Thanksgiving Thru the "Ages"

This is my third post today, but something happened that I could not resist sharing.

As Tony pulled our Thanksgiving turkey out of the refrigerator to prep it, he let each of the girls hold it for a second. 

That triggered a memory for me and I jokingly told him to pose with the girls, as you can see at the far right. Without even taking a "refresher" look at the photo on the left, here's how close I got!

I then had to pull out the old photo, circa 1968, which will go down in family lore as one of our most embarrassing moments. My mother, brother, and I were stopped by a newspaper photographer in our local grocery store and asked to "pose" with a turkey. Among many other things, Steven and I still whine about the fact that we didn't even GET the damned turkey. 

And yes, my mother was a big fan of short hair. On girls.

Wednesday Hugh Update

I wanted to check in with Mom before the holiday and of course asked her all the latest news about Hugh. First of all, he is scheduled for "release" on Friday. I can only IMAGINE how it will feel for him to be able to sleep in his own bed after a month away. 

Mom laughed when she told me that he's formed his own little "Bingo clique" at Homewood. Apparently, Hugh and several other "inmates" meet for lunch and then sneak off for some clandestine bingo. Leave it to Hugh to find the quasi-illicit activity at a retirement home. Apparently, though, his little cohort has been leaving in stages this week - so he'll probably be ready to go on Friday.

Tomorrow, Mom plans to meet Hugh at Homewood for a Thanksgiving Luncheon. Knowing how much Hugh loves the food there, this will undoubtedly be a big hit. I wondered aloud how Hugh will cope with coming home to "normal" food. Fortunately, Judy will be there to help out - since we ALL know how cooking-challenged my dear mother can be.

Hugh's friend Dean will be picking Hugh up at about 2pm on Friday. Mom has "waved off" my visit for the same day, as it will probably be a bit too hectic. So, think of Hugh on Friday around 2pm - home at last! 

Worlds Collide!

Having grown up with fairly "non-traditional" Thanksgiving celebrations (eating ham, in shifts, at my grandmother's basement table) I really relish following a fairly traditional route in my 40s. I FINALLY get to have turkey, with the entire family around my table and I love every second of it. The more traditional, the better.

So, I had to pause for a moment this afternoon when I realized that I was breaking the "traditional" path today by listening to Kanye West's "808s and Heartbreak" while baking pies. 

How to reconcile the smell of cloves with the sounds of "Love Lockdown"? I don't really know - but what's worked for me for the past few years is to stay flexible and allow "tweaking" of our new set of traditions. That way, there's plenty of room for both turkey AND Kanye!

My "Dorothy Complex"

All my life I have considered myself somewhat of a "tomboy." I have always eschewed frills in favor of denim, khaki, and a good pair of sneakers. Why is it then, that the sight of a pair of red patent leather pumps at a local shoe can make my heart seize?

I didn't buy them. I wouldn't wear them if I did. But I COVETED them. They were just so...CUTE...and SHINY! I have had a thing for shoes and purses my entire life and I've always struggled to reconcile it with my more practical and utilitarian side. I never seem to be able to do it, but I've learned to accept it. Just one of those little dichotomys of life. Enjoy it!

Thursday Hugh Update

I went to my book club last night and missed Mom's call. When I got home, around 10, I asked Tony if my Mom had called and he said he didn't think so. This morning when I came downstairs, I noticed there was a message on our vm. So I played it and as she heard my Mom's voice, Claire piped up that she had spoken to her last night. Huh? It turns out that Tony had been helping Sydney with piano (and she must have been playing REALLY loud, because Tony didn't hear the phone) and Claire heard Mom's voice on the message, so she picked up! Gotta love a six-year-old who shows a little initiative! Anyway, they apparently had a lovely chat about Thanksgiving, Christmas, The Nutcracker, etc. Good for them.

I did call Mom back today to get the intended update. She was about to go and get her hair done and then see Hugh, but she took a few minutes to bring me up to  speed. He did have his appointment with the local cardiologist yesterday, Dr. Hood. The doctor is, as mom reports, "guardedly optimistic" about Hugh's condition. We suspect the "guarded" part is because he didn't do the surgery so a lot of his medical opinion is based on "hearsay" in a manner of speaking. But we'll take it. I suspect the really important appointment is the one with Dr. Gammie on the 9th of December.

Mom is a little disappointed that Hugh isn't going to be "released" until the day after Thanksgiving. While they both hoped for something a little sooner, I hastened to remind her that that is only a week from tomorrow! It'll be here before she knows it. I had contemplated coming for a visit that day, but we'll wait and see how things go - I don't want it to be circus on the day he comes home. 

Hugh's therapy lately has revolved around climbing stairs. Good practice for when he comes home to his split level! He's working more with a cane rather than a walker. He also reports that he's really looking forward to sleeping in his own bed. I can only imagine - the last time he slept in it was on the 25th of October! 

Monday Hugh Update

Now that I'm back upright, I felt I needed to check in with Mom and get a "Hugh Update." She gave me a great report and says that she really thinks he's turned the corner and is making good progress in all respects.

He has an appointment with his local cardiologist on Wednesday and she'll give me a call after that so I can update everyone. In the meantime, he has really made the most of his new, yet temporary abode with the addition of his favorite chair from home - delivery compliments of Dean and Deven. (Yes, Dean...I didn't misspell Dane.)

The Land of the Upright

I gotta say, it's good to be back. Beginning Saturday evening and not really improving until this morning, I was suffering (literally) from the same stomach virus that flattened Tony in the middle of last week. If I posted a photo with this entry, it would be the view from my bed - which I did not leave for over 36 hours - other than to stumble to the restroom. I know - too much information. Anyway, today I am upright and actually out of my room. These episodes always cause me to ponder how much much I take just feeling healthy for granted. It just feels so excellent to be showered and amongst my people again. 

I took advantage of the extra day at home (decided it was best not to go to work until I could walk more than ten paces without ensuing dizziness) by nearly completing this year's holiday newsletter extravaganza. It is always a huge project, never seems to occur without serious technical difficulties, and yet I enjoy doing it - and always appreciate having it afterwards. They tend to be a good way to review each year as the years pass. 

It's impossible not to compile the stories of the year without realizing how quickly the year has sped by and to marvel at how much my four children have grown and changed just this year alone. Another excellent reminder to enjoy each day - particularly when you're not feeling deathly ill!