MY FAVORITE CALIFORNIA SENIORS

Betty and I were able to be with my Dad to celebrate his 91st birthday last week. He's still sharp; still mobile; still a special gentleman. He and Naomi were just recovering from a couple of weeks of a bad cold, and we were able to help some in their recovery and still enjoy a good visit. In fact we postponed all other forms of recreation to just stay indoors with them and concentrate on visiting and on meal preparation. We hope that 2010 will be a healthy, banner year for them. We were able to take them out to share a celebration lunch at a favorite restaurant. Sister Janet and Mike and their sons came along too. The best birthdays always bring family together. Way to go, guys!

The last couple of days we did drive to The San Diego area to spend some time with my amazing 95 year old Aunt Edith - the original energized bunny, er... active senior. She is over 52 years into serving the Boy Scout programs in her region and continues serving on the regional council Eagle Scout Board, and on the merits and awards records for all the troops and packs in the region as well as remaining active with her own cub scout pack. by working with the kids and by training new leaders. Her other activities alone would exhaust other mere mortals, but she "keeps on tickin' with dozens of comunity service events and with several personal interests. She's Awesome.

Another way the number "52" popped up on this trip was in realizing that I first visited the Redondo Church of Christ that many years ago. Some of the friends I made then are still attending, and renewing those friendships and a score of more recent ones is always a treat. The many expressions of love and concern for my folks there was reassuring as I know these special people are going to continue looking after Dad and Naomi. Thanks to the ministries of the individuals at the RCofC.

BUSY TIMES

Might as well let you know I'm going to be busy for a while and will get back to this blog again next month.

Don't give up on me. Maybe this would be a good time to read (and finish) a good book.

CAST OFF AT LAST!

Well, this version, the third cast installed for the current broken wrist, was especially designed to match the holidays.

Although this tool looks a lot like a small saw, it actually just vibrates thousands of times a minute and sort of gnaws through the cast without any danger to the skin within.

A few sips through the cotton underlayer and the whole hard-shell can be removed and "cast away".

Almost immediately, the tech offered an alcohol-damp piece of gauze to wipe the skin that has been enclosed for weeks. The cooling feeling was refreshing, and the sense of cleaning the arm was a joy.

Here is the proof showing that the fracture seems to have healed and the bones have knitted together again. Still, it will be tender and fragile for a while. Meanwhile some therapy to limber up the wrist bones and restore the normal range of motion is in order.

Now to keep the resolution to not be wearing another cast in the spring when get to see Eli again during the Family Spring Break.

IT'S THAT SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GIRL

She's my daily delight; she's my anchor and inspiration; she's my bride.

It's time again to celebrate January the 3rd. She wants to skip it, but I want her to have

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

You deserve it, dear!