain.  It really works--my back pain is under control.  This is not a cure, just something to give some relief until I can have the nerve denervation done in January.  We also spent some time Skyping with John's brother and his family in Kentucky.

Sara was hosting our annual Christmas Eve family gathering and we were asked to bring several foods items.  Monday evening was spent baking and making salads, cookies, and desserts.  Everyone arrived right on time to enjoy a delicious meal of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, corn, salads, snacks, desserts, and much, much, more.  If you left feeling hungry, it was your own fault.  The grand kids are all old enough to join in the games, so we had a fun time around the table learning a new one and sharing lots of laughs.  John and I got home just in time to see the last half of "It's A Wonderful Life".  Watching that movie is a traditional Christmas Eve event for us.

Since our family gathers on Christmas Eve, this allows our kids to spent Christmas with their in-laws.  John and I had a quiet Christmas Day, but were able to Skype with Amy and Susie's families and see all of the kid's Christmas gifts along with several demonstrations.  It was almost as good as being with them for the holiday.  Matt and Hanna stopped in while we were Skyping with Susie's family, so they were all able to visit for a while.  Since we had received another several inches of snow, Matt stopped down to do some plowing.  

Today it was more or less back to normal.  John did some shoveling of the walkways while I did a little laundry.  Matt stopped back again this morning and did a little more plowing.  It's been windy so the light fluffy snow drifts in across the end of the driveway and makes it difficult to get out to the road.