January has been a difficult month and I am hoping the change of month will bring a change of luck. Trying to keep a positive attitude despite all the sadness. I just need to whine a little.
Had a Kodiak houseguest arriving on Jan 9 and I had to leave out for Arkansas on Jan 6th because of my dad's failing condition. He passed away so I stayed awhile and was only here with my houseguest for 1 week out of the 2 we had planned. When I did get back I came with a sinus infection and was pretty much sick the whole time Kathleen was here.
My nephew had a baby that had to come a month early and it is having pretty severe problems.
My stepfather is now hospitalized with cancer. I'm very worried about him.
This morning as I was getting into my car to go to work I discovered that it had been burglarized and my Garmon Nuvi was stolen. When I called the police it turned out they were already in my neighborhood because someone a few houses down had the same experience. Then while I was giving my info another neighbor stopped to tell the police the same had happened to him. Turns out was "crime of opportunity" where our cars were unlocked and someone(s) took advantage of that. The others lost money, cell phones, credit cards.
I've been entering the sweepstakes to win the HGTV Dream Home 2010 in New Mexico. In case you are not familiar with this annual event, HGTV gives away a completely furnished home every year. They have all been fabulous and this one is no exception. It is the most moden southwest home I've ever seen and I would have no problem moving to New Mexico, again :)
Jerry and Jake show signs of stress on New Year's day. Watching college football and waiting on dinner to be served can take it's toll.
Having been selected as "the chosen one" to attend New Year's dinner at my mom's, Jake was an absolute gentleman. No marking, barking, whining, pacing, begging, or any other annoying doggie behaviors one might see in a more-spoiled doggie (not mentioning any names here); however, he did need to have me in his line of sight at all times. He was so good with my MIL Marge who normally avoids my dogs because they paw her to pet them and it rips her skin. (Don't you just love the aging process? I don't mind getting older but I don't like the changes so far or those to come.)
The crew sitting down for dinner. We had my hubby Jerry, my MIL Marge, my first cousin once removed Erica (in the scrubs because she had to go to work after), my mom Vee, my first cousin Lee (Erica's mom), and of course the world's worst phototographer, me!
My family, and strangers in restaurants, may believe it is wierd but I like to photo plates of food. Granted, I am no food stylist, but I like the documentation of tradition and food is a huge tradition during the holidays for my family. You could probably compare previous year blog posts and see just about the same menu year to year but always lovingly prepared ;)
Other than a day out, here's the real reward for being the chosen one. Luckily, Jake had his dental surgery the day before and had been on antibiotics for several days so I believe he was able to enjoy it.
Visitation - Monday, January 11th @ 5pm - 7pm Griffin Funeral Homes in Dumas, Arkansas. 